Ever crave that perfect blend of juicy beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions sandwiched between crispy, buttery bread? You’re not alone! The patty melt, a diner classic, has won hearts across North America with its comforting, no-fuss appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a weeknight warrior, our roundup of 12 Delicious Classic Patty Melt Recipes promises to inspire your next kitchen adventure. Let’s dive in!
Traditional Classic Patty Melt with Swiss Cheese

Transform your kitchen into a diner with this Traditional Classic Patty Melt with Swiss Cheese. Thick, juicy, and stacked with flavor—it’s the ultimate comfort food hack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices rye bread
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted.
- Add 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- Divide 1 lb ground beef into 2 equal portions. Shape into patties slightly larger than your bread slices.
- Season patties with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Cook patties for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Top each patty with 2 slices Swiss cheese during the last minute of cooking. Cover skillet to melt cheese.
- Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise on one side of each rye bread slice.
- Assemble sandwiches: bread (mayo side down), cheeseburger patty, caramelized onions, bread (mayo side up).
- Grill sandwiches in the same skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown.
Now, the Patty Melt boasts a crispy exterior, gooey Swiss, and savory-sweet onions. Serve it with a side of pickles for a tangy crunch.
Classic Patty Melt with Caramelized Onions

Here’s how to nail a patty melt that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with sweet caramelized onions—no fluff, just flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes until golden brown. Tip: Add a pinch of salt to speed up caramelization.
- Shape ground beef into 2 equal-sized patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet, cook patties over medium-high heat for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Tip: Press down lightly with a spatula for even cooking.
- Remove patties and set aside. Wipe skillet clean.
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice. Place 2 slices, mayo-side down, in the skillet.
- Top each with a slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, another cheese slice, and the remaining bread slices, mayo-side up.
- Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes per side, until bread is golden and cheese melts. Tip: Cover the skillet for the last minute to ensure cheese melts completely.
Every bite delivers a crunch from the rye, a melt from the cheese, and a punch from the onions. Try serving with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast.
Classic Patty Melt with Thousand Island Dressing

Every bite of this patty melt is a crispy, cheesy, saucy dream. Layer up that toasted rye with juicy beef, caramelized onions, and melty Swiss for the ultimate comfort food fix.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp butter and 1 large onion, thinly sliced. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized.
- Shape 1 lb ground beef into 2 equal-sized patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Spread 1 tbsp Thousand Island dressing on one side of each of the 4 slices rye bread.
- Layer 1 slice Swiss cheese, 1 beef patty, half of the caramelized onions, and another slice Swiss cheese on each of 2 slices bread, dressing-side up.
- Top with remaining bread slices, dressing-side down. Press gently to adhere.
- Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 3 minutes per side, until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
Nothing beats the crunch of that buttery rye against the gooey cheese and tangy dressing. Serve it up with a side of pickles for that extra zing.
Classic Patty Melt on Rye Bread

Elevate your lunch game with this unbeatable Classic Patty Melt on Rye Bread. Crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, it’s the comfort food hack you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Season the ground beef with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then form into 2 equal-sized patties.
- Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and cook the patties for 4 minutes on each side for medium doneness. Tip: Avoid pressing down on the patties to keep them juicy.
- Remove the patties and onions from the skillet; set aside.
- Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise on one side of each rye bread slice.
- Butter the other side of each slice and place 2 slices, buttered side down, in the skillet.
- Top each with a cooked patty, caramelized onions, and 2 slices of Swiss cheese.
- Cover with the remaining rye bread slices, mayonnaise side up.
- Cook for 3 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Tip: Use a spatula to gently press the sandwich for even cooking.
Outrageously good, the melty cheese and savory beef pair perfectly with the tangy rye. Serve with a side of pickles for an extra crunch that cuts through the richness.
Classic Patty Melt with Bacon

Perfectly crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Classic Patty Melt with Bacon is your next kitchen obsession. Pair it with a side of pickles for that extra crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, cooking for 5 minutes until translucent. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Season the ground beef with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Form into 2 equal-sized patties.
- Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Cook the patties for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Tip: Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Layer each patty with 2 slices Swiss cheese and 2 slices bacon on top. Cover the skillet for 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- Butter one side of each rye bread slice with 1 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Assemble the patty melts by placing a cheesy patty between two slices of rye bread, buttered side out. Cook in the skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Tip: Use a spatula to press down lightly for a crispier finish.
Savory and satisfying, the melted Swiss cheese and crispy bacon elevate this patty melt to new heights. Serve it with a dollop of spicy mayo for an extra kick.
Classic Patty Melt with Avocado

Boldly reinvent your lunch game with this twist on the classic patty melt—avocado adds a creamy punch that’s downright addictive.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 slices rye bread
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Season 1 lb ground beef with salt and pepper, then form into a patty.
- Cook the patty for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard on 2 slices rye bread.
- Layer 1 slice Swiss cheese, the cooked patty, 1/2 avocado sliced, and 1/4 cup caramelized onions on one slice of bread.
- Top with the second slice of bread and place in the skillet.
- Cook for 3 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese melts.
- Tip: Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Tip: Let the melt rest for a minute before cutting to keep the fillings intact.
- Tip: Use a lid to cover the skillet for the last minute to melt the cheese thoroughly.
Velvety avocado melds with the sharp Swiss and savory beef, creating a melt that’s rich yet balanced. Serve it with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast or slice it diagonally for that Instagram-worthy cross-section.
Classic Patty Melt with Mushrooms

Whip up this Classic Patty Melt with Mushrooms for a hearty meal that’s all about bold flavors and melty goodness. Perfect for when you crave something indulgent yet simple.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms, sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into 2 patties.
- In the same skillet, cook patties over medium-high heat for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Remove patties. Lower heat to medium, melt butter in the skillet.
- Place 2 bread slices in the skillet. Top each with a patty, sautéed onions and mushrooms, and 2 cheese slices. Cover with remaining bread slices.
- Press down gently with a spatula. Cook until bread is golden and cheese melts, about 3 minutes per side.
Enjoy the crispy, buttery bread hugging the juicy patty and gooey cheese. Serve with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast.
Classic Patty Melt with Pepper Jack Cheese

Fire up your skillet for this twist on a diner classic—melty Pepper Jack takes the patty melt to bold new heights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Form the ground beef into 2 equal-sized patties. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Cook the patties in the skillet for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise on one side of each rye bread slice.
- Place 2 slices of bread, mayonnaise-side down, in the skillet. Top each with a cooked patty, caramelized onions, and 2 slices of Pepper Jack cheese.
- Cover the skillet with a lid for 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise-side up. Flip the sandwiches and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally.
Bite into the crispy, buttery rye to find a juicy patty and gooey Pepper Jack. Serve with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast.
Classic Patty Melt with a Fried Egg

Fire up your skillet for this twist on a diner favorite—crispy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. We’re layering flavors and textures for the ultimate comfort bite.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 slices rye bread
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter, letting it melt and coat the pan.
- Season 1/2 lb ground beef with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Form into a patty slightly larger than your bread.
- Cook the patty for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness, pressing lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the patty; set aside. In the same skillet, lay down 2 slices rye bread. Top each with 1 slice Swiss cheese, the cooked patty, and 1/4 cup caramelized onions.
- Close the sandwich, pressing gently. Cook for 2 minutes per side until the bread is toasted and the cheese melts.
- In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high. Crack 1 large egg into the pan, cooking for 2 minutes until the whites set but the yolk remains runny.
- Slide the fried egg onto the patty melt. Cut in half to reveal the oozy yolk.
Dig into the crunch of rye, the melt of cheese, and the rich yolk cascading over the beef. Serve with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast.
Classic Patty Melt with Spicy Mayo

Kickstart your meal with this unbeatable Classic Patty Melt, jazzed up with a fiery Spicy Mayo that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp butter.
- Add sliced onion to the skillet, cooking until caramelized, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- While onions cook, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp hot sauce, and 1 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl to make the Spicy Mayo. Set aside.
- Divide 1 lb ground beef into 2 equal portions, shaping each into a patty. Season both sides with salt.
- Increase skillet heat to medium-high. Cook patties for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Remove patties from skillet. Lower heat to medium and place 4 slices rye bread in the skillet, toasting for 1 minute per side.
- Spread Spicy Mayo on one side of each toasted bread slice.
- Layer Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese on half of the bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices, mayo side down.
- Return sandwiches to the skillet, pressing down lightly. Cook for 2 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread is golden brown.
Just imagine the crunch of that golden rye, the melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and the kick from the Spicy Mayo. Serve it with a side of pickles for an extra tangy twist.
Classic Patty Melt with Pickles

Let’s dive into the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, cheesy, and packed with tangy pickles. This patty melt is your next obsession, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 slices rye bread
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 slices dill pickles
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Form the ground beef into a patty slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the patty for 4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes for medium doneness.
- Remove the patty and set aside. In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise on one side of each rye bread slice.
- Place one slice of bread, mayo-side down, in the skillet. Top with 1 slice Swiss cheese, the cooked patty, caramelized onions, pickles, and the second slice of cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, mayo-side up. Press down gently with a spatula.
- Cook for 3 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 3 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, let sit for 1 minute, then slice in half.
Hearty and satisfying, this patty melt boasts a perfect crunch with gooey cheese and a punch of pickle. Serve it with extra pickles on the side for an extra tangy kick.
Classic Patty Melt with Blue Cheese

Transform your lunch game with this **Classic Patty Melt**—elevated with bold blue cheese for a creamy, tangy twist. Trust us, it’s a flavor bomb waiting to happen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- **Heat** olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: Low and slow is key for perfect caramelization.
- **Season** ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into 2 equal-sized patties.
- **Cook** patties in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Tip: Don’t press the patties—it squeezes out the juices.
- **Layer** each patty with Swiss cheese and blue cheese on one slice of rye bread. Top with caramelized onions and the second slice of bread.
- **Spread** butter on the outer sides of each sandwich.
- **Grill** sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Tip: Use a spatula to gently press down for even browning.
**Dig** into this melty masterpiece—the crispy rye, juicy beef, and creamy blue cheese create a symphony of textures. Serve with a side of pickles for a crunchy contrast.
Conclusion
Every one of these 12 classic patty melt recipes brings its own twist to this beloved comfort food, promising to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, there’s a recipe here for you. Don’t forget to try them out, share your favorites in the comments, and spread the love by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy cooking!