Patty Melt 

Description

A “Patty Melt” is a type of sandwich that is a variation of the traditional cheeseburger. It consists of a ground beef patty with melted cheese, typically Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions served between two slices of griddled bread, traditionally rye or marbled rye. Sourdough or Texas toast may also be used as substitutes in some regions, particularly in the Southern United States. Patty melts can also include variations such as different types of cheese like cheddar or American cheese, and additional toppings like Thousand Island dressing or sautéed mushrooms.

The patty melt is believed to have originated in the United States, with its creation often attributed to Los Angeles restaurateur Tiny Naylor. It is thought to have been invented sometime between the 1930s and the 1950s, during the Great Depression or the postwar economic boom. Tiny Naylor and his family are credited with popularizing the patty melt through their chain of restaurants, including Tiny Naylor’s, Du-par’s, and Wolfgang Puck’s Granita.

The patty melt is considered a cross between a grilled cheese sandwich and a hamburger, featuring the key elements of a burger—ground beef and cheese—but served on sliced bread instead of a bun. This distinction is what sets it apart from a traditional burger, which is typically served on a bun with various toppings and condiments.