Grilled Cheese Patty Melts Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, look no further than Grilled Cheese Patty Melts. This recipe brings together two beloved classics: the grilled cheese sandwich and a juicy burger. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a casual family dinner, or even a weekend lunch. Combining tender beef patties with oozy melted cheese and golden-brown crispy bread, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make with a handful of pantry staples!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Grilled Cheese Patty Melts recipe is a hit for several reasons:

• Quick and easy: You can have these delicious sandwiches ready in under 30 minutes.
• Simple ingredients: Most of the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen—ground beef, cheese, bread, and butter.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like sautéed onions or pickles for extra flavor.
• Kid-friendly: Who doesn’t love a melty grilled cheese and a juicy burger? It’s the perfect combination for picky eaters.

Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner or something fun for a weekend treat, this recipe will hit the spot.

Ingredients for Grilled Cheese Patty Melts

Here’s what you’ll need to make three Grilled Cheese Patty Melts:

• 1 pound (450 g) 85% lean ground beef
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Montreal-style steak seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 6 slices white bread (you can swap for sourdough or whole grain if preferred)
• 6 slices Colby-Jack cheese (or your favorite melting cheese like cheddar or Swiss)

This recipe yields three hearty sandwiches, but you can easily scale it up if you’re feeding a larger group.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Montreal-style steak seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated but avoid overmixing to keep the beef tender. Once mixed, divide the beef mixture into three equal portions and form them into patties. The patties should be slightly larger than the bread slices since they will shrink slightly during cooking.

2. Cook the Patties

Heat a nonstick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, place the patties on the griddle and cook them for 4 to 6 minutes per side. To ensure they’re cooked thoroughly, use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, remove the patties from the griddle and set them aside.

3. Assemble the Sandwiches

While the patties are resting, butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of half of the bread slices, place a slice of cheese, followed by a burger patty, another slice of cheese, and top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.

4. Grill the Sandwiches

Using a second griddle or the same one cleaned off, heat it over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches on the griddle and cook for about 6 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for the bread to turn a beautiful golden-brown while the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make these Grilled Cheese Patty Melts, you’ll need:

• Nonstick griddle or skillet: Essential for cooking the patties and grilling the sandwiches evenly.
• Spatula: A wide one helps flip the sandwiches without breaking them.
• Instant-read thermometer: Useful for checking if the patties are cooked to a safe temperature.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt

• Don’t overwork the beef: When mixing the ground beef with seasonings, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough patties.
• Let the patties rest: After cooking, allow the patties to rest for a few minutes. This will help them retain their juices and keep the sandwiches from getting soggy.
• Low and slow for crispy bread: Cook the sandwiches over medium heat so the bread has time to get crispy without the cheese melting too quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the patties: To keep your patties juicy, avoid cooking them for too long. Aim for a medium doneness unless you prefer your burgers well done.
• Too high heat for the bread: It’s tempting to crank up the heat for a faster cook time, but this can lead to burnt bread and unmelted cheese. Keep the heat at medium to ensure even cooking.
• Skipping the butter: Buttering the bread is key to achieving that crispy, golden exterior. Don’t skimp on this step!

Variations on the Grilled Cheese Patty Melt

Feel free to get creative with your patty melts:

• Caramelized onions: Add sweet, slow-cooked onions for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms and add them between the burger and cheese for an earthy touch.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat.
• Whole-grain or sourdough bread: Swap out white bread for a heartier option like sourdough or whole grain for added texture and flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this tasty dish!), wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melty again, and the bread is crisp.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve your Grilled Cheese Patty Melts with classic sides like:

• Crispy fries: A perfect pairing for any burger.
• Coleslaw: The creamy crunch of coleslaw complements the rich flavors of the patty melt.
• Tomato soup: For a true comfort food combo, dip your patty melt into a bowl of warm tomato soup.

For drinks, consider a tall glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a sparkling soda to complement the savory richness of the sandwich.

FAQ Section

Can I make these with turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as poultry needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What type of cheese works best for patty melts?
Colby-Jack is perfect for its meltability and mild flavor, but feel free to use Swiss, cheddar, or even a sharp provolone for more intense flavor.

Can I cook these on a stovetop if I don’t have a griddle?
Absolutely! A large skillet works just as well for both the patties and the sandwiches. Just make sure to monitor the heat closely.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy yet delicious recipe for Grilled Cheese Patty Melts that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re making these for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family and don’t forget to subscribe for more mouth-watering recipes like this one!

Print