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Savory Double Decker French Onion Patty Melt

double decker french onion patty melt - featured image

A hearty and indulgent double-layered patty melt featuring caramelized onions, juicy beef patties, Swiss cheese, and buttery toasted rye bread. Perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for about 25-30 minutes until the onions are soft, golden, and sweet. If they start sticking, splash the beef broth to deglaze the pan.
  2. Prepare the beef patties: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into four equal portions and shape into thin patties roughly the size of your bread slices. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to keep them from puffing up while cooking.
  3. Cook the patties: In the same skillet (wipe excess onion residue if needed), heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook about 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness until browned and savory.
  4. Assemble the double decker: On one slice of buttered rye bread, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard. Layer with one patty, a generous pile of caramelized onions, and two slices of Swiss cheese. Add a second patty, more onions, and two more cheese slices. Top with another slice of mustard-spread rye bread.
  5. Toast the sandwich: Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add remaining butter and carefully place the assembled sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted inside. Use a lid to help the cheese melt if needed.
  6. Rest and serve: Let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing in half to help the cheese set slightly and prevent too much oozing out. Serve warm.

Notes

Caramelize onions low and slow for best sweetness. Use butter for toasting rye bread to get a crispy, golden crust. Let sandwich rest before slicing to prevent cheese from oozing out. For gluten-free, swap bread and check broth. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: patty melt, French onion, caramelized onions, double decker sandwich, Swiss cheese, rye bread, comfort food, easy dinner