Patty Melt with Caramelized Onions & Bacon: A Comforting Dinner to Remember
There’s something profoundly comforting about the sizzling sound of a patty melt grilling on the stove, isn’t there? The aroma of melting cheese and caramelized onions wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug. The crispy, buttery bread filled with juicy beef and the sweet notes of sautéed onions mixed with smoky bacon create a symphony of flavors that tell a story of home, family, and cherished memories. Today, I want to share my favorite recipe for Patty Melt with Caramelized Onions and Bacon: a dish that has become a staple on busy weeknights and lavish gatherings alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This patty melt is more than just a meal – it’s an experience that brings families together and creates lasting memories. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick Family Meal: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is fantastic for busy weeknights when you need to whip up something satisfying.
- Indulgent Treat: The combination of beef, cheese, caramelized onions, and bacon is a delightful indulgence that feels like a special occasion.
- Cozy Favorite: Perfect for cold evenings, this melt wraps you in warmth and comfort with every delightful bite.
- Flavorful Upgrades: With simple variations, you can make this dish your own, whether you prefer it spicy or want to include seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients with Notes
Gather these simple ingredients to create your personalized patty melt:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): A blend of 80/20 fat for juiciness.
- Sourdough Bread (4 slices): Thick-cut for the perfect crunch; you can substitute with rye for a classic touch.
- Cheddar Cheese (4 slices): Sharp or mild, depending on your preference. You can also try Gruyère for a fancy twist.
- Onion (1 large, thinly sliced): Sweet onions add depth, but yellow onions work well too.
- Bacon (4 slices): For that smoky flavor; turkey bacon is a lighter substitute if desired.
- Butter (4 tbsp): Essential for that golden crust; feel free to use olive oil for a healthier option.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the rich flavors of the dish.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
With its quick preparation time, this recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal fuss – the kind of meal that brings solace on a hectic evening.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
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Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Stir them in the bacon grease, letting them cook for about 10-12 minutes until they’re golden brown. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt to help draw out the sweetness!
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Form the Patties: While the onions are cooking, shape the ground beef into two equal patties. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Cook the Patties: Push the onions to one side of the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef patties, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt beautifully.
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Assemble the Patty Melt: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer the patty with melted cheese, followed by the caramelized onions and crispy bacon. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
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Grill to Perfection: Wipe the skillet clean, then heat it over medium heat. Grill the assembled sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve hot, allowing the melty cheese to ooze out as you take that first glorious bite.
Tips and Variations
- Healthy Option: Swap the beef for ground turkey or a plant-based burger for a leaner meal.
- Seasonal Twist: Add some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of sriracha or jalapeños can add a delightful heat.
- Breakfast Version: Transform it into a breakfast delight by adding a fried egg on top!
Serving Ideas
These patty melts are heavenly on their own, but you can elevate the experience even further. Pair them with crispy potato fries or a vibrant salad for an excellent dinner combination. For a cozy brunch, serve with a side of fresh fruit and hot coffee. Imagine sitting at the table with loved ones, the laughter mingling with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese filling the room.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a drop of water and covering to steam and warm the bread without burning it.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Rest the Meat: Let the cooked patties rest for a minute off the heat to keep them juicy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or chives at the end gives a pop of freshness.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Take your time caramelizing the onions; it’s worth the wait for that deep, sweet flavor.
- Grill in Batches: If you’re serving a crowd, grill each patty melt individually to ensure they’re crispy and hot.
FAQs
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread and check that your cheese and bacon are gluten-free.
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What can I serve alongside it? Consider serving with a simple side salad, homemade coleslaw, or potato chips for a classic diner experience.
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Can I freeze the patties? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Just wrap them well and freeze for up to three months.
Conclusion
I invite you to try this recipe for Patty Melt with Caramelized Onions and Bacon; it’s more than just a meal – it’s a heartwarming experience that speaks to the soul. Gather your loved ones around the table, share the joy of cooking, and relive those warm memories that come with each bite. Whether it’s a quick family dinner or a festive gathering, this patty melt will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite in your home too! Enjoy the laughter, the flavors, and the love that comes with sharing a comforting meal.
Contents
Patty Melt with Caramelized Onions & Bacon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef A blend of 80/20 fat for juiciness.
- 4 slices Sourdough Bread Thick-cut for the perfect crunch; you can substitute with rye.
- 4 slices Cheddar Cheese Sharp or mild, Gruyère is also a great twist.
- 1 large Onion, thinly sliced Sweet onions prefered, but yellow onions work well too.
- 4 slices Bacon For smoky flavor; turkey bacon is a lighter option.
- 4 tbsp Butter Essential for golden crust; olive oil can be a substitute.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Enhances all flavors.
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Stir them in the bacon grease, and cook for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown, seasoning with a pinch of salt to draw out sweetness.
- While the onions are cooking, shape the ground beef into two equal patties and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Push the onions to one side of the pan, increase heat to medium-high, and add the beef patties. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, placing a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer with the patty, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon. Top with remaining slices, buttered side facing out.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwiches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Slice the sandwiches in half and serve hot, allowing the melty cheese to ooze out.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest