“Can you believe it? A simple mix of juicy beef, gooey cheese, and crispy bread takes on a whole new life in the Best Patty Melt Ever. This mouthwatering sandwich is a delightful homage to classic American diner fare, seamlessly blending layers of flavor and texture that are sure to bring a smile to your face. The quick prep time of just 30 minutes makes it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering with friends. Plus, with options to customize your choice of bread and cheese, you’ll have the freedom to make this patty melt uniquely yours. Ready to indulge in comfort food that feels like a warm hug? Let’s dive into the deliciousness!”
Why is this the best patty melt?
Unforgettable Flavor: The Best Patty Melt Ever is a celebration of savory goodness, with rich beef paired with creamy, melted cheeses that create a symphony of flavors.
Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this indulgent dish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected gatherings.
Customizable Delight: Choose your favorite bread and cheese varieties to personalize your sandwich, ensuring every bite is tailored to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this hearty meal is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Next-Level Indulgence: Enhance your patty melt with sautéed mushrooms or serve alongside crispy French fries for that classic diner experience! For more cheesy goodness, check out my Swiss Mushroom Melt or Chicken Avocado Melt.
Best Patty Melt Ingredients
• Gather these essentials for a delicious experience!
For the Patty
- Ground Beef – Use an 85/15 blend for the juiciest results; ground turkey or plant-based options work too!
- Onion – Sweetness and depth come from either red or yellow; sautéed shallots can also enhance the flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Elevates savory notes; soy sauce can be a smart substitute if needed.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning according to your personal taste.
For the Cheese
- Muenster Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds creaminess; consider substituting with provolone for a different taste.
- Cheddar Cheese – Provides a sharp contrast; or try melted Swiss for a delightful twist!
For the Bread
- Rye Bread – Offers a distinctive flavor that makes this patty melt special; or, go for sourdough or French bread if you prefer.
- Butter – A key element for grilling and creating that golden crust; margarine can work in a pinch.
For the Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the burger sauce; swap it out for Greek yogurt for a lighter option!
- Dill Pickle Relish – Adds a delightful sweet-and-tangy element; sweet relish can stand in if you’re out of dill.
- Ketchup – Brings sweetness and moisture; no substitutions suggested as it’s a key flavor!
For Caramelizing
- Red Wine Vinegar – Brightens the onions’ natural sweetness; white wine vinegar works as a suitable alternative.
- Butter – Helps caramelize the onions to achieve that golden, tender texture.
Now that you’ve got everything ready, you’re all set to craft the Best Patty Melt Ever!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best Patty Melt Ever
Step 1: Make the Burger Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill pickle relish, and ketchup until well combined. This creamy burger sauce adds a zesty punch to your patty melt. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few minutes.
Step 2: Caramelize Onions
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions along with red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir occasionally for about 20 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and become tender, releasing their sweet aroma and creating the perfect topping for your patty melt.
Step 3: Prepare Patties
While the onions are caramelizing, form the ground beef into two equal-sized patties. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, and rub a dash of mustard on each side for added flavor. The patties should be about ¾ inch thick to ensure they cook evenly, giving you that juicy bite in your Best Patty Melt Ever.
Step 4: Cook Patties
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil if desired. Once hot, place the seasoned patties in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on one side. Flip them over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they reach medium-well doneness. Look for a nice sear on each side for that crispy texture that enhances your sandwich.
Step 5: Grill Sandwiches
Butter one side of four slices of rye bread. In the same skillet, place two slices butter-side down and layer with a slice of cheddar cheese, some of the caramelized onions, and a beef patty. Top with a slice of muenster cheese and another slice of buttered bread, butter-side up. Grill until the bottom is golden brown, then carefully flip and grill the other side until the cheese melts.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once both sides of the sandwiches are grilled to a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is gooey, remove them from the skillet. Cut the Best Patty Melt Ever in half to reveal the melty interior and serve hot with your favorite side like crispy French fries or a fresh salad. Savor every bite of this comforting classic!
Make Ahead Options
These Best Patty Melt Ever sandwiches are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! To save time on busy weeknights, you can prep the burger patties up to 24 hours in advance by forming them, seasoning them, and then refrigerating them until you’re ready to cook. Additionally, the caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them gently before assembling your patty melts. For the ultimate flavor, make your burger sauce the day before and refrigerate it overnight. When it’s time to serve, simply grill the sandwiches as instructed for delicious results that are just as satisfying as if made fresh!
Best Patty Melt Ever: Customization Options
Feel free to put your own spin on this delicious patty melt and explore a world of flavors!
- Dairy-Free: Swap muenster and cheddar for vegan cheese alternatives to create a delicious dairy-free melt.
- Meatless: Use a plant-based burger patty for a vegetarian twist that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free bread varieties like rice or almond flour bread to cater to gluten sensitivities.
- Heat It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick that will awaken your taste buds!
- Flavor Boost: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of garlic powder to elevate the umami experience.
- Change It Up: Try using French bread or even English muffins as your base for a unique take on this classic.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the meat for an aromatic twist you’ll love.
- Layer Extra Flavor: Add crispy bacon for an irresistible crunch that beautifully complements the cheese and beef.
For more cheesy inspiration, don’t forget to check out my delicious Cheesesteak Tortellini or if you’re in the mood for something lighter, the Chicken Avocado Melt is another great option!
Storage Tips for Best Patty Melt Ever
Fridge: Store any leftover Best Patty Melt Ever sandwiches wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooked patty melts in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm on a skillet over medium heat, flipping until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving for best results.
Make-Ahead: Consider making just the patties and caramelized onions ahead of time; they can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before grilling for quick assembly and deliciousness!
Tips for the Best Patty Melt
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Perfectly Crispy Bread: Ensure your skillet is preheated to medium-high before grilling the sandwich. This helps achieve the ultra-crispy texture you desire.
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Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking the patties, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This helps maintain the temperature for a perfect sear. Work in batches if necessary.
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Cheese Choices Matter: Use high-quality cheeses for the best melting results. Muenster and cheddar are excellent choices for flavor in the Best Patty Melt Ever.
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Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning your patties with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning elevates the flavor and enhances the overall taste of your patty melt.
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Layering Technique: Build your patty melt starting with cheese on the bottom to catch the juices from the beef, ensuring a deliciously soggy base and gooey top layer!
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Resting Time: Let the cooked patties rest for a minute before assembling your melt. This helps retain the juices and keeps your sandwich from getting soggy.
What to Serve with Best Patty Melt Ever
The ultimate comfort food experience goes beyond just the sandwich itself—it invites delightful pairings that elevate your meal!
- Crispy French Fries: These golden crunchy bites add a satisfying contrast to the gooey melt, making it a classic combo.
- Fresh Side Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
Pair a simple garden salad tossed with tangy dressing alongside your melt to create a balance of flavors.
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Classic Potato Salad: The creamy texture and slight tang of potato salad make for a bright side dish that complements the savory patty melt perfectly.
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Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds a refreshing zest, enhancing the melt’s flavors while offering contrasting textures.
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Dill Pickle Spear: A side of crispy pickle spear adds an extra crunch and tang that brings out the savory goodness of the sandwich.
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Icy Cold Beer: Pairing a chilled lager or pilsner with your patty melt makes for a classic, satisfying diner-style meal experience.
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Milkshake: Indulge in a thick chocolate or vanilla shake for a nostalgic, sweet finish to your comforting meal. A delightful way to embrace the diner vibe!
Best Patty Melt Ever Recipe FAQs
What type of ground beef should I use for the patty melt?
Absolutely! For the juiciest and most flavorful results, I recommend using an 85/15 blend of ground beef. This mix contains enough fat to keep the patties moist while providing a lovely sear on the outside. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or even plant-based burger alternatives work wonderfully too!
How should I store leftover patty melts?
Very good question! To keep any leftover Best Patty Melt Ever sandwiches fresh, wrap them tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to designate some time to enjoy these delicious sandwiches, as they’re best when freshly made!
Can I freeze the cooked patty melt?
Indeed, you can! To freeze your cooked patty melts, first ensure they are cooled completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap them in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. They can stay frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet for a crispy finish.
What if my onions don’t caramelize properly?
No worries! If your onions aren’t caramelizing as they should, ensure you have your skillet set to medium-low heat and give them enough time. They typically need about 20 minutes to develop that rich, golden color. If they seem to be browning too fast, simply reduce the heat slightly and stir occasionally. For an added flavor boost, a pinch of sugar can help with the caramelization process too!
Is there a way to make the burger sauce lighter or healthier?
Absolutely! For a lighter twist on the delicious burger sauce, you can easily substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This swap not only cuts down on calories but also adds a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Enjoy this healthier version in your Best Patty Melt Ever!
Best Patty Melt Ever: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Fix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill pickle relish, and ketchup until well combined. Refrigerate while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions with red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Form ground beef into two patties, season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, and rub a dash of mustard on each side.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until medium-well.
- Butter one side of four slices of rye bread. In the skillet, place two slices butter-side down, then layer with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and a beef patty. Top with muenster and another slice of buttered bread, then grill until golden brown.
- Once both sides are grilled, cut the patty melt in half and serve hot with your favorite side.
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