Classic Patty Melt Recipe

A patty melt is a classic American sandwich that combines the best elements of a burger and a grilled cheese. It features a juicy ground beef patty, melted cheese, and often caramelized onions, all nestled between slices of toasted bread. This delightful fusion offers a satisfying crunch and savory filling, making it a favorite comfort food for many.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This patty melt recipe is a must-try because:

• Simple Ingredients: It uses common pantry staples, making it convenient to prepare.
• Quick Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences with different breads, cheeses, or additional toppings.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Combining juicy beef, melted cheese, and toasted bread creates a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Bread: Choose your preferred type—Texas toast, rye, whole wheat, white, or sourdough.
• Ground Beef: Opt for lean or fattier ground beef based on your flavor preference.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and onion powder.
• Cheese: Provolone and cheddar are recommended for optimal taste and texture.
• Sauce: Thousand Island dressing, or make your own with mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and white sugar.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each bread slice generously.
2. Form and Cook the Patties: Combine ground beef with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Shape the mixture into patties that match the size and shape of your bread slices. In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth. Stir in bacon bits, sweet relish, and white sugar to complete the sauce.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the prepared sauce on the unbuttered side of half the bread slices. Place a slice of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet. Layer with cheese, a beef patty, and additional cheese, then top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
5. Toast the Sandwiches: In a skillet over medium heat, cook each assembled sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 3 patty melts.
• Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Cooking Time: Around 20 minutes.
• Total Time: About 35 minutes.

Variations

• Cheese Options: Experiment with Swiss, American, or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Bread Choices: Try using pumpernickel, multigrain, or ciabatta for a unique twist.
• Add-Ons: Include sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or avocado slices to enhance the sandwich.
• Onions: For a traditional touch, add caramelized onions to the sandwich.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Wrap leftover patty melts in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, use an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may result in soggy bread.

FAQs

What is a patty melt?

A patty melt is a sandwich that combines elements of a hamburger and a grilled cheese, typically featuring a ground beef patty, melted cheese, and onions between slices of toasted bread.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives to beef.

What’s the best bread for a patty melt?

Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough, Texas toast, or whole wheat are also excellent choices.

How can I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Ensure the patties are well-drained after cooking, and avoid overloading the sandwich with sauce.

Can I add vegetables to the patty melt?

Absolutely! Caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled peppers make great additions.

Is there a vegetarian version of a patty melt?

Yes, you can substitute the meat with plant-based patties or grilled vegetables.

What sides pair well with a patty melt?

French fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad complement the sandwich nicely.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How do I know when the beef patty is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Can I freeze leftover patty melts?

It’s not recommended, as the texture of the bread and fillings may change upon freezing and reheating.

Conclusion

The patty melt is a timeless comfort food that brings together the best aspects of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. With its juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and flavorful sauce, all encased in crispy

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