Craving a delicious sandwich that combines the gooey goodness of a grilled cheese with the hearty flavor of a burger? Look no further than these Grilled Cheese Patty Melts! A patty melt is essentially a juicy beef patty sandwiched between slices of melty cheese and toasted bread, often with caramelized onions for extra flavor. This recipe takes the best of both worlds—grilled cheese and burgers—creating a rich, savory sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you're craving something hearty and comforting. Keep reading for the step-by-step recipe, tips, and mouthwatering variations.
What Are Grilled Cheese Patty Melts?
A Grilled Cheese Patty Melt is a combination of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. It features a perfectly seasoned ground beef patty, sandwiched between slices of melted cheese and crispy, golden-buttered bread. Traditional patty melts are often served with caramelized onions, adding sweetness and texture, and sometimes include a tangy sauce for added flavor. The result is a melty, juicy, and flavorful sandwich that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients List for Grilled Cheese Patty Melts
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juicy patties)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for frying)
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough, rye, or white bread work best)
- 8 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or American cheese)
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened, for grilling the bread)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (for caramelized onions)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for caramelizing onions)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (for spreading on bread or as a dipping sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for tangy flavor)
- Pickles (for a crunchy, tangy bite)
- Thousand Island dressing (optional, for a classic patty melt sauce)
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese Options: While Swiss, cheddar, and American cheeses are classics, feel free to experiment with provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Bread Choices: Sourdough, rye, and white bread are traditional, but you can also use whole wheat, brioche, or even a seeded loaf for a twist.
- Onion Variations: Caramelized onions add sweetness, but sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, or even crispy fried onions can offer different flavors and textures.
- Sauces: If you like sauce with your patty melt, try Thousand Island dressing, spicy mustard, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently to avoid overworking the beef, which can make the patties tough.
- Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin, wide patties—about the size of the bread slices.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil or butter. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Set the patties aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions (Optional)
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized—about 15-20 minutes. You can speed up the caramelization by adding a pinch of sugar and a splash of vinegar or water if desired.
- Set the onions aside once caramelized.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side, place a slice of cheese.
- Add a beef patty on top of the cheese, followed by the caramelized onions (if using).
- Place another slice of cheese on top of the onions, then close the sandwich with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
Step 4: Cook the Grilled Cheese Patty Melts
- Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan, cooking them in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly and the bread toast to golden brown perfection.
- Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is melted, remove the patty melts from the pan and let them rest for a minute before slicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Patties: Cook the beef patties just until they reach your desired doneness to keep them juicy. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough patties.
- Burning the Bread: Be sure to cook the sandwiches over medium heat. If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
- Skipping the Butter: Buttering the bread ensures a crispy, golden exterior. Don’t skimp on the butter for that classic grilled cheese texture and flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Patty Melts
Patty melts are hearty and filling, so they’re great served on their own or with simple sides like French fries, potato chips, or a green salad. You can also serve the sandwiches with a small bowl of Thousand Island dressing, mustard, or ketchup for dipping.
Presentation Ideas for Patty Melts
- Cut in Half: Slice the patty melts in half diagonally for easy eating and a classic presentation.
- Serve with Pickles: Add a few pickles on the side or even inside the sandwich for a tangy crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy flavors.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a fresh pop of color, sprinkle a little chopped parsley or cilantro over the sandwiches before serving.
Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can cook the beef patties and caramelize the onions ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
- Crispy Toast: For extra crispy bread, try brushing the bread with mayonnaise instead of butter before grilling. It gives a perfectly golden, crunchy finish.
- Double the Cheese: For the ultimate cheesy melt, use two different kinds of cheese—one layer of cheddar and one layer of Swiss or mozzarella for extra gooey goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this recipe without onions?
Absolutely! While caramelized onions add a great flavor, you can omit them or replace them with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or even crispy bacon.
3. What kind of bread is best for patty melts?
Sourdough and rye bread are traditional for patty melts because of their sturdy texture and flavor. However, white bread, whole wheat, or even brioche can work well, depending on your preference.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover patty melts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
5. Can I make these patty melts on a grill?
Yes, you can grill the beef patties on an outdoor grill and then assemble the sandwiches. Afterward, you can cook the assembled patty melts on a griddle or skillet to toast the bread and melt the cheese.
Conclusion
These Grilled Cheese Patty Melts are the perfect combination of a juicy burger and a classic grilled cheese sandwich, making them a crowd-pleaser for any meal. With crispy, golden bread, melty cheese, and seasoned beef, this sandwich offers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you add caramelized onions, tangy pickles, or a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing, these patty melts are easy to customize to your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food mashup!
PrintGrilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe
This grilled cheese patty melts recipe features juicy beef patties, gooey melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all sandwiched between crispy, golden bread. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these melts are the ultimate comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwich
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Onion (sliced)
- Butter
- Cheddar cheese (sliced)
- Swiss cheese (sliced)
- Rye or sourdough bread
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then shape into patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the beef patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the sliced onions until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble each sandwich: place a slice of cheddar and Swiss cheese on the unbuttered side of one bread slice, top with a beef patty, some caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top with another slice of bread, butter side out.
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add sautéed mushrooms or bacon for extra flavor.
- For a spicy kick, use pepper jack cheese or add jalapeños.
- Serve with a side of fries or pickles for a classic diner-style meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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