Easy Classic Patty Melt Recipe
This Easy Classic Patty Melt Recipe layers juicy seasoned beef patties, melty cheddar and Provolone, and buttery toasted rye bread with a quick tangy sauce for a cozy diner-style meal at home.
Ingredients
Patty Melt Sandwiches
- 6 slices rye bread or other sturdy sandwich bread
- 6 tablespoons butter softened for spreading
- 1 pound ground beef
- 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
Instructions
- Lay out the bread slices and generously butter one side of each piece, making sure to cover the surface all the way to the edges, then set them aside buttered-side up.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder, stirring just until the seasonings are evenly distributed through the meat.
- Divide the seasoned beef into three equal portions and shape each one into a patty that roughly matches the shape and size of your bread slices.
- Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the patties and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until nicely browned.
- Flip the patties carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the second side, then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for about 5 minutes more until cooked through.
- Check the internal temperature of each patty with a digital thermometer and make sure it reaches about 160°F (71°C) before removing them from the pan.
- While the patties finish, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and sugar in a small bowl until smooth and well combined, then set the sauce aside.
- Heat a second skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and place one buttered slice of bread in the pan, buttered-side down.
- Top the bread with two slices of cheddar cheese, one hot beef patty, and two slices of Provolone cheese.
- Spread some of the prepared sauce over the unbuttered side of a second slice of bread, then place it sauce-side down on top of the cheese to form a sandwich.
- Cook the sandwich for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese inside is fully melted.
- Repeat the toasting and assembling steps with the remaining bread, patties, cheese, and sauce to make the remaining patty melts, then serve hot.
Notes
For the best texture, keep the heat on the lower side while toasting the sandwiches so the cheese melts completely without scorching the bread. Feel free to swap in your favorite melting cheese or sturdy bread and adjust the sauce to taste.