Grilled Patty Melts Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the patties, providing a rich and juicy base.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.

Rye bread: A hearty bread that holds up well to grilling and adds a unique flavor.

Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, nutty taste.

Butter: Used to toast the bread to a golden brown perfection.

When caramelizing onions, be patient and cook them over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and develop a deep, rich flavor. This process can take about 20-30 minutes, but the result is worth it. Adding a pinch of salt can help draw out the moisture and speed up the caramelization process.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean alternative that can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter patty.

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots offer a sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to onions.

• sliced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a milder onion flavor and can add a unique twist to the patty melt.

• rye bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread has a tangy flavor and a sturdy texture that works well for grilling.

• rye bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread offers a nutty flavor and additional fiber, making it a healthier option.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the patty.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, rich flavor that pairs well with the savory elements of the patty melt.

• softened butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can be used to grill the bread, adding a subtle flavor.

• softened butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of the grilled bread.

• Allow the grilled patties to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each patty melt individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they have been stored.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if you plan to eat them soon. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw frozen patty melts in the refrigerator overnight if possible. This ensures even reheating.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
• Avoid using the microwave for reheating as it can make the bread chewy and the patty dry.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each patty melt in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• For a quicker method, use a skillet on medium heat. Place the patty melt in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, ensuring the cheese melts and the bread crisps up nicely.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melts in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a crispy exterior while keeping the cheese gooey.

• For a microwave method, place the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure the cheese is melted and the patty is heated through.

• Grill: Used to cook the beef patties to your desired doneness.

• Skillet: Essential for sautéing the onions until they are caramelized and for grilling the sandwiches to a golden brown.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties on the grill and the sandwiches in the skillet.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the onion.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for forming the ground beef into patties.

• Butter knife: Used to spread the softened butter on the slices of rye bread.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the patties on the grill.

• Plate: For assembling the sandwiches before grilling them in the skillet.

Preheat the grill: Start by preheating the grill while you prepare other ingredients to save time.

Form patties in advance: Shape the ground beef into patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Caramelize onions early: Sauté and caramelize the onions before you start grilling the patties.

Butter the bread: Butter the rye bread slices in advance to streamline the assembly process.

Use a grill pan: If you have a grill pan, you can cook the patties and sandwiches simultaneously.