Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe

If you love both grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers, this Grilled Cheese Patty Melts recipe is the perfect mash-up of these two comfort food classics. Picture juicy, well-seasoned beef patties sandwiched between slices of crispy, buttery bread and gooey melted cheese. To top it all off, caramelized onions add a hint of sweetness, making each bite an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. This recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy all your cravings for a cheesy, savory meal.

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What Are Grilled Cheese Patty Melts?

A Grilled Cheese Patty Melt is a hybrid of a classic grilled cheese sandwich and a hamburger. It features a seasoned beef patty, which is typically thinner than a regular burger patty, topped with melted cheese and placed between two slices of buttered bread. The sandwich is then grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted. To elevate the flavor, caramelized onions are often added, and sometimes even sautéed mushrooms or bacon. Patty melts are typically made with rye bread, Swiss or cheddar cheese, and cooked on a skillet or griddle.

Ingredients List for Grilled Cheese Patty Melts

Here’s everything you need to make delicious grilled cheese patty melts:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 or 85/15).
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons of butter, softened (for grilling the bread).
• Bread: 8 slices of bread (rye, sourdough, or your favorite type).
• Cheddar Cheese: 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or use Swiss cheese for a more traditional flavor).
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon for seasoning the beef patties.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for caramelizing the onions.
• Optional Toppings: Sautéed mushrooms, bacon, or a slice of tomato.

Substitutions and Variations for Grilled Cheese Patty Melts

Patty melts are incredibly versatile, and you can adjust the recipe to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Cheese: While cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, American, pepper jack, or provolone for added flavor.
• Bread: Rye bread is traditional, but you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or white bread depending on your preference.
• Ground Meat: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option.
• Toppings: Add sautéed mushrooms, bacon, or even a fried egg to elevate the patty melt. For a spicier version, add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Onions: If you’re not a fan of caramelized onions, you can skip them or substitute with sautéed peppers for a different twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Grilled Cheese Patty Melts

Here’s how to make these mouth-watering grilled cheese patty melts, step by step:

1. Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Shape the Beef Patties

While the onions are cooking, divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into thin patties that are slightly larger than the bread slices, as they will shrink when cooked. Season both sides of each patty with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

3. Cook the Beef Patties

In a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, cook the beef patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.

4. Butter the Bread

Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will help the bread get golden brown and crispy during grilling.

5. Assemble the Patty Melts

Place one slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of four of the bread slices. Place a beef patty on top of each slice of cheese, followed by a generous amount of caramelized onions. Add a second slice of cheese on top of the onions, and then place another slice of bread on top, buttered-side up.

6. Grill the Patty Melts

Heat the same skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches onto the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. Press down gently with a spatula while cooking to help everything meld together.

7. Serve

Once the patty melts are golden and crispy, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing in half. Serve hot, with your favorite sides like fries, chips, or a side salad.

How to Cook Grilled Cheese Patty Melts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your grilled cheese patty melts turn out perfectly every time:

1. Cook the Onions Low and Slow: Caramelized onions add an amazing depth of flavor to patty melts, but they require patience. Cook them slowly over medium-low heat to draw out their natural sweetness.
2. Shape the Patties Thin: Since patty melts are more sandwich than burger, the patties should be thinner than typical burger patties. This ensures they cook quickly and fit well in the sandwich.
3. Grill at Medium Heat: Don’t rush the grilling process. Cook the sandwiches over medium heat to ensure the bread gets crispy without burning, and the cheese has time to melt fully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Grilled Cheese Patty Melts

To make sure your patty melts turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Cooking Over High Heat: If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt. Cook over medium heat for the best results.
• Not Letting the Onions Cook Long Enough: Caramelized onions take time to develop their sweetness. Don’t rush the process—cook them slowly for at least 15 minutes.
• Using Cold Cheese: Cold cheese won’t melt as quickly, so if possible, let your cheese come to room temperature before assembling the sandwiches. This will help the cheese melt more evenly.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Grilled Cheese Patty Melts

Grilled cheese patty melts are a hearty and satisfying meal on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top of the patty melts for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a side of ketchup, mustard, or even a spicy aioli for dipping your patty melts.
• Sides: Serve with a side of crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a simple salad to balance out the richness of the sandwich.

How to Serve Grilled Cheese Patty Melts

Here are a few side dishes and accompaniments that pair well with grilled cheese patty melts:

• French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic pairing. You can serve regular fries, sweet potato fries, or even homemade potato wedges.
• Pickles: A crunchy dill pickle or pickled jalapeños on the side add a refreshing, tangy bite to balance the richness of the sandwich.
• Salad: A simple green salad or coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice contrast to the buttery, cheesy goodness of the patty melt.

Presentation Ideas for Grilled Cheese Patty Melts

• Rustic Style: Serve the patty melts on a wooden cutting board for a casual, rustic presentation.
• Mini Patty Melts: Make smaller versions of the patty melts by using slider buns or cutting the bread into smaller portions. These are great for parties or appetizers.
• Cheese Pull: When you slice the patty melt in half, show off the cheesy goodness by making sure the cheese has that irresistible melt and stretch!

Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef patties and caramelized onions ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to cook.
• Add Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy patty melt, add an additional slice of cheese on each side of the patty.
• Crispy Edges: If you want extra crispy edges, press down on the sandwich with a spatula as it grills, or use a cast-iron skillet to weigh down the sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make patty melts ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the beef patties and caramelize the onions in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to cook. Just reheat the patties before assembling.

What kind of bread is best for patty melts?
Rye bread is the classic choice, but you can also use sourdough, whole wheat, or white bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the fillings.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can use cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or any other cheese that melts well.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. Just be sure to season it well and cook it thoroughly.

Conclusion

Grilled Cheese Patty Melts combine the best of both worlds: the gooey, crispy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich and the savory satisfaction of a burger. This easy recipe delivers a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual get-together. With buttery bread, juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, this sandwich is full of flavor and texture in every bite. Try this recipe today and enjoy the ultimate fusion of two all-time favorite comfort foods!

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