Andy Montoya
The patty melt is a diner-style sandwich that combines ground beef patties, cheese, and caramelized onions. The type of cheese used is a matter of debate, with some sources claiming that American cheese is best, while others argue for Swiss cheese. Other types of cheese that can be used include cheddar, fontina, and provolone. The patty melt is typically served on rye bread, but other types of bread such as sourdough or brioche can also be used. This sandwich is a hearty and delicious option for anyone looking for a classic American meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Swiss, American, cheddar, fontina, provolone, pepper jack, gouda, muenster, havarti, red dragon |
| Number of slices | 2 |
| Cheese form | Shredded or sliced |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese is the most traditional
Some people prefer to use American cheese, which has better meltability and a more gooey texture. However, Swiss cheese is still the most traditional and classic option. It is often paired with dark rye bread, caramelized onions, and beef to create the perfect patty melt sandwich.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack, depending on your preference. However, Swiss cheese remains the classic and traditional choice for a delicious and authentic patty melt sandwich.
The key to a good patty melt is the combination of flavours and textures. The transition from buttery crust to melted onions, gooey cheese, and juicy beef should be seamless. Swiss cheese, with its meltability and flavour, contributes to this cohesive sensory experience.
So, while you can experiment with different cheeses, Swiss cheese is the traditional star of the show when it comes to the classic patty melt sandwich. Its unique qualities make it the perfect choice for this hearty and comforting dish.
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But American cheese melts better
While Swiss cheese is the most traditional choice for a classic patty melt, American cheese has some key advantages that make it a strong contender.
First and foremost, American cheese melts better than Swiss cheese. This is important because a key characteristic of a patty melt is the melted cheese oozing out from between the bread slices. American cheese has a higher melting point than Swiss cheese, resulting in a creamier, gooier texture that is more appealing to some palates. The superior meltability of American cheese ensures that it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a cohesive and indulgent sandwich experience.
Additionally, American cheese has a milder flavour compared to Swiss cheese, which can be advantageous for those who prefer a more subtle cheese taste. Its mild flavour allows the other ingredients in the patty melt, such as the beef patty and caramelized onions, to shine through without being overwhelmed by the cheese. This versatility makes American cheese a popular choice for those who want a balanced blend of flavours.
Some people also find that American cheese has a more appealing texture when melted. It becomes stretchy and smooth, creating a satisfying mouthfeel that enhances the overall sensory experience of eating a patty melt. This can be especially true for those who find the slightly grainy texture of melted Swiss cheese less desirable.
Furthermore, American cheese is widely available and often more affordable than Swiss cheese. Its accessibility makes it a convenient option for those who want to create a delicious patty melt without having to search for specialty cheese varieties.
However, it's worth noting that the choice between American and Swiss cheese ultimately comes down to personal preference. While American cheese may excel in meltability, Swiss cheese offers a distinct flavour and texture that some consider essential to the classic patty melt experience.
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Use slices or shreds
A classic patty melt is made with Swiss cheese, but you can use slices or shreds of any cheese you like. Some alternatives include American, cheddar, fontina, provolone, pepper jack, or gouda.
Swiss cheese is the most traditional choice for a patty melt, and it has decent flavour and meltability. However, some people find that it is not gooey enough, and prefer to use American cheese, or a combination of the two. American cheese has excellent meltability and can add a desirable oozy quality to the sandwich.
Using slices of cheese can help to ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sandwich and that it melts evenly. Shredded cheese, on the other hand, can melt more quickly and easily, and can be more easily mixed with other ingredients, such as herbs or spices.
If you are using a harder cheese, such as cheddar, shredding it can help it to melt more easily and create a more cohesive sandwich. Softer cheeses, such as fontina or provolone, may be easier to work with if sliced, as they are less likely to fall apart or become greasy when melted.
Ultimately, the decision to use slices or shreds of cheese on your patty melt comes down to personal preference. Both options can work well, and you can experiment with different types of cheese and preparation methods to find the combination that you like best.
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Add cheese with the heat on low
A patty melt is a sandwich with a thin beef patty, caramelised onions, and cheese, all grilled between two slices of crispy, crunchy bread. The traditional cheese used in a patty melt is Swiss cheese, but you can also use American, cheddar, or fontina, or change it up to your liking.
To make a classic patty melt, start by cooking the onions in butter over medium heat until they are caramelised. This should take around 30-35 minutes. Then, form your ground beef into patties and cook them in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes on each side. Next, add butter to the skillet and place slices of bread in the skillet so that one side of each slice is coated in butter. On each slice of bread, add a slice of cheese, followed by a patty, some caramelised onions, and a second slice of cheese. Finally, top each sandwich with another slice of bread, buttered side up, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has started to melt.
If you are making a double-cheese patty melt, you can add a slice of cheese to the skillet, followed by a patty, some onions, and then another slice of cheese, before topping it off with the final slice of bread.
It's important to keep the heat on low when adding the cheese to ensure that it melts slowly and evenly. This will also give the bread enough time to turn golden brown and develop that hallmark crust of a good patty melt.
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Alternatives: cheddar, fontina, provolone
Alternatives: Cheddar
Cheddar is a natural choice for a patty melt as it has a good melting point and a strong flavour. However, if you're looking for an alternative, there are a few options that could work well.
One option is to use a young Swiss cheese, which has a decent flavour and melting point, but for extra gooeyness, you could try combining it with another cheese. A classic American cheese, for example, will give you that extra oozy quality.
Alternatives: Fontina
Fontina is an Italian cheese with a mild flavour and excellent melting properties. It is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. If you're looking for an alternative, a young Swiss cheese could be a good option, as it has similar melting abilities and a slightly stronger flavour.
For an even gooier sandwich, you could try combining Fontina with another cheese, such as American, as suggested by J. Kenji López-Alt. This combination brings the best of both cheeses to the table: supreme meltability and flavour.
Alternatives: Provolone
Provolone is a standard choice for a patty melt and is hard to go wrong with. It has a mild flavour and good melting properties. If you're looking for an alternative, Swiss cheese is a popular option, with a slightly stronger flavour and excellent melting abilities.
For an extra gooey sandwich, you could also try combining provolone with another cheese, such as American, as suggested by some sources. This combination will give you the perfect level of cheesiness.
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Frequently asked questions
A patty melt is a diner-style sandwich that combines ground beef patties, cheese, and caramelized onions.
Swiss cheese is the most traditional cheese to use in a patty melt.
Yes, you can also use American, cheddar, fontina, or provolone cheese.
First, you need to cook a beef patty and caramelize some onions. Then, you assemble the sandwich by placing the beef patty and onions on bread with the cheese and frying the whole sandwich in butter.
