Here’s how to make the best patty melts right at home.

When I go to a diner, I almost always order a classic patty melt.

Its a perfect flavor and texture combo!

Best patty melt with toasted bread, melted cheese and beef patty being lifted with a spatula.

Nick Evans

Its a hearty sandwich, for sure, and is pure comfort food in my opinion.

Its just absolutely delicious and the perfect mix of agrilled cheeseand a goodburger.

What Is a Patty Melt?

Two halves of a patty melt stacked on top of each other with gooey cheese

Nick Evans

I suppose the onions are optional, but I consider them pretty important to a true patty melt experience.

What Makes a Good Patty Melt?

You might think its the beef patty that makes a good patty melt.

Perfect patty melt held in a hand with the melted cheese, caramelized onions and beef patties visible.

Nick Evans

Its important, for sureotherwise, youd just have a grilled cheese.

But its thecaramelized onionsthat make a patty melt special.

I like to add a splash of apple cider vinegar to my onions to help brighten the flavor.

The best patty melt sliced in half and stacked on top of each other. The sandwich is crispy with melted cheese, caramelized onions and beef patties visible.

Nick Evans

This deep onion sweetness gives a patty melt a crave-worthy complex flavor.

You cook a patty melt in three phases.

First, the onions.

A cast iron skillet with sliced onions to show how to make a patty melt.

Nick Evans

After the onions are cooked, you make and cook the patties.

This goes pretty quickly because the patties are very thin.

Finally, you sandwich everything together and grill the sandwich in the skillet!

Caramelized onions in a cast iron skillet to make a homemade patty melt.

Nick Evans

What Is the Best Bread for a Patty Melt?

Personally, I like simple sandwich bread for my patty melts.

I just use standard white or wheat sandwich bread and the results are wonderful.

Two beef patties cooked in a cast iron skillet to make the perfect patty melt.

Nick Evans

Swaps, Substitutions, and Suggestions

it’s possible for you to go crazy with substitutions here.

Personally, Id keep the onions no matter what, but you could add vegetables like mushrooms or peppers.

My only suggestion for this sandwich is to take your time.

Perfect patty melt being assembled in a cast iron skillet. The bottom slice of bread is topped with cheese, caramelized onions and another slice of cheese.

Nick Evans

Dont make it if you are rushed for a meal.

Its a relaxed sandwich for when you have the time to make a good comfort food meal.

What to Serve With a Patty Melt

A beer.

No, but seriously, its really good with a cold beer!

Try pickles, pickled vegetables,Greek salad, green bean salad, or maybe an olive salad.

Cook onions, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes until they are a deep brown color.

If the onions are burning on spots, you might need to turn your heat down to medium-low.

Near the end of cooking (about 5 minutes), add apple cider vinegar and stir to combine.

Then remove from the skillet.

Shape ground beef into two thin 4-ounce patties that are roughly the shape of your bread.

Season patties with salt and pepper.

When onions are done in your skillet, set the heat to medium-high and add the patties.

Cook for 3 minutes per side.

If your patties are thin, that should be enough time to cook them through.

Remove patties when done.

Wipe your skillet clean and add the last tablespoon of butter to the skillet.

Top each sandwich with the slice of bread removed from the skillet earlier, buttered side up.

Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately while warm.

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