Description
The Ultimate Bacon & Cheese Patty Melt
Ingredients:
2 slices of rye bread
2 beef patties
4 slices of cheddar cheese
2 crispy bacon strips
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 leaf of butter lettuce
2 slices of pickles
Instructions:
Butter the bread and grill lightly.
Season beef patties with salt and Worcestershire sauce before cooking.
Assemble with cheese, beef patties, bacon, lettuce, and pickles.
Grill to golden crispness.
Enjoy this cheesy, meaty goodness!
Would you swap the pickles for caramelized onions? Let us know!
#BaconCheeseMelt
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect patty melt.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Form into two thin patties slightly larger than your bread.
- Place the patties in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place two slices of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon strips until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels.
- Remove the cheesy patties. Increase heat to medium. Place one slice of bread, buttered-side down, in the skillet. Layer with one cheesy patty, one bacon strip (broken in half), a lettuce leaf, and pickle slices.
- Top with the second cheesy patty and the second slice of bread, buttered-side up.
- Press down gently with a spatula. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty patty melt is a meal in itself. Serve it with a side of crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a classic diner experience, add a dill pickle spear and a dollop of coleslaw on the side.
How-to Summary
Butter rye bread. Season and cook thin beef patties, topping with cheese to melt. Crisp bacon. Assemble sandwich with lettuce and pickles. Grill the entire melt on the skillet until the bread is golden and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread? Yes. While rye is traditional, sourdough or marbled rye work wonderfully. Avoid very soft breads as they may not hold up to grilling.
What’s the best way to get the cheese fully melted? Cover the skillet with a lid for the last 30-60 seconds of cooking the patties. The trapped steam helps melt the cheese perfectly.
Can I make this with ground turkey or a plant-based patty? Absolutely. The method remains the same. Ensure your alternative patty is well-seasoned and choose a cheese that complements its flavor.
Why is my bread burning before the cheese melts? Your heat is too high. Cook the sandwich over medium or medium-low heat to allow the interior to heat through without burning the exterior.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can cook the bacon and form the patties ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and bring the patties to room temperature before cooking for even results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Thick Patties: Patty melts require thin patties for the proper layered texture and to ensure everything heats evenly.
- Skipping the Butter on the Bread: Butter is essential for that iconic, crispy, golden-brown crust. Don’t substitute with cooking spray.
- Overloading the Sandwich: Too many wet ingredients (like tomatoes) can make the bread soggy. Keep the interior layers balanced.
- Not Pressing Gently: A light press with the spatula while grilling helps fuse the layers together, but don’t smash it flat.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Bacon & Cheese Patty Melt is a masterpiece of savory flavors and satisfying textures. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently recreate this diner classic at home. The combination of crispy rye, juicy beef, melted cheese, and smoky bacon is truly unbeatable. And yes, caramelized onions would be a fantastic, sweet swap for the pickles!
