PATTY MELT a Diner and Deli Classic
PATTY MELT a Diner and Deli Classic
A patty melt is a classic American sandwich that combines a juicy burger patty and melted cheese between slices of toasted rye bread. Here's our recipe that's easy to follow and yields a mouthwatering patty melt that you can enjoy anytime.
The patty melt sandwich has a rich history that dates back to the 1940s. This classic American sandwich is made with a beef patty, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between two slices of toasted bread. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that has become a staple at diners, delis, and restaurants across the country.
The origins of the patty melt are a bit unclear. Many believe it was created in California in the 1940s. It was originally called a Texas sandwich and was made with a ground beef patty, American cheese, and white bread. Over time, the sandwich evolved, especially in the iconic New Jersey dinners and New York delis, where rye bread and Swiss cheese became the standard.
The patty melt gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, as diners and drive-ins became popular hangout spots. It was an easy meal that could be eaten on the go, and it quickly became a favorite among young people.
Today, the patty melt remains a beloved American classic. It has been featured on menus at restaurants across the country and has even inspired spin-off dishes, such as the turkey melt and the veggie melt. Whether you enjoy it at a diner, or deli or make it at home, the patty melt is a delicious and satisfying meal that will never go out of style.
PREPARATION: 30 minutes – makes 4 sandwiches
EQUIPMENT: 9-inch gourmet skillet, square griddle, mixing bowl
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 Vidalia onion sliced thin.
- ½ pound ground sirloin
- ½ pound ground brisket
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon celery salt (optional)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices American cheese (optional)
- 8 slices deli rye bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Deli mustard (optional)
- NOTE: you can replace the ground sirloin and brisket with ground beef.
DIRECTIONS:
In the 9-inch gourmet skillet over medium heat 275ᵒF sauté the sliced onion in butter until they are caramelized to a golden brown. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
While the onions are sauteing combine the ground chuck, brisket, Worcestershire sauce, and celery salt in the mixing bowl. Form your beef patties and season them with salt and pepper. Cook the patties in the square griddle over medium heat 275ᵒF until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove to a warm platter. Wash the square griddle.
Preheat the square griddle over medium-low heat to 225ᵒF. Spread the mayonnaise evenly on one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread mayonnaise-side down on the square griddle and top with a slice of cheese. Once the cheese begins to melt, place the cooked patty on top of the cheese and add the caramelized onions. Top with another slice of cheese (optional) and the other slice of bread, mayonnaise-side up. Cook until the bread is crispy flip and toast the other side.
Serve your patty melt hot with a side of fries or a salad. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch, and it's sure to become a family favorite.