Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe

Patty melts are the perfect marriage of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. This Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe takes this classic diner staple to the next level by combining juicy, flavorful beef patties with gooey melted cheese, caramelized onions, and toasted bread. Each bite delivers rich, savory flavors and textures that make it an irresistible comfort food.

Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, satisfying a late-night craving, or impressing guests with a nostalgic dish, these patty melts are sure to be a hit.

What Is a Patty Melt?

A patty melt is a classic American sandwich traditionally made with a beef patty, cheese, and grilled onions sandwiched between slices of toasted bread—often rye or sourdough. Unlike a typical hamburger, a patty melt doesn’t use a bun, and it’s cooked on a griddle or skillet to achieve perfectly crispy, golden bread and melted cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Comfort: Combines the best parts of a cheeseburger and grilled cheese in one satisfying bite.
2. Customizable: Use your favorite cheese, bread, and add-ons to make it uniquely yours.
3. Quick and Easy: With a little prep, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
4. Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty brunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions

1. Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted.
2. Cook the onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and sprinkle with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown.
   • Optional: Add sugar for extra sweetness or a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang.
3. Set aside: Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and keep warm.

Step 2: Make the Beef Patties

1. Mix the beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently—don’t overwork the meat.
2. Form the patties: Divide the beef into four equal portions and shape them into thin, rectangular patties slightly larger than your bread slices (they’ll shrink as they cook).
3. Cook the patties: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Spread the mayo: Lightly spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice. This helps achieve golden, crispy edges when toasted.
2. Layer the ingredients:
   • Place one slice of bread (mayo-side down) on a flat surface.
   • Add a slice of cheese, a beef patty, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and top with another slice of bread (mayo-side up). Repeat for all sandwiches.

Step 4: Grill the Patty Melts

1. Preheat the skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter to the skillet and let it melt.
2. Cook the sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches on the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
3. Serve hot: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt

1. Choose the Right Bread: Rye or sourdough bread works best because it holds up well and adds flavor.
2. Don’t Overload: While tempting, overloading your sandwich can make it difficult to cook evenly. Keep the layers balanced.
3. Cook Slowly: Medium heat ensures the bread crisps up while the cheese melts. Avoid high heat, which can burn the bread before the cheese is melted.
4. Press Gently: Use a spatula to lightly press the sandwich while cooking for an even toast and a compact, easy-to-eat patty melt.

Variations

1. Turkey Patty Melt: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
2. Vegetarian Patty Melt: Use a plant-based patty and vegan cheese for a vegetarian twist.
3. Spicy Patty Melt: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
4. Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt: Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for an umami-packed variation.

Side Dish Pairings

1. French Fries: Classic and crispy fries are a natural choice.
2. Onion Rings: Complement the caramelized onions with crispy fried onion rings.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich patty melt.
4. Pickles: Serve with dill pickles or a pickle spear for an acidic bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked beef patties?

Yes, pre-cooked patties work, but freshly cooked patties have better flavor and texture. If using pre-cooked patties, heat them thoroughly before assembling the sandwich.

What cheese works best for patty melts?

Swiss cheese is traditional, but cheddar, American, or even pepper jack are excellent options depending on your flavor preference.

How do I prevent the bread from burning?

Cook over medium heat and keep an eye on the bread. Adjust the heat as needed, and don’t rush the cooking process.

Conclusion

This Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe is a diner-inspired classic that brings together all the elements of a perfect sandwich: juicy beef, melty cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and buttery toasted bread. Easy to customize and guaranteed to satisfy, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.

Serve these patty melts with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.

Yield: 4

Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe

Print

Patty melts are the perfect marriage of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. This Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe takes this classic diner staple to the next level by combining juicy, flavorful beef patties with gooey melted cheese, caramelized onions, and toasted bread. Each bite delivers rich, savory flavors and textures that make it an irresistible comfort food.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Patty:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)
• For the Sandwich:
• 8 slices of rye, sourdough, or thick-cut white bread
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter (for onions)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for grilling bread)
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Patties
Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into thin, wide patties slightly larger than your bread slices.
Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions
Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches
Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
Layer Ingredients: On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, layer 1 slice of cheddar cheese, a cooked beef patty, a scoop of caramelized onions, 1 slice of Swiss cheese, and another slice of cheddar cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
4. Grill the Sandwiches
Heat the Skillet: Wipe out the skillet and heat over medium heat.
Grill Each Side: Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Press lightly with a spatula for even toasting.
Repeat: Work in batches if needed, keeping finished sandwiches warm in a 200°F oven.
5. Serve
Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side of fries.

Notes

• Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute with other melty cheeses like provolone, American, or Gouda.
• Onions: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar while cooking for extra flavor.
• Bread Choices: Use your favorite sturdy bread for the best texture and flavor.
• Make Ahead: Patties and onions can be prepared in advance and reheated when assembling the sandwiches.