Grilled Cheese Patty Melts

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Grilled Cheese Patty Melts bring together the best of both worlds, combining the gooey goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich with the heartiness of a juicy burger patty. The buttery crispness of the bread contrasts perfectly with the melted Colby-Jack cheese and seasoned beef, creating an irresistible bite.

This versatile dish can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner, and can easily be customized with your favorite cheese and bread combinations. Whether you’re serving it up for a quick weeknight meal or indulging in some comfort food on the weekend, these patty melts are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Full Recipe:

1 pound 85% lean ground beef
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Montreal-style steak seasoning
2 tablespoons butter, softened
6 slices white bread
6 slices Colby-Jack cheese

Directions:

In a bowl, mix ground beef, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and steak seasoning until thoroughly combined. Shape into three equal patties.
Preheat a nonstick griddle over medium heat. Cook the patties to your preferred doneness, about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Set aside.
Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 3 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a second preheated griddle. Top each with a slice of cheese, a patty, and another slice of cheese. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 6 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 16 minutes | Total Time: 26 minutes
Kcal: 610 kcal | Servings: 3 servings

What Makes This Recipe Special

The Grilled Cheese Patty Melt stands out by combining the best elements of both a grilled cheese sandwich and a burger. The sandwich is made by sandwiching a juicy, seasoned beef patty between two slices of buttery toasted bread, with Colby-Jack cheese melted over the patty. The result is a decadent meal that is crispy, gooey, and savory in every bite.

Ingredient Highlights

Ground Beef: For the best results, 85% lean ground beef is recommended. This fat-to-meat ratio ensures the patty is juicy without being too greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken.
Colby-Jack Cheese: Colby-Jack is mild, creamy, and melts beautifully, making it perfect for this sandwich. You can substitute it with cheddar, American cheese, or even Swiss cheese for a more personalized taste.
Montreal-style Steak Seasoning: This seasoning adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor to the burger, elevating the taste of the beef. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings or add-ons like onions, mushrooms, or even bacon for extra richness.
Bread: White bread is used traditionally, but this is versatile. Rye, sourdough, or multigrain bread can add additional flavors and textures to the sandwich.

Cooking Tips for the Best Patty Melts

Seasoning the Patties: Make sure to season the patties generously with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Montreal steak seasoning. This ensures that each bite of the patty is packed with flavor.
Cooking the Patties: Grill the patties over medium heat, flipping once. Don’t press down on the patties with a spatula, as this will release the juices, making the meat dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked burgers.
Melting the Cheese: When assembling the patty melts, place a slice of cheese both above and below the patty to ensure even melting throughout the sandwich.
Toasting the Bread: Butter the outside of each bread slice generously to get a golden-brown, crispy crust. Toast the bread slowly over medium heat to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled Cheese Patty Melts are highly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Some great options include:

French Fries: A classic pairing, you can opt for sweet potato fries, waffle fries, or even curly fries.
Pickles: The acidity of pickles helps cut through the richness of the patty melts.
Salad: A simple green salad can balance the heartiness of the sandwich.
Tomato Soup: For a comforting, classic touch, serve with a cup of tomato soup, making it a hearty meal for colder days.

Customization Ideas

Cheese Options: If you want to explore other flavor profiles, consider using cheddar, pepper jack, or blue cheese crumbles.
Bread Choices: Swap white bread for sourdough, rye, or even brioche buns for a different texture and taste.
Veggie Patty Melts: Make this vegetarian by swapping out the beef patty for a veggie patty or portobello mushroom cap. You can also add caramelized onions, mushrooms, and spinach for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a slice of jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce to your patty melt for some spice.

Popular Variations of the Patty Melt

Patty melts are a popular diner classic, and there are many versions across the culinary world:

Texas Patty Melt: Includes caramelized onions and Texas toast.
Swiss Patty Melt: Uses Swiss cheese and rye bread.
Spicy Patty Melt: Adds jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and spicy mayo.

The Origins of the Patty Melt

The patty melt is an American diner classic that dates back to the mid-20th century. It is believed to have been popularized by the founder of Tiny Naylor’s, a famous chain of diners in California, during the 1940s and 1950s. Combining the elements of a hamburger and a grilled cheese sandwich, it quickly became a favorite for those seeking a hearty, comforting meal. Traditionally served with rye bread and Swiss cheese, the patty melt has evolved over time to include various cheeses and breads, as seen in this Colby-Jack and white bread version.

Why the Grilled Cheese Patty Melt is So Popular

The Grilled Cheese Patty Melt taps into two beloved American foods—burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches—making it a double-hit for comfort food enthusiasts. Here are a few reasons why it’s so popular:

Perfect Balance of Texture: The contrast between the crispy, buttery bread and the juicy, flavorful beef patty creates an irresistible texture. The melted cheese adds a creamy element that ties it all together.
Customizability: The basic elements (bread, cheese, patty) allow for a wide range of variations. You can easily swap ingredients based on personal preferences, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary restrictions.
Nostalgic Appeal: Grilled cheese and burgers are both iconic childhood favorites. The patty melt brings the two together, evoking a sense of nostalgia for diners and home-cooked meals.

Creative Variations to Try

The Grilled Cheese Patty Melt is highly adaptable. Here are some creative variations that you can suggest to your readers for even more flavor possibilities:

Mushroom and Swiss Patty Melt: Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a richer, earthier taste. Pair it with rye bread to stay true to traditional patty melt roots.
BBQ Bacon Patty Melt: Top the patty with crispy bacon, a slice of cheddar, and drizzle with BBQ sauce. This version offers a smoky, tangy twist.
Avocado Patty Melt: Add fresh avocado slices and swap the cheese for pepper jack to create a creamy, spicy patty melt.
Blue Cheese Patty Melt: Use crumbled blue cheese and caramelized onions for a bold and flavorful version of the classic.
Breakfast Patty Melt: Serve the patty melt with a fried egg, bacon, and cheddar cheese on sourdough bread for a delicious breakfast option.

Pairing Ideas for the Perfect Meal

To round out the meal, consider offering some pairing suggestions for sides and drinks:

Sides: Classic French fries or sweet potato fries are always a hit. For a healthier option, serve with a side of mixed greens or a cucumber and tomato salad.
Pickles: Dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles are great for adding a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup pairs perfectly with the gooey melted cheese and crispy bread. It’s a classic combination that complements the patty melt’s textures and flavors.
Beverages: A cold soda, iced tea, or lemonade works great for a casual meal. For something more sophisticated, a light beer or a red wine like a Zinfandel would pair well with the savory flavors of the melt.

How to Elevate the Flavor Profile

Although the Grilled Cheese Patty Melt is already delicious, you can suggest ways to enhance the flavors even further:

Herbed Butter: Instead of regular butter, try using garlic or herb-infused butter for a more aromatic and flavorful crust.
Onion Jam: Add a layer of caramelized onion jam for a sweet and savory contrast to the beef and cheese.
Spicy Mayo: For a kick, spread a layer of spicy mayo or Sriracha mayo on the bread before assembling the melt. This adds both heat and creaminess.
Garlic Toasted Bread: Rub a garlic clove on the toasted bread after cooking for an extra hit of flavor.

Make It Healthier: Lighter Alternatives

If your readers are looking for a healthier spin on this indulgent dish, here are a few ideas:

Use Leaner Meat: Swap out the 85% lean ground beef for 90% lean beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
Whole Grain Bread: Use whole wheat or multigrain bread instead of white bread for added fiber and nutrients.
Reduced-Fat Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheese or a plant-based cheese alternative to cut down on calories and saturated fat.
Lettuce Wrap Option: For a low-carb version, skip the bread and wrap the patty melt ingredients in large lettuce leaves.

Fun Facts About Grilled Cheese Patty Melts

You can make your article more engaging by adding fun facts that your readers might not know:

World’s Largest Patty Melt: In 2021, a team of chefs in Wisconsin made a world-record patty melt that weighed 1,000 pounds, using more than 600 pounds of ground beef and over 300 pounds of cheese!
Patty Melts at Diners: The patty melt has been a staple in American diners for decades, often served with fries or hash browns as a hearty meal option.
Grilled Cheese Day: Did you know that April 12th is National Grilled Cheese Day in the United States? Celebrate by making a grilled cheese patty melt!

Storage and Reheating Tips

In case your readers have leftovers, here are some tips on storing and reheating:

Storage: Wrap leftover patty melts in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the patty melt in a skillet over medium heat. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to re-crisp the bread and melt the cheese evenly. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the patties separately, cook and cool them first, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Cooking for a Crowd

If your readers are planning to make this dish for a larger group, here are some tips to make it easier:

Pre-Cook the Patties: If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider pre-cooking the patties and keeping them warm in an oven set at a low temperature. You can then assemble and grill the sandwiches as needed.
Create a Patty Melt Bar: Offer a variety of bread, cheese, and topping options so guests can customize their patty melts to their liking. This makes for a fun, interactive meal.

Conclusion

Grilled Cheese Patty Melts are a delightful fusion of two classic comfort foods, offering the crispy, cheesy goodness of grilled cheese paired with the juicy heartiness of a burger. This versatile dish is perfect for any meal, easily customizable, and sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or elevating it with creative toppings, these patty melts are a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite. Enjoy experimenting with different cheeses, breads, and add-ons to make it uniquely your own!