Name: Classic Patty Melt Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices rye bread; 6 tablespoons butter, softened; 1 pound ground beef; ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; 6 slices cheddar cheese; 6 slices provolone cheese; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon real bacon bits; 1 teaspoon sweet relish; 1 teaspoon white sugar

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If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner idea that the whole family will love, look no further than this Classic Patty Melt Recipe. Combining juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and crispy toasted rye bread, this dish is the perfect marriage of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details so you can whip up this classic comfort food in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Patty Melt Recipe

The patty melt is more than just a sandwich – it’s a nostalgic bite of culinary history. With its roots in diners and lunch counters, the patty melt has been a staple of American comfort food for decades. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: While this recipe sticks to the classic version, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The savory beef, creamy cheese, tangy sauce, and crispy rye bread create a flavor profile that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make three hearty patty melts:

6 slices of 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

Start by thoroughly buttering one side of each slice of rye bread. This step ensures that your bread will toast to golden perfection when it hits the skillet. Set the buttered slices aside for now.

2. Season and Shape the Patties

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Divide the mixture into three equal portions and shape each one into a patty that matches the size and shape of your bread slices.

3. Cook the Patties

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping carefully to avoid breaking them apart. Once both sides are browned, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, ensuring the center is fully cooked with no pink remaining. Use a digital thermometer to confirm that each patty has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

4. Make the Special Sauce

While the patties are cooking, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well-blended, then set aside. This tangy and savory sauce will take your patty melt to the next level.

5. Assemble the Patty Melts

Heat a second skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of buttered bread (butter-side down) into the skillet – or as many slices as can fit comfortably without overcrowding. Layer two slices of cheddar cheese on top of the bread, followed by one cooked beef patty and two slices of Provolone cheese.

Spread the prepared sauce over the unbuttered side of another slice of bread, then place it sauce-side down on top of the cheese layer.

6. Toast and Serve

Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Repeat this process for all three patty melts. Once done, remove from heat, serve immediately, and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt

Choose Quality Bread: Rye bread is traditional for patty melts because its robust flavor complements the beef and cheese perfectly. However, you can substitute sourdough or whole-grain bread if preferred.
Use Freshly Ground Beef: For the juiciest patties, opt for ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures your patties stay moist and flavorful during cooking.
Don’t Skip the Sauce: The special sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that ties everything together beautifully – don’t leave it out!
Cook Low and Slow for Melty Cheese: Once assembled, cook your patty melts over medium-low heat to give the cheese enough time to melt without burning the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Provolone are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.

2. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Patty melts are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet when the bread is crispy and the cheese is gooey. However, you can prepare the patties and sauce in advance to save time during assembly. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based burger patties or a homemade veggie patty. You can also use vegan cheese and butter alternatives to make it entirely plant-based.

4. What Should I Serve with Patty Melts?

Patty melts pair wonderfully with classic sides like French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a lighter option, try serving them with roasted vegetables or a bowl of tomato soup.

5. Can I Freeze Leftover Patty Melts?

It’s not recommended to freeze fully assembled patty melts as the bread may become soggy when reheated. Instead, freeze cooked patties individually and assemble fresh sandwiches when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Patty Melt Recipe is proof that sometimes simple ingredients make for the most satisfying meals. With its crispy rye bread, flavorful beef patties, gooey melted cheese, and tangy sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re craving diner-style comfort food or just need a quick dinner idea, give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

So fire up your skillet and get ready to enjoy one of life’s simplest pleasures: a perfectly made patty melt!

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

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If you’re looking for a delicious, diner-style meal at home, this Classic Patty Melt Recipe is the perfect choice! Juicy, flavorful beef patties are sandwiched between toasted rye bread with gooey cheddar and provolone cheese, then topped with a tangy homemade sauce. This ultimate comfort food is quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Author: Sarah Tag
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3 sandwiches 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prepare the Bread:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread and set aside.
Make the Patties:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, black pepper, salt, and onion powder.
- Mix until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Shape into three patties that match the shape of the bread.
Cook the Patties:
- Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
- Reduce to low heat and cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring the patties are cooked through.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar.
- Stir until smooth and set aside.
Assemble the Patty Melt:
- Heat a second skillet on medium-low heat.
- Place a buttered slice of bread (butter-side down) in the skillet.
- Top with 2 slices of cheddar cheese, a beef patty, and 2 slices of provolone cheese.
- Spread the sauce on the unbuttered side of a second slice of bread and place it on top (sauce-side down).
Grill the Patty Melt:
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Customize the cheese: Swap cheddar and provolone for Swiss or American cheese for a different flavor.
Caramelized onions: For an authentic diner-style patty melt, add caramelized onions between the layers.
Rye bread alternative: If you’re not a fan of rye, use sourdough or Texas toast.
Make it spicy: Add hot sauce to the sauce mixture or use pepper jack cheese.