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Patty Melt Recipe: Easy Southern Grilled Cheese Sandwich Guide

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This Southern-style patty melt combines juicy seasoned beef, caramelized onions, and a blend of Swiss and cheddar cheese, all grilled between buttery slices of Texas toast or rye bread. It’s a comforting, diner-inspired grilled cheese sandwich that’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for onions)
  • Pinch of salt (for onions)
  • Splash of water or beef broth (as needed, for deglazing)
  • 8 slices Texas toast or rye bread (thick-cut; use gluten-free if needed)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for bread; use vegan butter if dairy-free)
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese (or about 3.5 oz, shredded)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or about 3.5 oz, shredded)
  • Optional: Thousand Island dressing
  • Optional: Pickles or jalapeños
  • Optional: Caramelized mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of water or beef broth if onions start to stick.
  2. While onions cook, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder (if using) in a mixing bowl. Gently mix and divide into 4 equal portions. Shape each into a thin oval patty, slightly larger than your bread slices.
  3. Heat the skillet over medium-high. Add beef patties and cook 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
  4. Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer cheddar cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and top with another bread slice (butter-side out). Add Thousand Island dressing or pickles if desired.
  5. Wipe out the skillet and heat over medium. Place sandwiches in the pan (work in batches if needed). Cook 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. Lower heat if bread browns too quickly. Cover pan loosely with foil to help cheese melt if needed.
  6. Let sandwiches rest for 2 minutes before slicing. Slice in half and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, caramelize onions low and slow. Use thick, sturdy bread to prevent sogginess. Let patties rest on paper towels before assembling to keep bread crisp. Double up on cheese for extra gooeyness. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations are easy—just swap the bread and cheese as needed. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet or toaster oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: patty melt, grilled cheese, southern, diner, sandwich, beef, onions, comfort food, easy, Texas toast, rye bread, cheddar, Swiss cheese

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