The Classic Patty Melt is a timeless favorite that combines the best of both a burger and a grilled cheese. It’s a comforting, satisfying sandwich with juicy beef, melted cheese, and crispy, buttery bread. The Classic Patty Melt has roots in American diners, where it became a staple thanks to its irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re craving something indulgent or looking for a quick dinner solution, the Classic Patty Melt delivers the perfect blend of savory goodness and nostalgic charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Simple ingredients and easy to follow
Combines crispy bread with juicy beef and gooey cheese
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights

Ingredients You’ll Need:

6 slices rye or bread of choice (thick slices work best)
1 pound ground beef (or lamb for substitution)
6 tablespoons butter, softened
¾ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon onion powder
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon turkey bacon bits
1 teaspoon sweet relish
1 teaspoon sugar
6 slices cheddar cheese
6 slices Provolone cheese

How to Make a Patty Melt:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each bread slice generously.
Make the Patties: In a bowl, mix ground beef, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Shape into three patties, matching the size of your bread.
Cook the Patties: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook patties for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Lower the heat and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked through.
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, blend mayonnaise, ketchup, turkey bacon bits, sweet relish, and sugar. Spread this on the unbuttered side of half the bread slices.
Assemble the Patty Melt: On a heated skillet, place a bread slice (buttered side down), layer with two slices of cheddar, a cooked patty, two slices of Provolone, and top with the sauced bread slice.
Grill the Patty Melt: Cook each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

Cooking Tips:

For extra flavor, caramelize onions to add between the cheese and patty layers.
A cast-iron skillet works wonders for even cooking and a crispier crust.
If you don’t have butter, mayo is a great substitute for grilling the bread.

Helpful Tips:

Rye bread is a traditional choice, but Texas toast or sourdough also works well.
Ensure your beef patties are thin enough to avoid overwhelming the bread but still juicy.
If you’re pressed for time, store-bought Thousand Island dressing makes a great sauce substitute.

Details:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 3 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-fried
Cuisine: American
Diet: Beef or lamb-based, customizable with turkey bacon

Notes:

Feel free to mix up the cheeses based on your preferences—Swiss or Pepper Jack could add a unique twist. If you prefer a little heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 1242
Protein: 52g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 93g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or lamb can be used instead of beef for a lighter or more flavorful option.

What is the best cheese to use?

Cheddar and Provolone work well for meltability and flavor, but you can substitute with your favorites like Swiss or Gouda.

How can I store leftovers?

Wrap leftover patty melts in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet or in an oven to retain crispiness.

Storage Instructions:

Patty melts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven to preserve the crispy bread. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll enjoy these other cheesy delights:

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Conclusion:

This patty melt is sure to become a staple in your household. With its rich, buttery bread, gooey cheese, and juicy patty, it’s an irresistible combination that brings a cozy, diner-style meal to your own kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or a nostalgic treat, you can’t go wrong with this recipe!

Classic Patty Melt

Author: Charlotte

Print Recipe

Description

The patty melt is a timeless American comfort food that merges the best of both burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. This savory dish dates back to the 1940s and remains a diner favorite, loved for its juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and toasted bread. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or looking to impress your family, the patty melt brings a nostalgic taste of Americana that’s hard to resist.

Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each bread slice generously.
Make the Patties: In a bowl, mix ground beef, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Shape into three patties, matching the size of your bread.
Cook the Patties: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook patties for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Lower the heat and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked through.
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, blend mayonnaise, ketchup, turkey bacon bits, sweet relish, and sugar. Spread this on the unbuttered side of half the bread slices.
Assemble the Patty Melt: On a heated skillet, place a bread slice (buttered side down), layer with two slices of cheddar, a cooked patty, two slices of Provolone, and top with the sauced bread slice.
Grill the Patty Melt: Cook each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

Notes