Classic Patty Melt – Experience the embrace of a timeless Classic Patty Melt, a recipe that artfully combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, Swiss cheese, and a zesty dressing nestled between slices of perfectly toasted, buttery bread. This quintessential American main course holds a place, in my kitchen as it not only satiates hunger but also transports us back to simpler times filled with warmth and nostalgia. Allow me to share with you this masterpiece where the essence of tradition intertwines, with the joy of homemade cooking.
On that evening when I first prepared this Classic Patty Melt, our home was enveloped in an inviting scent of caramelized onions and sizzling beef. The anticipation shimmered in my husband’s eyes as he eagerly awaited his bite. However, the true surprise arrived when my selective child took a mouthful their eyes widening with delight while proclaiming it an instant favorite. Since that occasion this recipe has transcended mere sustenance; it has become a cherished family memory—a symbol of love and comfort.
What makes this Classic Patty Melt truly special?
What sets apart the Classic Patty Melt is its dressing—a fusion of mayonnaise, ketchup, and carefully selected spices infusing each bite with its own distinct flavor profile. Its versatility truly shines when it comes to selecting the type of bread; whether you prefer the flavor of rye or the tangy sourness of sourdough each imparts its unique character to the melt. Moreover, this recipe is incredibly flexible. Can be easily adjusted to your liking. While Baby Swiss cheese provides a milder and creamier taste feel free to explore types of cheese that suit your palate. Adding pickles as an option brings a crunch transforming every bite into a gastronomic experience. This patty melt transcends being a sandwich; it becomes a pathway, to indulging in comforting food bliss.
What You Need To Make This Classic Patty Melt Recipe?
Mayonnaise: The type of mayonnaise you choose can make a difference. Personally, I prefer Dukes because of its rich texture. Feel free to explore other brands or even try making your own for a unique touch.
Ketchup: It adds a blend of sweetness and tanginess that perfectly complements the mayonnaise. Opting for a high-quality ketchup will guarantee the flavor.
Grated Onion: This little secret ingredient infuses the dressing with an aromatic taste. When you grate the onion it releases its juices which seamlessly blend into the dressing.
Sweet Pickle Relish: Don’t limit this ingredient to dogs! In this recipe adding relish brings in sweetness. Creates an enjoyable contrast, in texture resulting in layers of flavor within the dressing.
Smoked Paprika: Just a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness that enriches the depth of flavors in the sandwich.
Onions: Caramelizing them to perfection is what gives this melt its heartwarming touch. Cooking them until they turn brown brings out their sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the savory beef.
Ground Beef: Undoubtedly it’s the shining star. Choosing high-quality beef with a fat content ensures that you end up with a flavorsome patty.
Spices, like salt, pepper, and garlic powder play a role in enhancing the flavors of the beef without being too overwhelming.
Worcestershire Sauce: The Worcestershire sauce brings a savory taste to the beef patties making them stand out from the ordinary and become extraordinary.
Bread Choice (Rye or Sourdough): When it comes to choosing bread you have two options; rye or sourdough. Rye bread adds a flavor while sourdough gives a subtle tanginess. Both choices offer a contrast in texture when combined with the melt.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is a choice as its mildness allows it to melt beautifully adding creamy and gooey goodness to each bite. Its subtle flavor acts as a complement, rather than overpowering the ingredients.
Butter: Butter is used to cook the sandwich providing a crispness that enriches it with a buttery finish.
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Optional Pickles: For those seeking a kick and crunch optional pickles can take this sandwich to new heights of deliciousness.
Steps To Make Classic Patty Melt:
Step 1: Start by mixing together mayonnaise, ketchup, onion, pickle relish, and paprika in a bowl to create a dressing.
Step 2: Next melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in a skillet, over medium-high heat. Cook the onions until they turn a brown color stirring occasionally. This step will give the onions a caramelized taste.
Step 3: Combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Shape the mixture into four patties. Cook the patties in the preheated skillet until they reach your desired level of doneness and develop a crust.
Step 4: To assemble the sandwiches; generously spread the dressing on each slice of bread. Place a slice of cheese on top then add caramelized onions and one beef patty on half of them. Finally, complete the sandwiches by placing another slice of bread on top.
Step 5: Now it’s time to cook the sandwiches. Butter the sides. Cook them in the skillet, over medium-low heat. Flip them once when their bottom side turns brown to ensure that both sides become crispy and that the cheese melts perfectly. Covering the skillet during this process can be helpful.
Tip:
To construct the patty, for your Classic Patty Melt, it’s crucial to concentrate on how you shape and cook the beef. When shaping your patties try to assemble them slightly larger than your bread portions because they tend to shrink a tad during cooking. A practical tip is to use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each patty before cooking. This prevents them from puffing up in the middle. Guarantees that they cook evenly fitting perfectly on your bread. Also, avoid using a spatula to press down on the patties while they’re cooking as this will cause the flavorful juices to be squeezed out resulting in less flavor and moisture. By learning the technique of assembling patties you’ll take your Classic Patty Melt from being simply delicious, to gourmet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Sure you’re more, than welcome to try a variety of cheese if you’d like. You could even test with cheddar or provolone as they complement the flavors nicely.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier consider using ground beef and opting for grain bread. Additionally, you could select a cheese option to lessen the overall low-fat content.
What can I serve with the Classic Patty Melt?
For a pairing with the Classic Patty Melt, I suggest serving it alongside some crispy fries or a refreshing green salad. It counts a balance to the melt’s tastes.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Classic Patty Melt
Ingredients
- 1/2 c mayonnaise Dukes preferred
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp grated onion
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 large onion cut in half and then sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 8 slices rye bread or sourdough
- 8 thick slices Swiss cheese preferably Baby Swiss
- Butter for cooking
- Pickles optional, for serving
Instructions
- To make the dressing mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, grated onions, pickle relish and paprika in a bowl. Set it aside.
- Next caramelize the onions by melting some butter in a skillet, over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they turn brown. Remove them from the skillet. Set them aside.
- Now let's prepare the patties. Combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Shape the mixture into four patties.
- Using the skillet cook the patties over medium heat until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
- To assemble the sandwiches spread the dressing on each slice of bread. Place a slice of cheese on top of each slice. Then add caramelized onions and one beef patty to four of the slices. Finally, top each sandwich with another slice of bread.
- For grilling purposes butter both sides of each sandwich. Grill them in a skillet over medium-low heat until both sides are deliciously golden brown and the cheese has melted to perfection. If desired you can cover the skillet, with foil to help melt the cheese easily.
- Now it's time to sit back and savor your mouthwatering Classic Patty Melt! Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
