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diner classic patty melt
Faiza Shabir

Classic Patty Melt Diner-Style Recipe

This Classic Patty Melt Diner-Style sandwich is crispy, cheesy, and packed with juicy beef flavor. Savory caramelized onions and melty Swiss cheese layer perfectly between buttery toasted rye bread. It’s a comfort-food favorite that tastes just like your favorite diner. Serve hot with fries or pickles for the full experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Sandwiches
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 720
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter divided
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise optional, for spreading

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet and cook sliced onions over medium heat 10–12 minutes until caramelized, then set aside.
  2. Season ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and form into 4 thin oval patties.
  3. Cook patties in skillet 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through, then remove.
  4. Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice.
  5. Place bread butter-side down in skillet, add Swiss cheese, beef patty, caramelized onions, more cheese, and top with another bread slice.
  6. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until bread turns golden and cheese melts fully.
  7. Slice in half and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Press patties thin so they fit the bread shape.
  • Cook onions slowly for a deep, sweet flavor.
  • Use American cheese instead of Swiss for a classic diner twist.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated up to 2 days and reheat in a skillet for the best texture.

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