Patty melts are a glorious combination of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. They are made with a beef patty, cheese, and caramelized onions between two slices of bread. But what kind of cheese should you use?
The traditional choice is Swiss cheese, but other popular options include provolone, American, cheddar, or fontina. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try Muenster, Gouda, or even Red Dragon (a Welsh cheddar made with ale and mustard seed). Ultimately, the best cheese for a patty melt comes down to personal preference. So, get creative and experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect match!
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of cheese slices | 2 |
Cheese types | Swiss, Provolone, American, Cheddar, Fontina, Muenster, Gouda, Pepper Jack, Havarti, Red Dragon, Sharp Cheddar |
What You'll Learn
Swiss and provolone are a classic combination
Swiss and provolone is a classic combination for a patty melt. This sandwich is a glorious fusion of flavours and a combination of a grilled cheese and burger. The key to a great patty melt is crispy, crunchy bread, melted cheese, a thin beef patty, and sweet and salty onions.
Swiss cheese has a unique flavour that pairs perfectly with the sweet caramelized onions. It is also a good melting cheese, which is essential for a patty melt. Provolone is a creamy, soft cheese that is also ideal for melting. Together, they create a delicious, classic combination.
When making a patty melt, it is important to take your time and not rush the process. The onions need to be cooked slowly until they are soft and caramelized, which can take around 25 minutes or longer. The beef patties should be thin and seasoned with salt and pepper. The bread should be crispy, and you can use any type of bread you like, such as rye, sourdough, or white bread.
You can also add your favourite toppings and sauces to customize your patty melt. Some popular options include mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes. Get creative and make it your own!
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Cheddar and Swiss is another popular pairing
Cheddar and Swiss is a great option if you're looking for a more robust flavour profile. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs well with the sweetness of the caramelised onions, while the Swiss cheese adds a creamy texture and a nutty flavour.
When making a patty melt with cheddar and Swiss cheese, it's important to use a bread that can stand up to the strong flavours. A hearty rye bread or a thick-cut Texas toast-style bread are great options.
To assemble the sandwich, start by spreading a layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. Then, place a slice of cheddar cheese on one slice of bread, followed by the beef patty, caramelised onions, and a slice of Swiss cheese. Top it off with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Feel free to add some yellow mustard to your patty melt for a tangy kick, or even some sliced pickles or spicy jalapenos for an extra crunch and heat.
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Muenster or gouda melt nicely
When it comes to the cheese for a patty melt, the classic choices are Swiss or provolone. However, you can use any cheese you like. If you're looking for a cheese that melts nicely, Muenster and gouda are excellent choices.
Muenster is a versatile cheese that is often overlooked. It has a creamy texture and a mild flavour that pairs well with other, stronger cheeses. It is a great melting cheese, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken parm, and Mexican food. Muenster is also a good base cheese to build upon, as it can be paired with stronger cheeses to create a blend that is both visually appealing and tasty.
Gouda, a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, is known for its sweet and nutty flavour. It has a higher fat content than other cheeses, which makes it melt more easily. This characteristic makes it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as fondue and mac and cheese. Gouda comes in several varieties, including smoked gouda, which can add a nice smokey flavour to your patty melt.
Both Muenster and gouda are good melting cheeses that can enhance the flavour and texture of a patty melt. They can be used on their own or in combination with other cheeses, depending on your preference. So, if you're looking to mix up your patty melt cheese game, give Muenster or gouda a try!
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You can't go wrong with pepper jack
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your patty melt, the options are endless. But if you're looking for a combination of flavour and presentation, you can't go wrong with pepper jack.
Pepper jack cheese, also known as jalapeño pepper jack, is a Monterey Jack cheese with spicy hot peppers added. It offers the perfect balance of spice and creaminess, creating an explosion of flavours in your mouth. The cheese also has a great melt factor, ensuring that your patty melt has the perfect stretch of cheese that you'd find in grilled cheese sandwiches and pizzas.
The key to a great patty melt is achieving the right contrast of textures and flavours. The crispy, crunchy bread paired with the melted pepper jack cheese, thin beef patty, and sweet and tangy caramelized onions create a delightful combination that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
While preparing your patty melt, don't be afraid to get creative. You can experiment with different types of bread, sauces, and seasonings to make it your own. But remember, the star of the show is the pepper jack cheese, so make sure you have plenty on hand!
So, fire up your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food – a pepper jack patty melt that will satisfy both your eyes and your taste buds!
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Red dragon cheese is a unique option
A patty melt is a sandwich made with a beef patty, caramelized onions, and cheese, served between two slices of toasted bread. While Swiss and provolone are the most commonly used cheeses, you can get creative with your choice of cheese. Red dragon cheese is a unique option. It is a Welsh cheddar made with ale and mustard seeds, offering a freaking amazing flavour. The sharpness of cheddar, combined with the tang of ale and the subtle heat of mustard, creates a complex and delightful taste that can take your patty melt to the next level.
When making a patty melt, it is important to caramelize the onions slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness. This process can take around 25 minutes or longer. For the bread, while rye is the classic choice, you can use any type of bread you prefer, such as brioche, sourdough, or Texas toast.
As for the beef patty, season it with salt and pepper, and form thin patties that match the size and shape of your bread. Cook the patties quickly in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 1-2 minutes per side.
To assemble the patty melt, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread and place them butter-side down in the skillet. Add a slice of cheese, followed by the beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top it off with the second slice of bread, butter-side up, and grill the sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Feel free to add your favourite condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, or Worcestershire sauce, to enhance the flavour of your patty melt. You can also experiment with different types of bread and cheeses to create your perfect sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss and provolone are the most commonly used cheeses for a patty melt. However, you can also use cheddar, gouda, muenster, or American cheese.
Yes, using two types of cheese is traditional for a patty melt. Try using a combination of Swiss and provolone, or cheddar and Swiss.
It is recommended to use one slice of cheese per patty melt. However, some people prefer to use two slices for a more decadent sandwich.
If you don't like Swiss cheese or want to try something different, you can substitute it with cheddar, gouda, muenster, or American cheese.
Yes, you can use pre-sliced cheese or shred your own cheese for a patty melt. Either option will work well and melt nicely on the sandwich.