There are few things more satisfying than a good Patty Melt. It combines everything people love about a burger and a grilled cheese into one incredible sandwich. A juicy beef patty is layered with caramelized onions and melted cheese, then tucked between thick slices of toasted bread. Each bite is rich, savory, and perfectly comforting. If you want to turn it into a full diner-style meal, serve it with a batch of homemade Air Fryer French Fries on the side.
Patty Melt: The Best of a Burger and a Grilled Cheese
If you have ever struggled to decide between a burger or a grilled cheese, the patty melt solves that problem beautifully. It delivers the hearty flavor of a seasoned beef patty while still leaning into the melty, buttery goodness of a grilled sandwich. Caramelized onions bring a deep sweetness that balances the savory beef and cheese, making every bite feel a little indulgent.
Another reason people love patty melts is how customizable they are. While the classic version is hard to beat, you can easily switch up the bread or cheese to create a version that fits your taste.
Ingredients and Substitution Ideas
The Beef
For the most flavorful and juicy burger, look for ground beef with a little fat, such as an 80/20 blend. The extra fat helps keep the patty tender and adds richness as it cooks. Ground chuck works well, but ground sirloin can also be used if you prefer a slightly leaner option.
The Bread
Texas toast is a great choice because the thick slices hold up well to the juicy patty and melted cheese. That said, rye bread is actually the more traditional option for a patty melt and gives the sandwich a slightly deeper flavor. Rustic Bread or homemade Sourdough Bread. are also great choices if you prefer something with a little more texture.
The Mayo Trick
Spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread might sound unusual, but it is a simple trick that makes a big difference. Mayo helps create a beautifully golden crust while keeping the bread from burning. It also adds a subtle richness that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese.
Patty Melt Storage
Patty melts are best enjoyed fresh while the bread is crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted. If you have leftovers, allow the sandwiches to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the patty melt in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through and the bread becomes crisp again. You can also reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the bread soft rather than crisp.
Patty Melt
Ingredients
PATTY MELT
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices mild cheddar cheese
- 8 slices Texas toast
- â…“ cup mayonnaise, divided, homemade or store-bought
AIOLI
- â…“ cup mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
Instructions
PATTY MELT
- Heat a medium non-stick pan over medium-low heat and melt butter.
- Add onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, approximately 20 minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent to keep warm.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form 4 square patties, slightly larger than the bread and approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel and place over medium-high heat. Cook the patties in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove patties from the skillet and set aside.
AIOLI
- In a small bowl, prepare the aioli by mixing together mayonnaise, lemon juice, pepper, garlic, parsley, and ketchup.
ASSEMBLY
- On 4 slices of Texas toast, spread approximately 1 tablespoon of aioli each. Place a slice of cheese, a hamburger patty, ¼ of the onions, and another slice of cheese on top. Complete the sandwich with a second slice of Texas toast.
- Spread 1-2 teaspoons of mayonnaise on the top slice of each sandwich.
- Wipe out the pan and set the heat to medium. Add sandwiches to the pan, mayo side down, in batches of two. Place a weighted pan on top to hold the sandwiches firmly in the pan.
- Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove the weighted pan, spread 1-2 teaspoons of mayonnaise on the top slice of each sandwich, and flip. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve.
