Description
A deliciously satisfying Patty Melt Toastie combines the juicy, seasoned beef patties with caramelized onions and a melty blend of mature cheddar and Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between golden, buttery toasted bread. This classic American diner-inspired sandwich is elevated with Dijon mustard for a subtle tang and cooked to crispy perfection on the stovetop, perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Caramelised Onions & Beef Patties
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 200g beef mince
- ½ tsp garlic granules
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices bloomer loaf or white bread
- 100g mature cheddar, grated
- 100g Swiss cheese, grated
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Caramelise the onions: Heat 1 tbsp butter and half the olive oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Fry gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden, sticky, and deeply caramelised.
- Prepare the beef patties: In a bowl, combine the beef mince with garlic granules, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until the mince has a fine texture. Divide the mixture into two balls and flatten each into a patty shaped to fit the bread slices, slightly oblong if using bloomer loaf.
- Cook the patties: Remove the caramelised onions onto a plate. Heat the remaining oil in the pan over high heat. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing them down with the back of a spatula, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the patties to a plate and spoon any flavorful pan bits over them.
- Toast the bread slices: Reduce heat to medium-low and melt ½ tbsp butter in the pan, swirling to coat. Fry two bread slices, buttered side down, pressing them evenly with a grill press or spatula until golden and crisp. Add another ½ tbsp butter and repeat with the remaining slices. Mix the grated cheddar and Swiss cheese together in a bowl during this time.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place the toasted bread slices toasted-side up on a board. Spread 1 tsp Dijon mustard over each slice. Evenly distribute half the mixed cheese over the mustard, then spoon the caramelised onions on top. Place the cooked patties over the onions, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and top with the remaining bread slices toasted-side down, so the untoasted side is on the outside.
- Final toast and melt: Heat most of the remaining butter in the pan over medium-low heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan and fry for 2-3 minutes on one side, pressing down continuously to seal and crisp the sandwich. Carefully flip, add the last butter around the sandwiches, and cook until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted into a gooey filling.
Notes
- A patty melt is a classic American diner sandwich combining characteristics of a burger and grilled cheese, traditionally made with rye bread and American cheese.
- For a spicy variation, add gochujang and sesame seeds to the cheese and layer with kimchi and spring onions instead of caramelised onions.
- For a Reuben-style twist, substitute patties with salt beef or pastrami and add sauerkraut and pickled gherkins.
- Using bloomer bread or sourdough can add different textures and flavors but adjust the patty shape accordingly.
- Pressing down the bread slices when toasting ensures an even golden crust and better melting of cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: patty melt, toastie, beef patties, caramelised onions, grilled cheese sandwich, American diner recipe, cheesy burger sandwich
