The next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, why not try this classic patty melt recipe? It’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. With juicy beef, gooey cheese, crispy bread, and a flavorful sauce, this sandwich has all the right elements for a perfect meal.
What is a Patty Melt?
A patty melt is a quintessential American sandwich that features a perfectly seasoned beef patty, melted cheese, and often bacon or onions, all tucked between slices of toasted bread. While the patty melt has been around since the 1940s, it’s still just as popular today for its comforting flavors and easy prep. It’s often served with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or weekend indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Bread – Whether you prefer classic rye, whole wheat, or even sourdough, pick a thick, sturdy bread that can handle all the fillings without falling apart.
- Ground Beef – Choose your preferred fat content; lean beef works well, but fattier beef will give the patty more flavor and juiciness.
- Seasonings – Simple salt, pepper, and onion powder are all you need to bring out the flavors of the beef.
- Cheese – Provolone and cheddar cheese melt beautifully for a rich, cheesy filling. Feel free to swap for your favorites like Swiss or pepper jack for a bit of spice.
- Sauce – While Thousand Island dressing is the traditional choice, a homemade blend of mayo, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and sugar is a delicious option that elevates the flavor profile.
How to Make a Patty Melt:
1. Prepare the Bread:
Butter one side of each slice of bread. This recipe makes three patty melts, so you’ll need six slices. Set aside the bread to get it ready for toasting.
2. Make and Cook the Patties:
Combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, and onion powder in a bowl. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Shape the mixture into three patties to match the shape of the bread slices. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Check that the patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and sugar. Stir until well-blended and set aside.
4. Toast the Bread and Assemble:
Heat a second skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread (butter-side down) in the skillet. Top with two slices of cheddar cheese, followed by one patty, and then two slices of Provolone cheese. Spread the prepared sauce on the unbuttered side of another slice of bread and place it, sauce-side down, on top of the sandwich. Toast each side for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once all three patty melts are cooked, remove them from the skillet. Slice and serve with your favorite sides like crispy fries, pickles, or a fresh salad.
Tips for a Perfect Patty Melt:
- Bread Options: Rye is the classic choice for patty melts, but you can experiment with other thick, hearty breads like Texas toast, pumpernickel, or multigrain.
- Cheese Variations: If you like a little kick, swap out cheddar and Provolone for pepper jack. For a smokier flavor, try Gouda or smoked mozzarella.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have one, use a cast-iron skillet to cook the patty melts. It adds a rich flavor and gives the bread a beautiful crispy texture.
- Caramelized Onions: If you have the time, consider caramelizing onions for a rich, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory beef and cheese. But if you’re in a rush, onion powder will give you a similar flavor without the extra prep.
What to Serve with Your Patty Melt:
A patty melt is delicious on its own, but you can always serve it with sides like crispy French fries, a refreshing pickle spear, or even a side of creamy coleslaw or pasta salad for a complete meal.
The Best Bread for a Patty Melt:
The key to a great patty melt is choosing bread that is thick enough to hold up to the weight of the beef patty, cheese, and sauce. Rye bread is the classic choice, but you can also use Texas toast, sourdough (with a uniform crumb), or even whole wheat. Avoid using pre-sliced bread, as it’s often too thin to support the fillings.
Final Thoughts:
This classic patty melt is a comforting, flavorful sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to make, simple to enjoy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Try it next time you’re craving a burger without the grill or need an easy dinner that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3
Nutritional Information:
Calories per serving: 1242 kcal
Classic Patty Melt Recipe
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
Instructions:
- Butter the bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Set aside.
- Prepare the patties: Combine the ground beef, pepper, salt, and onion powder in a bowl. Mix until evenly distributed. Shape the mixture into three patties to match the shape of the bread slices.
- Cook the patties: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side. Then, reduce heat to low and cook for 5 more minutes. Ensure the patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar. Stir until well-blended and set aside.
- Toast the bread and assemble: Heat a second skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of buttered bread (butter-side down) in the skillet. Top with two slices of cheddar cheese, one patty, and two slices of Provolone cheese. Spread sauce on the unbuttered side of another slice of bread and place it, sauce-side down, on top. Toast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Repeat with the remaining bread and patties. Slice and serve immediately.
Enjoy your classic patty melt!