Juicy Beef Patty Melt with Gooey Cheese

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This Classic Patty Melt is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and a tangy homemade sauce come together between slices of perfectly toasted rye bread for a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes. It’s crispy, gooey, savory, and absolutely delicious.

Ideal for lunch or dinner, this Patty Melt is a wonderful alternative to a classic burger. It’s easy to prepare, and the combination of flavors and textures makes every bite pure bliss. Serve it with fries, a pickle spear, or a simple side salad for a complete and comforting meal.

Full Recipe:

6 slices rye bread
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 pound ground beef
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon real bacon bits
1 teaspoon sweet relish
1 teaspoon white sugar
6 slices cheddar cheese
6 slices Provolone cheese

Directions:

Thoroughly butter one side of each slice of bread. Set aside.
Combine the ground beef, pepper, salt, and onion powder in a bowl and mix until the spices are evenly distributed.
Shape the mixture into three separate patties to match the shape of the bread.
Preheat a nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 more minutes until fully cooked.
While the patties cook, mix the mayo, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until well-blended.
Heat a second skillet on medium-low heat. Add one slice of bread (butter-side down), top with two slices of cheddar cheese, a patty, and two slices of Provolone.
Spread the sauce on the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread, then place it on top of the last slice of cheese (sauce-side down).
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese is melted.
Repeat steps 6-8 for all three patty melts. Serve and enjoy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 690 kcal per serving | Servings: 3 servings

History of the Patty Melt

The patty melt is an American classic with roots tracing back to the 1940s. It’s believed to have originated as a cross between a grilled cheese sandwich and a burger. The traditional version includes a beef patty, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, usually served on rye bread. This combination creates a comforting, hearty meal that has remained popular for decades. The patty melt’s versatility has made it a staple in diners and home kitchens alike, with countless variations to suit different tastes and preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This patty melt recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer lean ground beef, a different type of cheese, or a specific type of bread, this recipe is flexible and can be tailored to your taste.
Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of juicy beef, melty cheese, and crispy toasted bread is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, satisfying, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover patties from a previous meal, this recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose them. Simply reheat and assemble the sandwich for a quick meal.

Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt

Choosing the Right Bread: While rye bread is the classic choice for a patty melt, any thick, sturdy bread will work. Sourdough, Texas toast, or whole wheat are great alternatives. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up to the juicy patty and melted cheese.
Get the Perfect Cheese Melt: For a truly gooey sandwich, use cheeses that melt well. Cheddar and Provolone are excellent choices, but you can also experiment with Swiss, American, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Butter for Crispiness: Don’t skimp on the butter! It helps create a crispy, golden crust on the bread. For a richer flavor, you can use mayonnaise instead of butter to toast the bread.
Cooking the Patty: To get a perfectly cooked patty, aim for a cooking temperature of 160°F (71°C) for the beef. This ensures the meat is cooked through while remaining juicy.
Enhance with Caramelized Onions: While this recipe uses onion powder for simplicity, you can elevate the flavor by adding caramelized onions. Cook thinly sliced onions in butter over low heat until they turn golden brown and sweet.

Serving Suggestions

Patty melts are incredibly versatile and can be paired with various side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are some ideas:

French Fries: Classic fries or sweet potato fries are the perfect sidekick for a patty melt.
Pickles: Serve with a dill pickle spear for a tangy contrast to the rich sandwich.
Coleslaw: A crisp, refreshing coleslaw complements the savory flavors of the patty melt.
Soup: Pair with a warm bowl of tomato soup or a hearty vegetable soup for a comforting meal.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the patty melt.

Variations

Mushroom Patty Melt: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the beef and cheese.
Spicy Patty Melt: Spice things up with jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
Veggie Patty Melt: Swap out the beef patty for a veggie patty to create a delicious vegetarian version. You can use a store-bought veggie patty or make your own using ingredients like black beans, quinoa, and veggies.
Bacon Patty Melt: For an extra indulgent twist, add crispy bacon strips to the sandwich.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, wrap the patty melt in aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the wrapped sandwich in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

Origins of the Patty Melt

The patty melt has an interesting origin story. It’s said to have been created by William “Tiny” Naylor, a restaurateur from Southern California, in the 1940s. Naylor’s concept was simple yet genius: combine the best parts of a hamburger and a grilled cheese sandwich. By doing so, he created a dish that was both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying. The patty melt quickly became a diner classic and has maintained its popularity across the United States. It’s seen as a nostalgic dish that brings comfort and a sense of Americana to the table.

Nutritional Insights

While the patty melt is not exactly a diet-friendly meal, it’s a fulfilling option that can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here are some nutritional considerations and tips to make it a bit lighter:

Calories: This classic patty melt recipe contains around 690 calories per serving. Most of these calories come from the beef, cheese, and butter.
Protein: Thanks to the beef patty and cheese, this sandwich is high in protein, offering roughly 35-40 grams per serving, which is beneficial for muscle repair and growth.
Carbohydrates: The bread adds to the carbohydrate content. To reduce carbs, you can opt for a lower-carb bread or serve the patty melt open-faced.
Fats: The dish is rich in fats, with both saturated fats from the beef and cheese and unsaturated fats from the butter. Using leaner beef or reducing the amount of cheese can lower the fat content.
Fiber: To add fiber to this meal, serve it with a side of vegetables or use whole-grain bread.

Healthier Modifications

For those looking to enjoy a patty melt with a healthier twist, consider these modifications:

Use Lean Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef (90% lean) to reduce fat and calories.
Alternative Cheeses: Opt for lower-fat cheese options or use less cheese to cut down on saturated fat.
Whole-Grain Bread: Swap out the rye bread for whole-grain bread to increase fiber and nutrients.
Lighten the Spread: Substitute the mayonnaise and butter with lighter versions, or use Greek yogurt mixed with spices for a healthier sauce alternative.
Increase Veggies: Add more vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or grilled onions to boost the nutritional value.

Creative Variations

Patty Melt Sliders: Make mini versions of the patty melt using small slider buns. Perfect for parties or as appetizers, these bite-sized melts are just as delicious and fun to eat.
Open-Faced Patty Melt: For a lighter option, skip the top slice of bread and serve the patty melt open-faced. Top with fresh greens or avocado for added nutrition.
Swiss and Mushroom Patty Melt: Sauté mushrooms and use Swiss cheese for a gourmet twist. The earthy flavor of mushrooms and the nutty taste of Swiss cheese make for a sophisticated variation.
Pastrami Patty Melt: Add slices of pastrami and a layer of sauerkraut for a cross between a patty melt and a Reuben sandwich. Use a bit of Russian dressing instead of the standard sauce for a tangy kick.
Breakfast Patty Melt: Top the beef patty with a fried egg and serve it with breakfast-style potatoes. The egg adds an extra layer of richness and makes the sandwich suitable for any meal of the day.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Patty Melt

Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened before spreading it on the bread. This helps it spread evenly and ensures a crispy, golden crust.
Press the Sandwich: While cooking the sandwich on the skillet, use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich. This helps to flatten it slightly, ensuring even cooking and melting of the cheese.
Prevent Soggy Bread: To avoid a soggy sandwich, toast the bread on the skillet before adding the fillings. This creates a barrier that keeps the bread crisp.
Balance the Flavors: The sauce adds tanginess that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. Adjust the amount of sauce to your taste preference; a little goes a long way.
Use Cast Iron for Best Results: If available, use a cast-iron skillet to cook the patties and assemble the sandwich. Cast iron distributes heat evenly, creating a perfect crust on the bread and patties.

Perfect Pairings

Pair your patty melt with some classic sides to create a full diner-style meal:

Classic Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: A serving of crispy fries is a traditional side that never disappoints.
Pickled Vegetables: Pickles, pickled onions, or even a small side of sauerkraut can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the patty melt.
Potato Salad or Coleslaw: A creamy potato salad or crunchy coleslaw complements the hearty sandwich with a different texture and flavor profile.
Tomato Soup: For a comforting and nostalgic meal, serve the patty melt with a warm bowl of tomato soup.

Beverage Suggestions

Pair the patty melt with a beverage that complements its rich and savory flavors:

Classic Milkshake: A thick, creamy milkshake (vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry) makes for a delightful retro diner experience.
Craft Beer: If you’re looking for an adult beverage, a crisp lager or a light IPA pairs well with the savory and cheesy elements of the patty melt.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, a glass of iced tea or freshly made lemonade offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.

Conclusion

The Classic Patty Melt is a timeless American favorite that combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. With its juicy beef patty, gooey cheese, and crispy toasted bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try a healthier or gourmet variation, this dish is sure to please any palate. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, the patty melt is a go-to option for a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love.