Description

Discover the ultimate Patty Melts recipe that promises to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and delicious meal. This dish combines savory beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted cheese between slices of perfectly toasted rye bread, creating a culinary experience you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients

8 medium slices sweet onion (such as Vidalia®)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 serving cooking spray
8 (1 ounce) slices rye bread
3 tablespoons Dijon-mayonnaise blend (such as Hellman’s® Dijonnaise™)
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Jarlsberg cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Onions:
- Arrange onion slices on a plate and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Set aside while you prepare the patties.
Shape and Cook the Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 portions and shape each into a 1/2-inch thick patty. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large grill pan over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Add the onion slices, cover, and cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove and keep warm.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Coat the grill pan with more cooking spray and add the beef patties. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until no longer pink in the center (internal temperature of 160°F). Remove patties and set aside.
Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Spread the Dijon-mayonnaise blend evenly over all slices of rye bread.
- On 4 slices of bread, layer each with 2 tablespoons of shredded Jarlsberg cheese, 1 beef patty, 2 slices of cooked onion, and another 2 tablespoons of Jarlsberg cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, mustard-side down.
Toast the Sandwiches:
- Heat the grill pan over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan and place a heavy skillet on top to press them gently.
- Cook for about 3 minutes per side, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, keeping the skillet on top throughout the cooking process.

Notes

Enjoying Patty Melts doesn’t end with cooking them to perfection. Here are essential tips to serve and store these delightful sandwiches for optimal enjoyment:

Serving Tips:

Presentation: Serve your freshly cooked Patty Melts immediately to savor the crispiness of the toasted rye bread and the gooey melted cheese.
Side Pairings: Accompany your Patty Melts with classic sides like a crisp green salad, sweet potato fries, or a bowl of tomato soup for a satisfying meal.
Garnish Ideas: Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of hot sauce to add extra flavor and visual appeal.
Portion Control: Cut each Patty Melt in half diagonally for a beautiful presentation and easier handling.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: To freeze Patty Melts, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating: For best results, reheat Patty Melts in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. This helps maintain the crispness of the bread.
Microwave Option: Alternatively, you can microwave individual Patty Melts for a quick reheating option, though the bread may not retain its original crunchiness as well.

Bonus Tip:

Customization: Experiment with different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or Swiss, and add toppings like sautéed mushrooms or bacon for a personalized twist on this classic recipe.