Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe

Juicy Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe for Burger Lovers

Melted cheese and juicy beef create a mouthwatering magic in this irresistible grilled cheese patty melts recipe that combines classic diner flavors with homemade comfort.

Crispy bread embraces tender, seasoned ground beef in a delectable sandwich that promises pure indulgence.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and gooey interior.

Caramelized onions add a sweet depth to the savory meat and melted cheese.

Rich, golden-brown bread seals in all the delicious ingredients with a satisfying crunch.

This hearty meal transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience.

You’ll want to make this comfort food classic again and again.

Patty Melt Ingredient Breakdown

Meat Mixture:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful base that provides the hearty protein for the patty melt.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green flavor to the beef.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that brings depth and aromatic notes to the meat mixture.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that enhances the savory characteristics of the beef.
  • Montreal-Style Steak Seasoning: A robust spice blend that adds complex flavor to the burger patty.
Bread and Cheese:
  • Bread Slices: A classic sandwich foundation that becomes crispy and golden when grilled.
  • Butter: Helps create a rich, golden-brown exterior on the bread.
  • Cheese Slices: A creamy ingredient that melts into a gooey, delicious layer between the beef and bread.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Instant-Read Thermometer: A tool to ensure the ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature.
  • Nonstick Griddle or Large Skillet: The cooking surface that allows for even heat distribution and easy patty preparation.

How to Make a Grilled Cheese Patty Melt

How to Make a Grilled Cheese Patty Melt

Step 1: Blend Burger Mixture

Create a flavor-packed beef mixture by combining ground beef with fresh herbs and zesty seasonings.

In a mixing bowl, gently fold together:
  • Ground beef
  • Chopped parsley
  • Minced garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Montreal steak seasoning

Blend ingredients carefully to maintain meat’s tenderness.

Form three slightly oversized patties that will fit perfectly on bread slices.

Step 2: Cook Beef Patties

Fire up a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place patties onto the cooking surface.

Grill each side for 4-6 minutes, ensuring a thorough cook.

Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.

Remove patties and let them rest momentarily.

Step 3: Assemble Sandwich Layers

Prepare sandwich components by buttering one side of each bread slice.

On the unbuttered side, layer cheese, cooked beef patty, another cheese slice, and top with second bread slice, buttered side facing outward.

Step 4: Melt and Crisp Sandwiches

Return griddle to medium heat.

Carefully place assembled sandwiches onto cooking surface.

Grill for 6-10 minutes, flipping midway to achieve a golden-brown crispy exterior and melted cheese interior.

Serve hot and enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors.

Pro Tips for Gooey Patty Melts

  • Gently combine ground beef ingredients to maintain a tender, juicy texture without making the patties tough.
  • Create patties slightly larger than bread slices to account for natural shrinkage during cooking, ensuring perfect sandwich fit.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to guarantee ground beef reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for thorough cooking.
  • Cook sandwiches at medium heat and flip carefully to achieve golden-brown bread and completely melted, gooey cheese.
  • Select fresh ground beef, high-quality cheese, and flavorful seasonings like Montreal-style steak seasoning for maximum taste impact.

Storing and Reheating Patty Melts Easily

  • Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
  • Carefully wrap each patty melt in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place a small piece of parchment paper between sandwiches to prevent sticking.
  • Unwrap the sandwich and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking midway to ensure even warming. Add a damp paper towel over the sandwich to prevent bread from becoming tough.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap sandwich in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and meat reaches desired temperature. Unwrap last 2-3 minutes to crisp bread exterior.

What to Serve with Patty Melts

  • Perfectly Paired Flavors: Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Companions
  • Craft Bold Red Wine Pairing: Robust cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel wines complement the rich beef and melted cheese, cutting through the sandwich's hearty flavors with their tannic structure and deep fruit notes.
  • Select Crisp Pickle Sidekick: Tangy dill pickles or quick pickled vegetables provide a sharp, acidic contrast that balances the sandwich's richness, cleansing the palate between savory bites and adding bright, refreshing crunch.
  • Elevate with Smoky Ale Companion: Amber or smoked craft beer enhances the grilled meat's charred elements, matching the sandwich's intense umami profile with complementary roasted malt undertones and moderate bitterness.
  • Serve Fresh Coleslaw Partner: Creamy, slightly vinegary coleslaw offers a cool, crunchy counterpoint to the warm, melty sandwich, introducing textural variety and light, zesty flavor that prevents the meal from feeling too heavy.

Patty Melt Variations to Try

  • Gluten-Free Patty Melt: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread slices, ensuring the same golden-brown texture. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for the beef seasoning and choose a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap bread with large lettuce wraps or low-carb cauliflower bread. Select high-fat cheese like aged cheddar or Swiss to maintain keto macronutrient ratios.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based protein like black bean patties or beyond meat patties. Use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and select dairy or non-dairy cheese options for melting.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Choose vegan butter or olive oil for grilling to maintain rich flavor profile while accommodating dairy restrictions.

FAQs

  • What type of ground beef works best for patty melts?

Lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content provides the best flavor and juiciness without being too greasy. The fat helps keep the patties moist and adds rich taste to the sandwich.

  • How can I prevent my burger patties from becoming tough?

Avoid overmixing the meat when combining ingredients. Gently mix just until ingredients are incorporated, and handle the meat as little as possible when forming patties. This helps keep the beef tender and prevents a dense, tough texture.

  • Can I make these patty melts ahead of time?

You can prepare the burger patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Assemble the sandwiches just before grilling to keep the bread crisp and the cheese melty. If you want to reheat, use a skillet to maintain the crispy bread texture.

  • What's the best way to check if the burger patties are fully cooked?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The patties should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they’re safely cooked through. This method is more reliable than guessing by color or cooking time.

What Makes Patty Melts So Comforting

What Makes Patty Melts So Comforting
  • Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding personal favorite seasonings, or including extra toppings like caramelized onions for a signature twist.
  • Enjoy the best of both worlds with a juicy beef patty nestled between crispy, golden-brown bread and melted cheese that creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
  • Ideal for casual gatherings, family dinners, or solo indulgence, this patty melt appeals to both kids and adults with its classic, comforting taste and simple preparation.
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Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe

Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Gooey melted cheese and caramelized onions elevate classic Grilled Cheese Patty Melts to comfort food stardom. Perfectly toasted rye bread cradles juicy beef patties, creating a nostalgic diner-style sandwich packed with irresistible flavor you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (450 g) 85% lean ground beef
  • 6 slices Colby-Jack cheese (or your favorite melting cheese like cheddar or Swiss)

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Montreal-style steak seasoning

Bread and Fat:

  • 6 slices white bread (you can swap for sourdough or whole grain if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (softened)

Instructions

  1. Blend ground beef with parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Montreal steak seasoning, mixing gently to maintain meat tenderness. Create three patties slightly larger than bread slices, anticipating slight shrinkage during cooking.
  2. Preheat griddle to medium heat. Cook patties 4-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring thorough cooking. Transfer cooked patties to resting area.
  3. Butter one side of bread slices. Layer unbuttered side with cheese, cooked patty, additional cheese, then top with second bread slice, buttered exterior facing outward.
  4. Return griddle to medium heat. Position assembled sandwiches on cooking surface, grilling 6-10 minutes total. Rotate midway to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior and completely melted cheese.

Notes

  • Avoid overmixing the ground beef to maintain a tender, juicy patty that melts in your mouth.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the patties reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F, preventing any foodborne illnesses.
  • For a lighter version, swap regular bread with whole wheat or use lettuce wraps to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the delicious essence of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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