Entree: United States – North America – Patty Melt

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 15 min

Total 30 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef, formed into four thin 4 oz (113 g) patties
- 8 slices rye bread (two slices per sandwich)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (optional for traditional caramelized flavor)
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter, divided

Instructions

1. If using onion, cook sliced onion in 1 tbsp (14 g) butter over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, 20–25 minutes until deeply caramelized; set aside.
2. Season patties with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium-high heat 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. Butter one side of each rye slice. On the non-buttered side, place a cooked patty and a slice of Swiss cheese; top with caramelized onion if using, then the second slice of bread, buttered side out.
4. Grill sandwiches in a clean skillet or on a griddle over medium heat, pressing gently, 3–4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
5. Slice sandwiches in half and serve hot.