A patty melt sandwich is a classic diner-style sandwich that is made by grilling a hamburger patty and sandwiching it between slices of rye bread with melted cheese. The key ingredients in a patty melt are a ground beef patty, rye bread, melted cheese like Swiss, American or Cheddar, and sautéed onions. Additional ingredients like thousand island dressing, pickles or mustard are sometimes added to give more flavor and moisture to the sandwich.
Origins of the Patty Melt
The origins of the patty melt sandwich are unclear but it seems to have become popular in the 1940s and 1950s in American diners and lunch counters. Some sources say it was created in Southern California while others trace its roots to the East Coast. The patty melt was likely an evolution of the popular hamburger but with the addition of rye bread and melted cheese which gave it a unique flavor profile. The crispy buttery rye bread provides a perfect contrast to the juicy burger patty and gooey melted cheese.
The patty melt was a quick and tasty sandwich option for diners and a favorite late-night meal. Its rise in popularity paralleled the growth of the American diner culture and fast food in the post-World War II era. The simple yet satisfying combination of a thick burger patty, melted cheese, grilled buttery bread and fried onions made it a diner classic and it still remains popular today.
Ingredients in a Patty Melt Sandwich
Hamburger Patty
A patty melt starts with a basic hamburger patty which provides the hearty meaty bulk of the sandwich. The patty is typically made from ground beef and formed into a flat square or round shape about 4-5 ounces in size which will lie flat on the griddle. Ground chuck or a chuck/brisket blend are ideal cuts to use for the patty as they provide good fat content and flavor. The patty can be seasoned simply with just salt and pepper or have other spices incorporated into the meat before grilling.
Rye Bread
Sourdough or marbled rye bread is used to provide a distinctive tang and texture in a patty melt. Rye bread has a darker color, dense texture and robust flavor compared to regular white sandwich bread. It provides a sturdy base for the patty and cheese and toasts up nicely on a griddle with some butter or oil. The caraway seeds often used to flavor rye bread give the patty melt a unique aromatic quality. Some diners may use thick cut rye while others opt for a thinner deli-style rye for their patty melts.
Cheese
The right cheese is essential in a patty melt to provide gooey melted goodness within the sandwich. Typical cheese choices are Swiss, American or Cheddar sliced cheese. Swiss has a mild nutty flavor that melts smoothly. American cheese delivers creamy melty texture. And aged Cheddar gives sharper flavor notes. The cheese slices are layered on top of the patty as it cooks so the heat from the meat and griddle melt the cheese into the bread.
Onions
Sautéed onions are the perfect aromatic finishing touch to patty melts. Thinly sliced yellow or white onions are cooked in butter or oil until softened and lightly caramelized before being added to the sandwich. This adds both texture and flavor to balance the other ingredients. The onions soak up any meat juices released by the patty during cooking. Some patty melt fans insist that the onions are essential.
Other Potential Ingredients
While the core patty melt is just beef, rye bread, cheese and onions, some additional ingredients are often included to add extra flavor. A smear of thousand island dressing or onion jam on the bread can provide moisture and tang. Dill pickles are a popular crunchy addition. Mustard or mayo are other spread options. Bacon or mushrooms are sometimes cooked into the patty for variation as well.
How to Cook a Patty Melt
To make the perfect patty melt sandwich follow these steps:
- Form ground beef into one or more patties seasoned with salt, pepper and any other desired spices. Make patties about 4 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.
- Slice rye bread and spread one side of each slice lightly with butter.
- Place patties on a hot griddle or skillet over medium heat. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Top each patty with a piece of cheese like Swiss or American. Let melt slightly.
- While patties are cooking, sauté some thinly sliced onions in butter or oil in a side skillet until translucent and browned.
- Assemble sandwich by placing patty and melted cheese on one slice of bread. Top with cooked onions.
- Place second slice of bread on top, buttered side up. Press sandwich lightly.
- Fry assembled sandwich on griddle 2-3 minutes per side until rye bread is nicely toasted and bread is golden brown.
- Remove patty melt from griddle and cut in half diagonally to serve while hot.
Cooking Tips
- Use a heavy griddle or cast iron skillet to fry both the patties and assembled sandwich. This gives the best crispy exterior.
- Make sure patty is cooked through before assembling sandwich to avoid undercooked meat.
- Try both thin deli rye and thicker cut slices to see which you prefer. Thicker rye holds up better to grilling.
- Use low moisture melting cheese like American, Swiss or Provolone for best results.
- Chopped raw onions can be used instead of cooked onions but will provide more bite.
- Try both yellow and white onions to see which you like better.
- Be generous with the butter on the rye bread before grilling to achieve a crispy buttery crust.
Serving Suggestions
Patty melts are best when served hot right off the griddle. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Cut sandwich diagonally in half to expose melted cheese and onions.
- Serve with traditional diner style fries or potato wedges.
- Pair with classic diner beverages like a milkshake, soda, coffee or beer.
- For a hearty meal, add a side soup or salad.
- Offer various condiments like ketchup, mustard and pickles.
- For a late night meal, patty melts are perfect with some tater tots.
Patty Melt Variations
While the traditional patty melt has standard ingredients, there are many ways to put a creative spin on the sandwich:
Meat Alternatives
- Ground turkey or vegetarian burger patties
- Chicken or pork cutlets
- Bratwurst or other sausages
- Crispy bacon
Bread Options
- Sourdough
- Pumpernickel
- Marble rye
- Jewish rye
- Multi-grain
Cheese Choices
- Provolone
- Pepper jack
- Gouda
- Havarti
- Fontina
- Mozzarella
Toppings
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Caramelized onions
- Jalapeños
- Fried egg
- Avocado
- Thousand island dressing
Get creative with patty melts by trying out different ingredient combinations to discover new flavor experiences!
Patty Melt vs. Cheeseburger
Patty melts are often confused with basic cheeseburgers but there are some key differences between the two iconic sandwiches:
| Patty Melt | Cheeseburger |
|---|---|
| Uses rye bread | Uses a bun or regular bread |
| Bread is buttered and toasted | Bread is untoasted |
| Includes sautéed onions | Typically no onions |
| Cheese is melted on patty | Cheese can be melted or cold |
| Served open-faced | Served as a closed sandwich |
While both sandwiches have similar core ingredients, the differences in bread, onions and melt cheeses give the patty melt a more distinct flavor profile compared to a cheeseburger.
Popularity and Place in Diner Culture
The patty melt retains enduring popularity decades after it first appeared, especially in classic American diners. There are several reasons why it remains a diner menu staple:
- Nostalgia – It reminds diners of the “good old days” of 1950s fast food.
- Taste – The combo of flavors and textures just works so well.
- Satisfying – It’s a substantial and filling meal any time of day.
- Speed – Patty melts can be cooked quickly on a griddle to serve customers fast.
- Cost – As a simple sandwich, patty melts are inexpensive to make.
- Customization – Creative patty melt variations are easy to improvise.
Few other diner sandwiches check off all those boxes which helps explain why patty melts have stood the test of time even with all the new food trends. It remains a menu staple that both diner owners and patrons continue to appreciate.
Patty Melts Across America
While patty melts are served across America, some notable places are especially renowned for serving outstanding versions such as:
- Matt’s Bar – Minneapolis, MN
- The Cherry Cricket – Denver, CO
- Johnny’s Grill – Los Angeles, CA
- Norma’s Diner – New York City, NY
- Miller’s Cafe – Dearborn, MI
- Cassell’s Hamburgers – Los Angeles, CA
- The Blue Diner – Iowa City, IA
Trying a patty melt at one of these classic diners allows you to experience one of the signature sandwiches done right in its natural diner habitat.
How to Make Patty Melts at Home
You can absolutely make terrific patty melts at home as well. Simply get some good fresh ingredients and fire up a griddle or skillet on the stove. Follow this home patty melt recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Rye bread slices
- Swiss cheese slices
- Yellow onion
- Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Form beef into 4 patties, season with salt and pepper.
- Slice onions thinly. Melt 1 Tbsp butter in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Generously butter one side of rye bread slices.
- Cook patties in skillet on medium-high heat, about 4 minutes per side. Top each patty with a slice of Swiss cheese during last minute to melt.
- Build sandwich by placing patty on buttered rye bread, topping with cooked onions and second slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Fry assembled sandwiches in skillet 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Serve patty melts immediately while hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Smash patties thin for maximum crispness.
- Caramelize onions well for extra flavor.
- Use a combination of butter and oil for best frying results.
- Try both seeded rye and marble rye bread.
- Add pickles, mustard or other favorite toppings.
Cooking homemade patty melts truly allows you to customize with your favorite ingredients and tweak recipes to match your tastes. Experiment with different cheeses, breads and add-ons to make it your own signature patty melt.
Nutrition Information
Here are approximate nutrition facts for a typical patty melt sandwich:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 |
| Fat | 36g |
| Carbs | 41g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Sodium | 1350mg |
As a hearty sandwich with a beef patty and cheese, patty melts are high in calories, fat and sodium. The majority of calories come from the white bread and beef. Using leaner meats, whole grain bread and low-fat cheeses can reduce the calorie count somewhat.
Making Healthier Patty Melts
Some tips for lightening up patty melts include:
- Use leaner ground beef or turkey instead of regular 80/20 beef
- Choose a whole wheat or multi-grain rye bread
- Use reduced-fat cheese and limit to 1 slice
- Broil or grill sandwich instead of frying in butter
- Load up with extra veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes, onions
- Skip mayo or use light mayo-based spreads
- Share one patty melt between two people
While patty melts will always be an indulgent treat, these modifications can help control portions and cut down on calories while still satisfying your craving.
Conclusion
With its crispy buttery rye bread encasing a juicy burger patty, melted cheese and sweet onions, the patty melt sandwich is an American diner classic. It rose to fame in the mid 20th century as a quick and hearty meal to satisfy meat-and-potato cravings. While the basic ingredients of beef, Swiss cheese, onions and rye bread define the traditional version, the patty melt also invites creativity through fun additions and ingredient swaps. This versatility, along with its nostalgic appeal and great taste, helps explain why the patty melt remains a staple on diner menus across America over 70 years since its invention.