How to Make Classic Diner-Style Patty Melts

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat cheese cuts calories while maintaining flavor.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often cheaper.

Lightly toast 4 slices of seeded rye bread.

Preheat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.

Tear Swiss cheese to fit on 2 slices of bread and place it on the bread.

Prepare 8 ounces of 80% lean ground beef by forming quarter pound patties no bigger than a quarter of an inch thick.

Season the beef patties with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, evenly on both sides.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the preheated skillet and swirl to coat the bottom.

Carefully place the patties in the skillet, salt and pepper side down.

Cook the patties for about 1 to 1.5 minutes until brown and crisp on the bottom, then flip and cook for an additional 60 seconds.

Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on the cheese-sided toast.

Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet and thinly slice 1 yellow onion to add to the skillet.

Add 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the onions in the skillet.

Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the onions for about 3 to 5 minutes until softened.

In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water to create a sauce for the onions.

Check the onions and cook them a little longer without the lid if they need more time.

Add the sauce to the onions and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the liquid has evaporated and the onions are brown.

Divide the caramelized onions evenly between the two sandwiches.

Rinse the skillet to remove any leftover sugary residue and wipe it dry with paper towels.

Heat the skillet over medium heat and add another tablespoon of butter, swirling to coat the skillet.

Assemble the sandwiches by topping the patties and onions with the remaining cheese and the other slices of toast.

Cook the sandwiches in the skillet for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side, burger side down, moving them occasionally to ensure even browning.

Cover the skillet to trap steam and soften the bread while browning the sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens