INTRODUCTION
A patty melt is a warm, simple sandwich with a beef patty and melted cheese between slices of buttered rye bread. This Classic Patty Melt Recipe is easy to make at home. It uses ground beef, two cheeses, and a small sauce to add flavor. Many people love this sandwich because it feels like a diner meal you can make in your kitchen. If you like hearty lunch ideas, you can also check more high-protein lunch recipes for similar meals: high-protein lunch recipes.
This article shows you what you need, how to cook the patty melts step by step, ways to serve them, and how to store them. The words are simple. The steps are clear. You will find tips that save time and help you make a great sandwich.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for three main reasons. First, it is fast. The patties cook quickly in a hot pan. Second, it is simple. The recipe uses common ingredients you likely already have. Third, it is tasty. The mix of cheddar and provolone melts well and pairs with the rye bread and beef. If you want other hearty but balanced options, you can read about healthy high-protein lunch options that match this style of meal: healthy high-protein lunch options.
This sandwich also changes well. You can add onions, mushrooms, or pickles to tune the taste. It works for a quick weeknight meal or for a relaxed weekend lunch.
HOW TO MAKE Classic Patty Melt Recipe
This section walks you through the full cooking idea in plain words. The method is easy to follow. You will form patties that fit the bread, cook them, make the sauce, and grill the sandwich until the bread is golden and the cheese melts.
Make sure your pan is large enough so you can cook two sandwiches at once. If you like a lower-carb style, see ideas that cut carbs while keeping protein and taste in mind: low-carb high-protein options.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Plate or tray to rest patties
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 6 slices rye bread
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 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 :
Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread generously for a crispy finish.
Make the Patties: Mix ground beef, pepper, salt, and onion powder. Shape into patties to fit the bread.
Cook the Patties: Brown patties in a skillet, then reduce heat and cook until they reach 160°F.
Make the Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar.
Assemble and Grill: Layer cheese, patty, more cheese, and sauce-covered bread in a skillet and grill until golden.
Serve: Enjoy with classic sides like fries or onion rings.
HOW TO SERVE Classic Patty Melt Recipe
Serve the patty melt hot from the pan. Cut it in half for easy eating. This sandwich goes well with simple sides like fries, a small salad, or crispy onion rings. A dill pickle on the side adds a bright, sour bite that cuts the richness.
For a lighter meal, serve with fresh carrot sticks or a small green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a fuller plate, serve with oven fries or sweet potato fries. If you want a warm side with a soft texture, try garlic bread or cheesy toast beside the patty melt for more comfort and flavor: cheesy garlic bread recipe.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Classic Patty Melt Recipe
Short term storage:
- Keep leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for 2 to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and the cheese melts.
Freezing:
- It is best to freeze patties and bread separately for best texture.
- Freeze cooked patties in a single layer on a tray. When solid, put them in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in a pan or oven until hot.
Avoid freezing a fully assembled sandwich with buttered bread. The bread can get soggy when thawed.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Classic diner plate: Serve with shoestring fries and a dill pickle.
- Comfort plate: Add onion rings and a small house salad.
- Lighter plate: Pair with a mixed greens salad and lemon dressing.
- Party tray: Cut patty melts into small squares and serve as sliders for guests.
These serving ideas are simple and fit many tastes. You can change sides by season or mood.
VARIATIONS
- Add onions: Sauté sliced onions in butter until soft and caramelized. Add them on top of the patty before the cheese for sweet, rich flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms and add with the cheese for an earthy note.
- Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix or use pepper jack instead of cheddar.
- Double bacon: Add cooked bacon strips to the sandwich for more crunch and smoke.
- Veg version: Make patties from a mix of black beans and oats, season well, and cook the same way.
Each change is easy and keeps the core idea of the patty melt alive.
FAQs
Q: Can I use leaner ground beef?
A: Yes. Leaner beef makes the sandwich less greasy. Cook lean beef a little slower to keep it from drying out.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar and provolone are classic. Swiss or American also work well for melt and flavor.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. The sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week in a closed container.
Q: Do I need to butter the bread?
A: Butter gives a crisp, golden outside. You can use mayo on the bread instead for a different browning and taste.
Q: How do I get the bread extra crispy?
A: Use a hot pan and press the sandwich gently with a spatula while cooking. Cook a little longer on medium-low to brown well without burning.
Q: Can I make smaller sliders?
A: Yes. Use smaller slices of bread or cut the bread and patties smaller. Adjust cook time for the small patties.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Classic Patty Melt Recipe
- Make patties ahead: Form patties and keep them in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Cook patties in advance: Cook patties and cool them, then keep in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet before assembling.
- Prep sauce: Make the sauce up to a week ahead and store it in a jar in the fridge.
- Prep bread: Toast bread lightly, cool, and keep in a bag for up to a day before assembly to keep it firmer.
These tips help you make the meal fast when you need it.
Classic Patty Melt
Ingredients
Method
- Butter one side of each slice of bread generously for a crispy finish.
- Mix ground beef, pepper, salt, and onion powder. Shape into patties to fit the bread.
- Brown patties in a skillet over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook until they reach 160°F.
- Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar to make the sauce.
- Layer cheese, patty, more cheese, and sauce-covered bread in a skillet and grill until golden.
- Enjoy the patty melt hot from the pan, cut in half for easy eating.
- Serve with classic sides like fries or onion rings.