Name: Patty Melt Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs 80/20 Ground Beef; 1 tbsp Kosher Salt; 1 tbsp Black Pepper; 1 tbsp Garlic Powder; 3 medium Yellow or White Onions, thinly sliced; 1 quart Beef Broth; ¼ cup White Wine; 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar; 3 Thyme Sprigs; 2 Bay Leaves; Salt & Pepper to taste; 2 tbsp Canola Oil; Chopped Parsley for garnish; 6-8 slices Brioche Bread, thick cut; 3 tbsp Garlic Mayonnaise; 9-10 Swiss Cheese Slices; 8 tbsp Butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 56 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate indulgence that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Patty Melt Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties paired with sweet, deeply caramelized onions and layers of gooey Swiss cheese, all nestled between golden, buttery brioche bread. This classic comfort food sandwich brings together rich textures and bold flavors that satisfy every craving, making it an instant favorite for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want something hearty yet elegant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two small layered dishes are cooking on a black flat grill over an open flame with visible orange and yellow fire below. Each layer consists of a base of browned meat patty, followed by a slightly melted white cheese slice that drapes over the meat edges, topped with a pile of caramelized onions that are light brown and soft in texture. The grill surface shows scattered small bits of seasoning and grease. The background is blurred but shows a white marbled texture beneath the grill. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret behind this Patty Melt Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role: the beef brings juiciness and savory depth, the onions offer a sweet umami punch, the Swiss cheese melts into creamy perfection, and the brioche bread adds a rich, soft crunch that holds it all together effortlessly.

80/20 Ground Beef, 2 lbs: Perfect fat ratio to keep the patties juicy and flavorful every time.
Kosher Salt, 1 tbsp: Essential for seasoning the beef and enhancing all other flavors.
Black Pepper, 1 tbsp: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness to the meat.
Garlic Powder, 1 tbsp: Infuses the beef with a warm, aromatic kick.
Yellow or White Onions, 3 medium: Thinly sliced for sweet, slow-caramelized perfection.
Beef Broth, 1 quart: Used to simmer the onions and create a rich au jus broth.
White Wine, ¼ cup: Adds brightness and helps deglaze the caramelized onions.
Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tbsp: Balances sweetness and adds a nuanced tang.
Thyme Sprigs, 3: Fresh herbs deepen the flavor of the broth and onions.
Bay Leaves, 2: Introduce subtle warmth and aromatic layers.
Salt & Pepper: Adjusted to taste throughout the process for perfect seasoning.
Canola Oil, 2 tbsp: Ideal for slow-cooking onions without overpowering their natural sweetness.
Brioche Bread, 6–8 thick slices: Offers the softest, richest base with a golden crust.
Garlic Mayonnaise, 3 tbsp: A flavorful spread that adds creamy garlic goodness.
Swiss Cheese Slices, 9–10: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible creamy layer.
Butter, 8 tbsp: Used generously to toast the bread until perfectly crisp and golden.
Chopped Parsley: Fresh, bright garnish for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Patty Melt Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by preheating your grill to medium heat or prepare a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium low heat. Add the canola oil and sliced onions, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Patience is key here — slowly cook the onions for about 45 minutes, stirring frequently until they transform into deep brown, sweet caramelized wonders. This slow cooking unlocks a rich sweetness that takes this recipe from good to unforgettable.

Step 2: Create the Au Jus Broth

Once those onions are beautifully browned, deglaze your cooking vessel with apple cider vinegar and white wine, letting the mixture simmer for a couple minutes to lift all that caramelized goodness. Add in the beef broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves, and cover it to simmer for another 15 minutes. This broth is not just for dipping – it adds a layered savory note that connects the whole sandwich.

Step 3: Prepare the Beef Patties

In a bowl, mix the ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Handle the mixture gently as you form patties slightly larger than your bread slices — they will shrink during cooking. Grill or pan-sear them over high heat until they develop a nice crust on the outside while remaining juicy inside. The perfectly cooked patty is the heart of this recipe.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Butter one side of each slice of brioche bread generously, and spread garlic mayonnaise on the opposite side. Layer one cheese slice, a cooked beef patty, a generous helping of caramelized onions, then another cheese slice. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.

Step 5: Cook the Patty Melt

Place each assembled sandwich in a skillet over medium heat. Cook slowly and flip carefully once the bread turns golden brown, allowing the cheese to melt fully and the bread to crisp up beautifully. This step ensures a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and gooey, savory filling within.

How to Serve Patty Melt Recipe

A toasted sandwich sits on a black cast iron pan over an outdoor grill. The sandwich has two golden-brown slices of thick bread, with melted white cheese dripping slightly from the sides. Between the bread layers, there are pieces of cooked mushrooms with a slightly creamy texture. The background shows blurred green grass and part of a wooden structure, with the grill and pan in focus under natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing your patty melt with a sprinkle of chopped parsley isn’t just for looks. It adds a touch of fresh vibrancy that balances the rich layers inside the sandwich and brightens every bite with a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This hearty sandwich loves some company. Crispy fries, a crunchy dill pickle, or even a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette all complement the rich flavors perfectly, creating a meal that’s satisfying from the first bite to the last crumb.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, try cutting the patty melts into manageable fingers for casual sharing or serving alongside a cup of the lingering au jus broth for dipping. You could also add sautéed mushrooms or swap the Swiss for provolone to keep things exciting and personalized.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beef patties and caramelized onions keep well stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them apart maintains the texture and prevents sogginess when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked patties individually wrapped for up to a month. I recommend assembling and toasting the sandwiches fresh so the bread stays crisp and the cheese melts perfectly each time you serve this Patty Melt Recipe.

Reheating

Reheat patties and onions gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive their juicy and tender qualities. Then, reassemble the sandwich on fresh bread and toast it right before serving for the best results.

FAQs

Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Absolutely! Caramelized onions actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just warm them gently before assembling your sandwich.

What’s the best beef ratio for a patty melt?

I find 80/20 ground beef ideal for balancing flavor and juiciness without being overly greasy, which is perfect for the rich layers of the patty melt.

Can I cook this without a grill?

Yes! A heavy skillet or griddle works brilliantly for cooking the patties and toasting the sandwiches, offering great control and delicious results.

How do I keep the bread from burning?

Cooking over medium heat and flipping carefully once the bread is golden brown helps prevent burning while achieving a crispy, buttery crust.

Can I use a different type of bread?

While brioche delivers rich softness and flavor, sourdough or rye are fantastic alternatives that bring their own unique character to the sandwich.

Final Thoughts

This Patty Melt Recipe is a true love letter to comfort food, blending juicy beef, sweet onions, melted cheese, and crisp brioche in every mouthwatering bite. Whether you’re making it for a special lunch or a cozy dinner, it never fails to satisfy in the most delicious way. Go ahead and try it—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!