The Best Bake Patty Melt

Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of our signature Patty Melt recipe. Satisfyingly sandwiched between toasted rye bread, this culinary masterpiece features a juicy beef patty bursting with flavor, crowned with melted Swiss cheese and a generous heap of caramelized onions. With each bite, the harmonious blend of savory and sweet will transport your taste buds to new heights of culinary satisfaction. Discover the timeless classic that combines comfort and deliciousness in every mouthful. Get ready to create a patty melt masterpiece that will leave everyone craving for more.

The Best Bake Patty Melt

Sink your teeth into savory bliss with our irresistible Patty Melt recipe. Savor the juicy, seasoned beef patty sandwiched between slices of golden-toasted rye bread, oozing with melted Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. With each bite, you'll experience a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more. Don't miss out on this classic comfort food, perfected to perfection. Get ready to indulge in pure patty melt perfection!

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4 Sandwiches

Calories 680 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 slices of rye bread
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and divide into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a patty.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
  
• Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of butter and let it melt.
• Add the slices of rye bread to the skillet and toast them until lightly browned on both sides. Once toasted, remove the bread from the skillet and set aside.
• Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
• Layer each slice of bread with a patty, 2 slices of Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions.
  
• Top each sandwich with another slice of bread, mayonnaise side down.
• Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
• Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve hot.

Notes

Tips and Tricks

1. Choose the right bread: Rye bread is the traditional choice for a patty melt, but you can also use other sturdy bread options like sourdough or whole wheat. Make sure the bread slices are thick enough to hold the filling and withstand the cooking process.
2. Properly shape the patties: When forming the ground beef into patties, make sure they are slightly larger than the bread slices since they will shrink a bit during cooking. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up.
3. Season the patties well: Add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the ground beef mixture before forming the patties. This will ensure the meat has plenty of flavor.
4. Caramelize the onions: Take the time to properly caramelize the onions until they are golden brown and sweet. Cook them slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. This process may take some time, but it’s worth the effort for the rich flavor they bring to the patty melt.
5. Use a combination of butter and mayonnaise: Spread mayonnaise on the bread slices before toasting them for a tangy flavor. Then, use butter in the skillet when cooking the sandwiches for a crispy and buttery exterior.
6. Don’t overcook the patties: Cook the patties just until they reach your desired level of doneness. Overcooking can result in dry and tough patties. If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
7. Melt the cheese effectively: Place the cheese slices on top of the cooked patties and cover the skillet for a minute or two, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese. This will ensure a gooey and melty cheese layer.
8. Customize with additional toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings to your patty melt, such as sliced tomatoes, pickles, or crispy bacon, for added flavor and texture.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking. Enjoy your homemade patty melt!

Storing Tips

1. Allow the patty melts to cool down to room temperature. This step is important to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.
2. Wrap each patty melt individually in aluminum foil or place them in airtight containers. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out in the refrigerator.
3. Label the wrapped or sealed containers with the date to keep track of their freshness.
4. Store the leftover patty melts in the refrigerator. They can typically be stored for up to 3-4 days.
5. When ready to reheat, remove the patty melts from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. If wrapped in aluminum foil, leave the foil on and place the patty melts on a baking sheet. If stored in airtight containers, transfer them to a baking sheet or dish.
7. Reheat the patty melts in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The time may vary depending on the thickness of the patty melts.
8. Once heated, remove the patty melts from the oven and serve them immediately.

Note: Reheating in the oven helps maintain the crispiness of the bread and prevents the patty melts from becoming soggy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread rubbery and compromise the texture.

Time to Create

The total time to make a homemade patty melt can vary depending on your cooking skills and preparation efficiency. However, as a general guideline, it typically takes around 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook a homemade patty melt.

This time includes shaping and cooking the beef patties, caramelizing the onions, toasting the bread, and assembling the sandwiches. Keep in mind that caramelizing the onions can take about 30-40 minutes on its own, as it requires slow cooking over low heat to achieve that sweet and golden brown texture.

It’s worth noting that having your ingredients prepped and ready before starting can help streamline the process and make it more efficient. By multitasking and preparing different components simultaneously, you can reduce the overall cooking time.

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and savor the delicious end result.

Keyword Patty Melt

• History
• Pairing Recommendations
• Variations
• Nutritional Benefits
• Nutritional Breakdown
• Fun Facts

History:

The history of the patty melt is a bit elusive, but it is believed to have originated in the United States during the mid-20th century. The patty melt is often associated with classic diners and has become a beloved staple in American comfort food.

The exact origin of the patty melt is difficult to pinpoint, but it is thought to have emerged as a variation of the traditional hamburger sandwich. The concept of combining ground beef, cheese, and bread has long been popular, but the patty melt adds a twist by substituting the traditional hamburger bun with slices of grilled or toasted rye bread.

The patty melt is characterized by its combination of a juicy beef patty, melted cheese (typically Swiss or American), and caramelized onions sandwiched between slices of rye bread. The sandwich is then cooked on a griddle or skillet, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cheese to become gooey and irresistible.

While the exact creator of the patty melt remains unknown, its popularity quickly spread across diners and restaurants throughout the United States. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, flavorful combination of ingredients, and the nostalgic charm associated with classic American diner cuisine.

Today, the patty melt can be found on menus in various forms, with different variations and twists added to suit individual tastes. It has become a beloved comfort food option that continues to satisfy appetites and evoke a sense of nostalgia for many diners and food enthusiasts alike.

Pairing Recommendations:

1. Crispy French Fries: Serve your patty melt with a side of crispy French fries for a classic and satisfying combination. The crunchy texture of the fries pairs well with the rich and flavorful patty melt.
2. Coleslaw: The creamy and tangy nature of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty patty melt. Its crispness and coolness help balance the flavors and add a delightful crunch to your meal.
3. Pickles: Add a side of pickles, whether dill or bread-and-butter, to your plate. The tangy and slightly acidic taste of pickles cuts through the richness of the patty melt and offers a satisfying contrast of flavors.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: For a twist on the classic French fries, try serving your patty melt with sweet potato fries. The natural sweetness of the fries complements the savory patty melt, creating a delightful combination of flavors.
5. Tomato Soup: Dip your patty melt in a warm bowl of tomato soup for a comforting and nostalgic experience. The acidity and warmth of the soup pair well with the cheesy and meaty flavors of the patty melt.
6. Side Salad: Add a refreshing side salad to your plate for a lighter option. A crisp garden salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast and balance to the richness of the patty melt.
7. Onion Rings: Serve your patty melt with a side of crispy onion rings for an extra indulgent treat. The crispy coating and the sweet flavor of the onions complement the flavors of the patty melt and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.

These pairing suggestions offer a variety of flavors and textures to enhance your patty melt experience. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences and enjoy your delicious meal!

Variations:

1. Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt: Add sautéed mushrooms to the patty melt for an extra burst of earthy flavor. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they are golden brown and tender. Layer the mushrooms along with the Swiss cheese and caramelized onions on top of the patty before grilling.
2. Bacon Cheddar Patty Melt: For a bacon lovers’ twist, crisp up some bacon slices and add them to the patty melt. Layer cooked bacon and cheddar cheese along with the caramelized onions on top of the patty before grilling.
3. BBQ Patty Melt: Infuse your patty melt with a smoky and tangy BBQ flavor. Instead of using mayonnaise, brush both sides of the bread slices with your favorite BBQ sauce. Add a slice of cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and the grilled patty between the BBQ sauce-coated bread slices.
4. Turkey or Veggie Patty Melt: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a vegetarian patty to cater to different dietary preferences. Follow the same seasoning and cooking instructions for the patty, and assemble the patty melt as usual.
5. Jalapeño Patty Melt: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños to your patty melt. Layer the jalapeños with the Swiss cheese and caramelized onions on top of the patty before grilling. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra fiery flavor.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to customize your patty melt according to your taste preferences. Enjoy exploring these variations!

Nutritional Benefits:

This patty melt recipe provides several nutritional benefits:

1. Protein: The ground beef in this recipe is a good source of protein, with one serving providing 38g of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, including muscles.
2. Fiber: The rye bread in this recipe provides 3g of dietary fiber per serving. Fiber is important for maintaining healthy digestion and can also help regulate blood sugar levels.
3. Vitamins and Minerals: This recipe contains several vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Iron is important for maintaining healthy red blood cells, while zinc and vitamin B12 are important for immune system function.
4. Flavorful Ingredients: The caramelized onions and Swiss cheese add delicious flavor to this recipe. While these ingredients are higher in fat and calories, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Overall, this recipe can be enjoyed as a tasty and satisfying meal that provides a balance of macronutrients and some important micronutrients.

Nutritional Breakdown:

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this patty melt recipe:

• Calories: 680
• Total Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 142mg
• Sodium: 1160mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 38g

Please note that this nutritional breakdown is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and the size of the patties.

Fun Facts:

1. Origin of the Name: The name “patty melt” is derived from the combination of “patty” (referring to the ground beef patty) and “melt” (referring to the melted cheese and the grilling process).
2. Diner Classic: The patty melt is often associated with classic American diners, where it has been a popular menu item for decades. Its simple yet flavorful combination has made it a timeless favorite.
3. Rye Bread Tradition: While rye bread is the traditional choice for patty melts, other types of bread can be used as well, such as sourdough or whole wheat. The key is to select bread that can hold up to the fillings and grilling process.
4. Cheese Varieties: While Swiss cheese is commonly used in patty melts, American cheese is also a popular choice. However, you can experiment with different types of cheese to personalize your patty melt, such as cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
5. Caramelized Onions: Caramelized onions play a crucial role in the flavor profile of a patty melt. The slow cooking process allows the onions to become sweet, tender, and golden brown, adding a rich and savory taste to the sandwich.
6. Regional Variations: Different regions across the United States have put their own spins on the patty melt. For example, in Texas, you might find a “Texas melt” that includes jalapeños or spicy barbecue sauce.
7. Modern Twists: While the classic patty melt follows a traditional recipe, many modern variations have emerged. Some people experiment with different meats (like turkey or veggie patties), add bacon or mushrooms, or incorporate unique sauces and spreads.
8. Versatile Pairings: Patty melts can be paired with various sides and accompaniments, such as French fries, coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or even a cup of tomato soup for dipping.
9. Pop Culture References: The patty melt has made appearances in popular culture. It has been featured on television shows like “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and has even inspired songs, such as “Patty Melt” by R&B artist Omar Apollo.
10. National Patty Melt Day: Patty melt enthusiasts have designated March 18th as National Patty Melt Day in the United States, celebrating this iconic sandwich.
11. These fun facts highlight the cultural significance and versatility of the patty melt, showcasing its enduring popularity and delicious appeal.

The sandwich is a work of art. It deserves a painter’s palate of ingredients to make it sing.”

– Anthony Bourdain

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