Classic Patty Melt Recipe
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Are you looking for a yummy meal that’s quick and easy to make? The classic patty melt might be just what you need! This tasty sandwich takes only 35 minutes to prepare and cook. It combines juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and crispy rye bread for a satisfying meal that serves three.
You’ll love how simple it is to put together. Just mix up the beef with some spices, cook the patties, and assemble your sandwiches with cheese and a special sauce. The result is a hot, gooey sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Give this patty melt recipe a try next time you want something delicious without too much fuss in the kitchen!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make 3 delicious classic patty melts:
Bread and Cheese:
- 6 slices rye bread
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices Provolone cheese
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon real bacon bits
- 1 teaspoon sweet relish
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
Other:
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. The softened butter will make it easier to spread on the bread slices.
Remember to adjust the amounts if you want to make more or fewer servings. This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to tweak it to your liking!
Instructions
Start by buttering one side of each rye bread slice. Set them aside.
Mix the ground beef with pepper, salt, and onion powder in a bowl. Shape this into 3 patties that match your bread size.
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side. Lower the heat and cook for 5 more minutes until they’re brown all through.
Check each patty with a thermometer. They should reach 160°F (71°C).
While the patties cook, mix mayo, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar in a bowl. This is your sauce.
Heat another skillet on medium-low. Place a bread slice butter-side down.
Layer on 2 cheddar slices, a patty, and 2 provolone slices. Spread sauce on the unbuttered side of another bread slice and place it on top.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bread is lightly toasted.
Repeat this process for all 3 patty melts. Serve them hot and enjoy your tasty meal!
Possible Substitutes List
You can swap out some ingredients in this classic patty melt recipe. Here are some tasty options:
Bread:
- Sourdough
- Whole wheat
- Texas toast
Meat:
- Ground turkey
- Veggie patty
- Sliced roast beef
Cheese:
- Swiss
- American
- Pepper jack
Sauce:
- Thousand Island dressing
- Spicy mustard
- BBQ sauce
You can also try adding sliced tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. If you’re watching your calories, use low-fat cheese and lean ground beef.
For a healthier twist, grill the patty melt instead of cooking it in a skillet. This cuts down on butter and oil. You can also use a panini press if you have one.
Remember, these are just ideas. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect patty melt!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this patty melt recipe more diabetes-friendly, you can try these changes:
Use whole grain rye bread instead of regular rye bread. Whole grains have more fiber and a lower glycemic index.
Replace half the ground beef with ground turkey. This lowers the fat content while keeping the protein.
Skip the butter on the bread. Instead, use a light cooking spray on the pan to toast it.
Choose reduced-fat cheese options. Look for cheeses with 2% milk fat or less.
Make these swaps in the sauce:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo
- Pick sugar-free ketchup
- Skip the sugar completely
Add extra veggies like sliced tomatoes or spinach. They add nutrients without many carbs.
Watch your portion size. Stick to one patty melt per meal and pair it with a side salad.
These tweaks cut calories and carbs while keeping the classic patty melt taste you love. Remember to check with your doctor about how this fits into your meal plan.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best patty melt, use high-quality ground beef with about 20% fat content. This keeps your patties juicy and flavorful.
Try different cheese combinations. Swiss and American are tasty options alongside cheddar and provolone.
Don’t rush the cooking process. Low and slow is key for perfectly caramelized onions.
Press down gently on the sandwich while it cooks. This helps melt the cheese and creates a crispy exterior.
To store leftovers, wrap each patty melt tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This maintains the crispy bread texture better than microwaving.
Freeze uncooked patties for future use. Place wax paper between them and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Make extra sauce and keep it in the fridge. It’s great for dipping fries or spreading on other sandwiches too!