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classic patty melt

smalltownwoman avatar
Recipe by
Beth Pierce
@smalltownwoman
Ofallon, MO

This mouthwatering good classic patty melt combines beef patties grilled to perfection with plenty of sweet melt-in-your-mouth caramelized onions, homemade thousand island dressing, and plenty of melted Swiss cheese. The flavor is even better than the old diners and dives that your parents took you to.

yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For classic patty melt

  • 1/2 c
    mayonnaise (I like Duke's)
  • 2 Tbsp
    ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp
    grated onion
  • 1 Tbsp
    sweet pickle relish
  • 1/8 tsp
    smoked paprika
  • 2 Tbsp
    butter, plus more for bread, divided
  • 1 lg
    onion, cut in half and sliced
  • 1 lb
    ground beef
  • 1 tsp
    Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp
    kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp
    freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp
    garlic powder
  • 8 slice
    rye bread or sourdough
  • 8
    thick slices Swiss cheese (preferably baby Swiss)
  • pickles, optional

How To Make classic patty melt

  • 1
    In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, grated onion, pickle relish, and paprika.
  • 2
    Place 2 tablespoons butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until golden brown, approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Plate the onions and cover to keep warm. For more caramelization, cook longer.
  • 3
    Mix ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Divide into four equal portions and form patties. Preheat the skillet and cook over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking process.
  • 4
    Spread a little more than 1 tablespoon of dressing on each slice of bread. Place a piece of Swiss cheese on each slice of bread. Add the browned onions and one beef patty to four of the slices. Top with the remaining slices to form four sandwiches.
  • 5
    Butter the top side of the bread and place butter side down in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook until golden brown. Butter the other side of the bread before flipping. Flip and brown the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melted. (It is helpful to cover the skillet with aluminum foil while it is browning.)
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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