Cheesy Patty Melt
Indulge in a Cheesy Patty Melt, a classic sandwich brimming with juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and a tangy secret sauce. Built on buttery rye bread and toasted to golden perfection, this meal is every comfort-food lover’s dream—ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings.
I first discovered the joys of a Cheesy Patty Melt on a chilly night when I needed something cozy and satisfying for dinner. As soon as the aroma of sizzling beef and melting cheese filled the kitchen, my husband and little one wandered in to see what was cooking. When they finally bit into the warm, gooey sandwich, their delighted smiles told me all I needed to know: we’d found a new family favorite. It’s been our go-to comfort meal ever since!
Why This Classic Burger Sandwich
- Double Cheese Delight: Sharp cheddar and mild provolone provide a gooey, flavorful experience.
- Rye Bread Twist: Adds a hearty, slightly tangy note that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling.
- Easy Special Sauce: A quick blend of bacon, ketchup, and relish elevates the sandwich from ordinary to crave-worthy.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this melty, savory sandwich.
- Quick to Assemble: Simple steps take you from raw ingredients to dinner on the table in no time.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust seasoning or add toppings like sautéed onions or pickles to suit everyone’s preference.
- Golden, Crispy Finish: Toasted rye forms the perfect crunchy exterior against the soft, cheesy center.
- Portable & Fun: Great for game nights, casual get-togethers, or even a comforting solo meal.
What You Need To Make This Cheesy Patty Melt (Makes 3 melts)
For the Patty Melts
- Ground Beef (1 lb / ~450g)
- 80/20 blend recommended for a juicy, flavorful patty.
- Rye Bread (6 slices)
- Provides a sturdy base and distinctive taste.
- Onion Powder (½ tsp)
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Cheddar Cheese (6 slices)
- Delivers sharp, tangy cheese pull.
- Provolone Cheese (6 slices)
- Adds a creamy, mild counterpoint to cheddar.
- Butter (6 tbsp, softened)
- Spread on bread for a crisp, golden finish.
For the Sauce
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup)
- The rich, creamy foundation.
- Bacon Pieces (2 tbsp, chopped)
- Crispy, smoky element that boosts flavor.
- Ketchup (3 tbsp)
- Brings subtle sweetness and a hint of tang.
- Sugar (1 tsp)
- Balances the savory ingredients.
- Relish (1 tsp)
- Adds a tart, pickled note that contrasts the rich cheese and beef.
Steps To Make Classic Burger Sandwich
- Shape & Season Patties
- Divide ground beef into three equal portions.
- Shape each into a patty matching the size of your bread slices.
- Sprinkle both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Patties
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook patties for about 4–5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, chopped bacon, ketchup, sugar, and relish.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
- Toast the Bread(Optional but recommended)
- Spread butter on one side of each rye bread slice.
- In a clean skillet over medium heat, place buttered bread butter-side down until it’s lightly golden.
- Flip each slice and toast briefly on the other side.
- Assemble & Melt
- Place three slices of bread, buttered side down (if not pre-toasted) in the skillet.
- Layer with provolone slices, a cooked patty, cheddar slices, and a spoonful of the sauce on the top slice of bread (inside facing the cheese).
- Press gently and cook until the bottom is golden. Flip carefully and cook until the second side is golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve Hot
- Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board, slice diagonally if desired, and enjoy while the cheese is oozy and delicious!
Tip
Toast Bread Separately
For an extra-crisp sandwich, lightly toast both sides of each bread slice before assembling. This prevents sogginess and intensifies the buttery crunch that pairs so well with the melted cheese and juicy patty.
A Cheesy Patty Melt effortlessly merges the best of grilled cheese and a classic burger. With two kinds of cheese, a succulent beef patty, and a tangy bacon-infused sauce, it guarantees mouthwatering satisfaction every time. When you need a comforting, flavor-packed meal, look no further—this melt will have your family and friends coming back for seconds and savoring every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different bread?
Yes, any sturdy bread like sourdough or whole wheat can work. Rye bread adds a unique flavor, but feel free to customize.2. How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Toast the bread lightly, cook the patties thoroughly, and don’t overload with sauce. A medium heat ensures crisp edges.3. Can I swap out the cheeses?
Absolutely. Try Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella—just pick cheeses that melt easily.4. Best way to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for best texture.5. Gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free bread and check that your sauce ingredients are labeled GF as well.Cheesy Patty Melt
Ingredients
For the Patty Melts
Ground Beef (1 lb / ~450g)
- 80/20 blend recommended for a juicy flavorful patty.
Rye Bread (6 slices)
- Provides a sturdy base and distinctive taste.
Onion Powder (½ tsp)
Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Cheddar Cheese (6 slices)
- Delivers sharp tangy cheese pull.
Provolone Cheese (6 slices)
- Adds a creamy mild counterpoint to cheddar.
Butter (6 tbsp, softened)
- Spread on bread for a crisp golden finish.
For the Sauce
Mayonnaise (¼ cup)
- The rich creamy foundation.
Bacon Pieces (2 tbsp, chopped)
- Crispy smoky element that boosts flavor.
Ketchup (3 tbsp)
- Brings subtle sweetness and a hint of tang.
Sugar (1 tsp)
- Balances the savory ingredients.
Relish (1 tsp)
- Adds a tart pickled note that contrasts the rich cheese and beef.
Instructions
Shape & Season Patties
- Divide ground beef into three equal portions.
- Shape each into a patty matching the size of your bread slices.
- Sprinkle both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Patties
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook patties for about 4–5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, chopped bacon, ketchup, sugar, and relish.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
Toast the Bread (Optional but recommended)
- Spread butter on one side of each rye bread slice.
- In a clean skillet over medium heat, place buttered bread butter-side down until it’s lightly golden.
- Flip each slice and toast briefly on the other side.
Assemble & Melt
- Place three slices of bread, buttered side down (if not pre-toasted) in the skillet.
- Layer with provolone slices, a cooked patty, cheddar slices, and a spoonful of the sauce on the top slice of bread (inside facing the cheese).
- Press gently and cook until the bottom is golden. Flip carefully and cook until the second side is golden and cheese is melted.
Serve Hot
- Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board, slice diagonally if desired, and enjoy while the cheese is oozy and delicious!
Notes
For an extra-crisp sandwich, lightly toast both sides of each bread slice before assembling. This prevents sogginess and intensifies the buttery crunch that pairs so well with the melted cheese and juicy patty.