Savory Classic Patty Melt Recipe That Sizzles With Flavor

Beef sizzles and melts together in this classic patty melt recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this diner-style sandwich packed with rich, savory flavors.

Caramelized onions add a sweet depth to the perfectly seasoned burger patty.

Melted Swiss cheese creates a gooey blanket over the meat, nestled between golden, buttery toasted rye bread.

Every bite delivers a nostalgic blend of textures and tastes that transport you straight to a cozy roadside diner.

The combination of crispy bread, juicy meat, and melted cheese makes this patty melt an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Prepare to indulge in a timeless sandwich that never goes out of style.

What Makes a Patty Melt Comforting

• Conquer Complex Flavors: Master a traditional Mexican dish that delivers rich, deep taste without requiring professional chef skills.
• Simplify Slow Cooking: Transform tough beef cuts into meltingly tender meat through a straightforward simmering process that requires minimal active cooking time.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Prepare a hearty meal that brings families and friends together with its warm, spicy, and intensely satisfying profile.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy birria as a stew, taco filling, or served over rice, making it adaptable for multiple dining styles and preferences.

What’s Inside a Classic Patty Melt

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the core of the classic patty melt.
• Pepper, Salt, Onion Powder: Seasonings that enhance the beef's natural flavor.

• Rye Bread: A tangy, robust bread that provides a traditional patty melt foundation.
• Cheddar Cheese, Provolone Cheese: Melty cheeses that add rich, creamy layers to the sandwich.

• Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Sweet Relish, Sugar: A blend of condiments that creates a sweet and tangy sauce.
• Butter: Used to create a golden, crispy exterior on the bread during toasting.

How to Cook a Juicy Patty Melt

Step 1: Prepare Beef Patties

• Black pepper
• Salt
• Onion powder

Gently form the mixture into three equal-sized burger patties.

Step 2: Cook Meat Perfectly

Warm a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place patties into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Reduce heat and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Create Zesty Sandwich Spread

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Sweet pickle relish
• Granulated sugar

Whisk ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Build Delectable Sandwich

Butter one side of each rye bread slice. Place bread butter-side down in a preheated skillet.

• Cheddar cheese slices
• Cooked beef patty
• Provolone cheese slices

Spread prepared sauce on unbuttered bread side and place sauce-side down on top.

Step 5: Toast and Crisp Sandwich

Grill sandwich over medium-low heat until bread turns golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Transfer hot patty melts to serving plates and enjoy while warm.

Notes for Toasty Classic Patty Melt Lovers

• Always spread butter evenly on bread's surface to ensure consistent golden-brown crispiness when grilling.
• Use 80/20 ground beef for juicier patties and avoid overworking meat while mixing to keep texture tender.
• Check burger's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat at 160F.
• Layer different cheese types like cheddar and provolone for complex, rich flavor profile and smoother melting.
• Adjust homemade sauce ingredients to personal taste, adding more relish for sweetness or ketchup for tanginess.

Swaps for Making Patty Melts Your Own

• Vegetarian Melt: Replace ground beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or black bean patties for a meat-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap rye bread with gluten-free bread and use gluten-free breadcrumbs in patty mixture.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute bread with large lettuce leaves and use cauliflower patties instead of beef.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños to the patty mix, use pepper jack cheese, and include chipotle sauce for a zesty version.

What Sides Work With Patty Melt Sandwiches

Craft Perfect Beverage Companions: Crisp Craft Beer Pairing – Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the rich, meaty sandwich and complement its robust flavors.

Refreshing Side Drink: Tangy Pickle Mocktail – Mix dill pickle juice, sparkling water, and a dash of hot sauce for a zesty non-alcoholic option that mirrors the sandwich’s savory profile.

Classic Comfort Combo: Creamy Milkshake Match – Blend a classic vanilla or chocolate milkshake to balance the patty melt’s salty, greasy goodness with smooth, cold sweetness.

Zesty Palate Cleanser: Citrus Iced Tea – Brew a lemon-infused black tea with a hint of mint to refresh the palate between hearty bites of the sandwich.

Storing Patty Melts for Another Meal

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each patty melt individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
• Warm patty melts in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Add a small pat of butter to help crisp the bread and prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place patty melts on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp the bread.

FAQs

• What type of bread works best for a patty melt?

Rye bread is traditional and provides the classic flavor, but you can also use sourdough or texas toast for a similar texture and taste.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and provolone are recommended, you can swap with swiss, american, or monterey jack cheese based on your preference.

• How do I know when the burger patty is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which ensures the ground beef is safely cooked through.

• Is there a way to make the sauce spicier?

Yes, you can add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some sriracha to the sauce mixture to give it an extra kick of heat.

Classic Patty Melt Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling classic patty melt recipe elevates comfort food with its perfect blend of juicy beef, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese between buttery grilled rye bread. Crispy, savory, and irresistibly satisfying, you’ll crave this diner-style sandwich that brings pure culinary nostalgia to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Cheese:

• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• 6 slices provolone cheese

Bread and Seasoning:

• 6 slices rye bread
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Condiments:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sweet relish
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare rye bread by generously coating one side of each slice with butter, ensuring even coverage for optimal golden-brown toasting.
2. Create beef patties by thoroughly blending ground beef with pepper, salt, and onion powder, then carefully forming three uniform patties.
3. Preheat skillet to medium-high heat and cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side, achieving a robust sear, then reduce temperature to low and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
4. Craft signature sauce by whisking mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, and sugar in a small mixing bowl, blending ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Position skillet at medium-low temperature and place bread slices butter-side down, creating a foundation for layering.
6. Construct sandwich layers by adding cheddar cheese slices, cooked beef patty, and provolone cheese, creating a rich, melty texture.
7. Spread prepared sauce on unbuttered bread side and carefully place sauce-side down atop cheese layers.
8. Toast each side of assembled sandwich for 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
9. Repeat assembly process for remaining patty melts, ensuring consistent cooking technique.
10. Serve immediately while warm, presenting a delectable fusion of crispy bread, melted cheese, and savory beef.

Notes

• Enhance meat flavor by mixing ground beef with finely minced onions or garlic for extra depth and complexity.
• Use high-quality, slightly fatty ground beef (80/20 blend) to ensure juicy, tender patties that won’t dry out during cooking.
• For gluten-free option, swap rye bread with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps, maintaining the classic sandwich experience.
• Control burger doneness carefully by using a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking, keeping patties perfectly moist and tender.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 808 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 812 mg
• Fat: 56 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 132 mg