Grilled Cheese Patty Melt: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Grilled Cheese Patty Melt: Prepare to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup! Imagine the gooey, cheesy goodness of a classic grilled cheese sandwich, but amplified with a juicy, savory hamburger patty nestled right in the middle. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion that will redefine your lunch or dinner game.

While the exact origins of the patty melt are debated, it’s widely believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century, likely in California. Some say it was a clever way to use leftover hamburger patties, while others claim it was a deliberate creation designed to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Regardless of its precise history, the patty melt quickly became a diner staple, beloved for its simplicity and satisfying flavors.

What makes the Grilled Cheese Patty Melt so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The crisp, buttery bread gives way to melted cheese, followed by the savory, seasoned beef patty. The slight tang of caramelized onions, often included, adds another layer of complexity. People love this dish because it’s quick, easy to make, and incredibly comforting. It’s the kind of meal that brings back childhood memories and leaves you feeling completely satisfied. So, are you ready to dive into this cheesy, meaty masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Patty:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• For the Caramelized Onions:
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for deglazing)
• For the Sandwich:
• 8 slices rye bread (or your favorite bread for grilling)
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened (for spreading on the bread)
• Your favorite patty melt sauce (Thousand Island, Russian dressing, or a homemade version – recipe below!)
• Optional Patty Melt Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)

Preparing the Patty:

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough patty. I like to use my hands for this, but a spatula works too.
2. Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick and slightly larger than the bread slices (they will shrink during cooking). Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent them from puffing up like a football while cooking.
3. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so you get a good sear.
4. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving some space between them.
5. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the patties are cooked through and have a nice brown crust. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent them with foil to keep them warm while you prepare the caramelized onions.

Caramelizing the Onions:

1. In the same skillet you used to cook the patties (don’t worry about wiping it out, those beefy bits add flavor!), melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper to the skillet. The key to good caramelized onions is patience!
3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown and very soft. Reduce the heat to low if the onions start to burn.
4. If you’re using brown sugar, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization.
5. If you’re using balsamic vinegar, deglaze the pan by pouring it in during the last minute of cooking. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
6. Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Optional Patty Melt Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I like mine with a little extra Worcestershire sauce for tang.
3. Set aside until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Assembling and Grilling the Patty Melts:

1. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, in the same skillet you used for the patties and onions (again, no need to clean it!).
3. Top each slice of bread with two slices of Swiss cheese.
4. Spread a generous amount of patty melt sauce (or your favorite sauce) over the cheese.
5. Top with a cooked patty.
6. Pile a generous amount of caramelized onions on top of the patty.
7. Top with another two slices of Swiss cheese.
8. Place the remaining four slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
9. Cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down gently on the sandwiches with a spatula to help them cook evenly and get a nice, crispy crust.
10. Carefully remove the patty melts from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two before slicing in half.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best served hot, so the cheese is nice and melty.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can use other cheeses like Gruyere, provolone, or even cheddar.
• Bread: Rye bread is classic, but sourdough or even Texas toast would work well.
• Meat: You can use ground turkey or a plant-based burger patty for a lighter option.
• Onions: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onions for a little heat.
• Sauce: Experiment with different sauces like Dijon mustard, horseradish sauce, or even a spicy mayo.
• Add-ins: Consider adding some crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms to your patty melt.
• Cooking Method: If you don’t have a skillet, you can also cook these in a panini press.

Make Ahead Tips:

• The caramelized onions can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• The patty melt sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
• You can even cook the patties ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your patty melts with a side of french fries, onion rings, or coleslaw.
• A simple green salad also makes a great accompaniment.
• Don’t forget the pickles!

Enjoy your delicious homemade Grilled Cheese Patty Melt!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Our Grilled Cheese Patty Melt – a symphony of cheesy, beefy, and buttery goodness that’s guaranteed to become a new weeknight staple. I truly believe this isn’t just another sandwich; it’s an experience. The combination of the crisp, golden-brown bread, the perfectly melted cheese, and that juicy, flavorful patty creates a harmony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Why is this a must-try? Because it’s simple, satisfying, and elevates the humble grilled cheese to a whole new level. It’s comfort food with a twist, perfect for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a late-night snack. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Looking for serving suggestions? I love pairing this Grilled Cheese Patty Melt with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. A bowl of creamy tomato soup is another classic pairing that complements the richness of the sandwich beautifully. For a lighter option, try serving it with a side of coleslaw or a fresh fruit salad. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with variations to make this recipe your own. Swap out the cheddar cheese for Gruyere, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Add some caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and depth. For a vegetarian option, replace the beef patty with a portobello mushroom cap marinated in balsamic vinegar and herbs. You could even add a slice of crispy bacon for an extra layer of savory goodness. Another fun variation is to use different types of bread. Sourdough, rye, or even brioche would all work beautifully. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold all the fillings. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize this recipe to your liking. The possibilities are endless! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made your own Grilled Cheese Patty Melt, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What were your favorite pairings? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! And remember, the best meals are the ones shared with loved ones. Enjoy! Print