The Patty Melt is an American grilled sandwich made with a beef patty, melted cheese (usually Swiss), and caramelized onions between two slices of rye bread.
The sandwich typically consists of caraway-seeded rye or marbled rye bread, although in some regions – like the Southern states – sourdough bread or Texas toast is used.
It is generally prepared without condiments or garnishes, using a flattop grill, where all ingredients are cooked simultaneously, similar to Japanese teppanyaki.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Stovetop, Grill
- Cuisine: American
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 8 slices rye bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar)
- 2 onions
- to taste butter
- 1.1 lbs ground beef
- to taste salt and pepper
Tools
- 1 Griddle Flattop grill
Steps
Caramelize the onions on a flat grill (or pan) with butter, adding water if necessary. Season with salt and cook for about 30 minutes.
In the same grill, or pan, melt more butter, add the beef, and shape it to match the slice of bread. Add salt and pepper.
Cook for 2 minutes on each side.
On the same grill, toast the bread slices in butter, assemble the sandwich (on the grill) with cheese, beef, onion, cheese.
Melt the cheese and serve cut in half.
Cheeseburger Variant
The Patty Melt is often described as a variant of the traditional cheeseburger, accompanied by fried onions and served on sliced bread instead of a bun, or as a variation of a “grilled cheese” that includes hamburger and fried onions.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What is Texas Toast?
Texas toast is a toasted bread typically made with slices cut twice the usual thickness of packaged bread.
It’s prepared by spreading butter on both sides of the bread and cooking it until it becomes slightly golden.
Garlic is commonly added to the butter, making it a type of garlic bread.
It may include cheese on one or both sides, similar to an open-faced grilled cheese sandwich.
Popular in Texas and neighboring states, Texas toast is often served as a side with Southern-style dishes, like fried chicken, fried catfish, or barbecue.
Thick-sliced bread sold for making Texas toast can be used similarly to regular sliced bread and is particularly suitable for dishes containing liquids or where extra thickness could improve the result, such as for the French croque monsieur.
Although most varieties sold for Texas toast are white bread, whole grain varieties also exist.
Frozen Texas toast brands are also popular, with bestsellers including New York Brand by T. Marzetti Company, Pepperidge Farm and Coles.
