Randy Chandler
Patty melts are an iconic diner-style sandwich that combines ground beef patties, cheese, and caramelized onions. The classic choice of bread is rye, and the most traditional cheese is Swiss. However, you can also use American, cheddar, or provolone cheese. This sandwich became popular in the late 1940s and is known for its gooey cheese and juicy beef.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Swiss, Provolone, American, Cheddar |
| Texture | Gooey, oozy, melted |
| Quantity | 2-3 slices |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese is the most traditional
The origins of the patty melt can be traced back to the late 1940s and Tiny Naylor, the owner of Biff’s Drive-Ins and Tiny Naylor Coffee Shop restaurants in California. The original patty melt was a beef patty served between two slices of rye bread. Over time, the recipe evolved to include Swiss cheese, which is now considered a traditional component.
Swiss cheese is a versatile choice for patty melts as it pairs well with other ingredients commonly used in the sandwich, such as the beef patty, onions, and bread. It has a decent flavour and relatively good meltability, contributing to the desired gooey texture of the sandwich.
While Swiss cheese is the most traditional option, it is not the only cheese that can be used in patty melts. Some variations of the recipe suggest using provolone, cheddar, American cheese, or a combination of different cheeses to suit individual tastes and preferences. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference, and experimentation with different cheeses can lead to unique and delicious patty melt creations.
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But American, cheddar, or provolone are also good
Swiss cheese is the most popular choice for patty melts, but American, cheddar, or provolone are also good options. If you're looking for something a little different, you could try pepper jack or Monterey jack.
Patty melts are a beautiful, luscious, delicious cross between grilled cheese sandwiches and hamburgers. They're made with sliced bread, like rye or standard white or wheat sandwich bread, and are griddled in butter so the bread gets nice and toasty and the cheese melts.
While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, you can use any cheese you like. If you're feeling creative, try experimenting with different types of cheese or sauces to find your perfect combination.
American cheese, for example, has a gooey, oozy quality that can take your patty melt to the next level. It melts beautifully and can add a delicious, creamy texture to your sandwich.
Cheddar cheese is another excellent option for a patty melt. It has a slightly sharper flavour than Swiss or American cheese, adding a nice tang to the sandwich.
Provolone is also a tasty choice, with a mild flavour and excellent melting properties. It can add a lovely, creamy texture to your patty melt.
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You can use shreds or slices
When it comes to making patty melts, you can use shredded or sliced cheese. While Swiss cheese is the most popular option, you can also use other types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, American, or pepper jack.
If you're using sliced cheese, the general consensus is to use two slices of cheese per sandwich. Start by placing a slice of bread in your skillet, topping it with a slice of cheese, followed by a patty, some caramelized onions, and then another slice of cheese. Finally, top it off with a second slice of bread, buttered side up.
On the other hand, if you prefer shredded cheese, simply sprinkle a generous amount over the bread before adding the patty and onions. Again, you can use Swiss cheese or any of the suggested alternatives. Just make sure to use enough cheese to get that gooey, oozy texture that makes patty melts so delicious.
Regardless of whether you use shreds or slices, the key to a perfect patty melt is taking your time and allowing the cheese to melt slowly. This will ensure that all the flavours come together harmoniously. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food!
Remember, the beauty of a patty melt is that you can make it your own. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and find the combination that suits your taste buds. Happy cooking!
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Use thick slices of bread to hold the sandwich together
When making a patty melt, it's important to use thick slices of bread to hold the sandwich together. This is because the sandwich has a lot of fillings, such as beef patties, caramelized onions, and cheese, which can make the sandwich quite heavy. Using thick slices of bread will also help to ensure that the sandwich stays together while it's being grilled or toasted.
There are a few different types of bread that can be used for patty melts, but the classic choice is rye bread. Seeded or seedless rye bread can be used, and it can be toasted before assembling the sandwich. Other options include sourdough bread, Texas toast, or simply standard white or wheat sandwich bread.
To assemble a patty melt, spread a layer of butter on the outside of each slice of bread. This will help to give the bread a golden-brown colour and a crispy texture when grilled or toasted. It also ensures that the sandwich holds together while cooking. Next, add a slice of cheese, followed by a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Finally, top it off with another slice of bread, buttered-side up.
Once the sandwich is assembled, it can be grilled or toasted in a skillet or on a griddle over medium to medium-low heat. It's important to cook the sandwich slowly to prevent the butter from burning and to allow the bread to develop an even, golden-brown colour. Covering the skillet or griddle with aluminium foil can also help to ensure even cooking.
Using thick slices of bread will help to create a sturdy base for the patty melt, ensuring that it stays together during assembly and cooking, and providing a satisfying texture when bitten into. So, don't skimp on the bread thickness when making this delicious sandwich!
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Toast the bread on both sides to help melt the cheese
To make a classic patty melt, you'll need caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, burger patties, and toasted bread. While Swiss cheese is the standard choice, you can also use provolone, cheddar, or American cheese.
To toast the bread on both sides and help melt the cheese, you can use a skillet, oven, or stovetop. Here are the steps for each method:
Skillet Method:
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place the slices of bread, buttered side down, in a preheated skillet over medium or medium-low heat.
- Once the bottom side is browned, butter the other side of the bread and flip it over.
- Cook until the second side is browned and the cheese is melted.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to between 350°F and 400°F.
- Place the slices of bread on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Broil the bread for 1 minute or until golden brown.
- Flip the bread and broil for another 20-30 seconds or until the second side is toasted.
- Keep a close eye on the bread to prevent burning.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Drizzle olive oil or spread butter onto the pan.
- Place the slices of bread in the skillet and toast until golden brown on both sides.
By toasting the bread on both sides, you not only add a crispy texture to your patty melt but also help melt the cheese, creating a gooey and delicious sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese is the most traditional cheese to use for patty melts.
Yes, you can also use American, cheddar, provolone, or fontina cheese.
This is up to you and your preference. You can use one slice per patty melt or double the cheese.
Rye bread is the classic choice for patty melts. You can also use sourdough bread or Texas toast.
Aside from the cheese and bread, patty melts include beef patties, onions, butter, and sauce.
