Patty melt

File:Finished patty melt, cut open.jpg

A finished patty melt, cut open to reveal the interior.

A patty melt is a type of sandwich consisting of a hamburger patty, melted cheese, and caramelized onions between slices of bread, typically rye bread. It is then grilled or fried until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. The patty melt is a classic American dish that combines elements of both a hamburger and a grilled cheese sandwich.

History

The origins of the patty melt are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the mid-20th century in the United States. The sandwich became popular in diners and delis across the country. The combination of flavors and textures, with the savory beef, sweet onions, and creamy cheese, made it a favorite comfort food.

Ingredients

The traditional ingredients for a patty melt include:

• Ground beef patty
• Swiss cheese or American cheese
• Caramelized onions
• Rye bread
• Butter or margarine for grilling

Preparation

To prepare a patty melt, the following steps are typically followed:

1. Caramelize the onions: Slice the onions thinly and cook them slowly in a pan with butter until they are soft and golden brown.

2. Cook the patty: Form the ground beef into a patty and cook it in a skillet until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

3. Assemble the sandwich: Place a slice of cheese on a slice of rye bread, add the cooked patty, top with caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and the second slice of bread.

4. Grill the sandwich: Butter the outside of the bread and grill the sandwich in a pan until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Variations

While the classic patty melt uses rye bread and Swiss cheese, there are many variations. Some people use different types of bread, such as sourdough or white bread, and different cheeses, like cheddar or provolone. Additional toppings, such as bacon or mushrooms, can also be added for extra flavor.

Related pages

• Hamburger
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Diner
• Comfort food