Melty Patty Sandwich

Crispy, butter-soaked bread surrounds a succulent beef patty and gooey cheese in this old-school diner favorite that sits right between a burger and grilled cheese sandwich. Every mouthful delivers the ideal mix of flavorful meat, melty cheese, and crunchy toast, making a heartwarming meal that hits the spot without needing hamburger buns or outdoor grilling equipment.

I first stumbled upon patty melts during a road trip across the states some time back, and I couldn't stop thinking about getting that perfect mix of crunch outside and juiciness inside. This version came after trying tons of different ways and has turned into our go-to comfort food when we want something filling but don't feel like dealing with the grill.

Key Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 ground beef to get just the right amount of juiciness and flavor.
• Bread: Grab some thick-cut rye bread for a solid foundation plus that nice hint of caraway.
• Cheese: Mix sharp cheddar with provolone for the ultimate melt and taste combo.
• Special Sauce: Mix mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, and bits of bacon for a sauce you won't be able to resist.
• Butter: Use actual butter to get that signature golden outside that makes every bite so good.

Crafting Outstanding Patty Melts

Getting The Patty Right:

Start by mixing your ground beef with plenty of salt, pepper, and onion powder, working it just enough to mix things up without making the meat tough. Shape them into skinny patties a bit bigger than your bread slices since they'll shrink while cooking.

How To Cook Them:

Start with a really hot pan to get that nice brown crust, then turn down the heat so the inside cooks through. This two-step method gets you that tasty exterior while keeping the inside nice and juicy.

Making Your Sauce:

Stir mayo and ketchup together until they're well mixed, then add bacon bits and sweet relish. This combo creates a rich flavor that works great with the meat and cheese without going overboard.

Putting It All Together:

Put cheese right against the bread on both sides with the patty in the middle. This way, the cheese melts into both the bread and meat, sticking everything together perfectly.

Getting That Perfect Toast:

Cook your sandwich over medium-low heat, pressing down gently for good contact. Don't rush - let each side get nice and golden before you flip it, so you get that amazing crunch that makes a patty melt so special.

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My grandma always put a thin layer of mustard right on the bread before toasting her patty melts. She said it stopped the bread from getting soggy and added a nice tang. Some traditionalists might not like it, but I've never wanted to argue with her method - my taste buds are big fans.

Great Side Dishes

Enjoy these rich sandwiches with some crunchy dill pickle spears to balance out the heaviness. For the full diner feel, add some skinny, crispy fries or a simple vinegar-dressed coleslaw that cuts through the richness of the sandwich.

Tasty Twists

Switch things up by using sourdough bread and throwing in some caramelized onions for sweet and savory notes. Make a morning version with a thinner patty, egg, and maple bacon. For something with a kick, try adding green chilies and pepper jack cheese.

Keeping It Fresh

These sandwiches taste best right off the stove, but you can make the patties and sauce ahead of time. Keep cooked patties in the fridge for up to two days, then put together and toast your sandwiches when you're ready to eat.

I've made tons of patty melts over the years and found that this simple sandwich always gets thumbs up from both burger lovers and grilled cheese fans alike. There's something special about how the butter-crisped bread, juicy beef, and melted cheese come together to create something that tastes even better than you'd expect from the ingredients alone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the difference between a patty melt and a burger?

It’s always served on rye bread, has melted cheese (like Swiss or cheddar), and is grilled like a cheese sandwich instead of being on a bun.

→ Can I throw in caramelized onions?

For sure! Traditional ones usually include them. Slowly cook sliced onions for 15-20 minutes until they’re soft and sweet.

→ Which kind of cheese works best?

Swiss is classic, but cheddar and provolone melt great and taste amazing. American cheese is also a solid pick.

→ What if I want to use leaner meat?

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but add a little oil to keep them from drying out and sticking.

→ What pairs well with this patty melt?

Fries, potato chips, onion rings, dill pickles, or a light side salad all work perfectly!