Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Enjoy a classic Patty Melt with this easy recipe that combines a juicy beef patty with melted cheese and crispy rye bread. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this flavorful sandwich is grilled to perfection and features a savory blend of cheddar and Provolone cheeses. Discover how to make this timeless favorite with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

What Is a Patty Melt?

A patty melt is a classic American sandwich that combines a juicy ground beef patty with melted cheese, all grilled between two slices of bread. It’s a delicious hybrid of a cheeseburger and a grilled cheese sandwich, typically made with rye bread and cooked to golden perfection. Patty melts are loved for their crispy exterior and the rich, savory flavors of beef, cheese, and sometimes sautéed onions.

Ingredients:

• Rye bread
• Butter
• Ground beef
• Black pepper
• Sea salt
• Onion powder
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Bacon bits
• Sweet relish
• White sugar
• Cheddar cheese
• Provolone cheese

How to Make a Patty Melt:

1. Prepare the patties: Season ground beef with black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder. Shape into patties that fit the size of your bread.
2. Cook the patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes per side, then reduce the heat and cook for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Mix the sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
4. Assemble the sandwich: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place a slice (butter-side down) in a heated skillet, top with cheddar cheese, a cooked patty, Provolone cheese, and the sauce. Place another slice of bread (butter-side up) on top.
5. Grill the sandwich: Cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
6. Repeat and serve: Continue with the remaining ingredients to make additional sandwiches. Serve hot.

What Is the Best Bread for a Patty Melt?

Rye bread is traditionally used for patty melts because of its sturdy texture and distinctive flavor that complements the beef and cheese. However, you can substitute rye with sourdough, Texas toast, or even whole wheat bread for a different twist, depending on your preference.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese options: Swap cheddar and Provolone for Swiss, American, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
• Add caramelized onions: For extra depth, add caramelized onions to your patty melt.
• Bread options: If you prefer a milder flavor, use sourdough or white bread instead of rye.
• Cooking tip: Use a cast iron skillet to get an evenly crispy crust on your patty melt.

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

Recipe by 50Krecipes

0.0 from 0 votes

Discover the ultimate Patty Melt recipe with this easy guide to making a delicious sandwich at home. Featuring a perfectly seasoned beef patty, melted cheddar and Provolone cheese, and crispy rye bread, this classic comfort food is ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a must-try for any fan of hearty, grilled sandwiches.

Course: MainCuisine: American

Servings

Adjust servings

+

–

3

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 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

• Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread and set aside.
• Make the Patties: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder until well combined. Form the mixture into three patties, each matching the size of the bread slices.
• Cook the Patties: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and white sugar. Mix until well blended and set aside.
• Assemble the Patty Melts: Heat a second skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of buttered bread (butter-side down) in the skillet. Layer with two slices of cheddar cheese, a cooked patty, and two slices of Provolone cheese.
• Add the Sauce: Spread the prepared sauce over the unbuttered side of a second bread slice, then place it on top of the Provolone cheese (sauce-side down).
• Grill the Patty Melts: Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese is melted.
• Repeat and Serve: Repeat the cooking process with the remaining ingredients. Serve the patty melts hot and enjoy!