Classic Patty Melt

When you’re craving something ultra-satisfying and timeless, nothing hits the spot like a Classic Patty Melt. It’s the perfect blend of a grilled cheese and a burger—crispy buttered rye bread, juicy beef patties, melted layers of cheddar and provolone, and a tangy homemade sauce to tie it all together.

This retro diner classic is simple to make, and trust me—it will win over everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Patty Melt

• Combines two comfort food favorites: burgers + grilled cheese
• Super melty and savory with layers of cheddar and provolone
• Homemade tangy sauce that adds flavor to every bite
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
• Easy to double for a bigger crowd!

Ingredients

For the Sandwiches:

• 6 slices rye bread
• 6 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 lb ground beef
• ¾ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• 6 slices provolone cheese

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp real bacon bits
• 1 tsp sweet relish
• 1 tsp white sugar

Instructions

1. Prep the Bread

Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Set aside.

2. Form the Patties

In a bowl, mix ground beef with pepper, salt, and onion powder. Shape into 3 patties to match the size of your bread.

3. Cook the Patties

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for 2–3 minutes per side. Then reduce heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through (internal temp: 160°F/71°C).

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar. Stir until well-blended. Set aside.

5. Assemble the Melts

In a clean skillet over medium-low heat, place one slice of bread (butter side down). Add 2 slices cheddar, one cooked patty, then 2 slices provolone. Spread sauce on the unbuttered side of a second bread slice and place it sauce-side down on top.

6. Grill the Sandwiches

Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden and crisp, and cheese is fully melted.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, and slice if desired. Serve warm with fries or a pickle!

Storage Tips

• Best enjoyed fresh—reheating can make the bread soggy
• Store any leftover patties separately in an airtight container
• Reheat patties in a skillet or oven before assembling another melt

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with crispy sweet potato fries or onion rings
• A side of coleslaw or a crunchy dill pickle
• Pair with an ice-cold cola or root beer float for diner vibes

Final Thoughts

This Classic Patty Melt is comfort food at its finest—melty, beefy, cheesy, and packed with nostalgic flavor. It’s everything you love about a grilled cheese and a burger in one glorious sandwich. The tangy sauce brings it all together and adds a touch of diner magic.

Whether it’s your first time making one or your fiftieth, this is a recipe that never goes out of style.

The Goods

Classic Patty Melt

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Juicy patties, melted cheese, and tangy sauce between crispy rye bread. This patty melt is pure comfort in every bite!

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Recipes

For the Sandwiches:

• 6 slices rye bread
• 6 tbsp butter softened
• 1 lb ground beef
• ¾ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• 6 slices provolone cheese

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp real bacon bits
• 1 tsp sweet relish
• 1 tsp white sugar

Instructions

Prep the Bread

• Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Set aside.

Form the Patties

• In a bowl, mix ground beef with pepper, salt, and onion powder. Shape into 3 patties to match the size of your bread.

Cook the Patties

• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for 2–3 minutes per side. Then reduce heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through (internal temp: 160°F/71°C).

Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar. Stir until well-blended. Set aside.

Assemble the Melts

• In a clean skillet over medium-low heat, place one slice of bread (butter side down). Add 2 slices cheddar, one cooked patty, then 2 slices provolone. Spread sauce on the unbuttered side of a second bread slice and place it sauce-side down on top.

Grill the Sandwiches

• Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden and crisp, and cheese is fully melted.

Serve & Enjoy

• Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, and slice if desired. Serve warm with fries or a pickle!