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Cheesy Patty Melts

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Rich and golden-brown patty melts featuring seasoned beef and two gooey cheeses, sandwiched between buttery rye bread with a bold bacon-relish spread.

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Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:20:11 GMT
A stacked sandwich with gooey cheese and seasoned meat, grilled to golden perfection and served on a plate. Pin it
A stacked sandwich with gooey cheese and seasoned meat, grilled to golden perfection and served on a plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Irresistible Patty Melts on Rye With My Hidden Bacon Mixture

My kids constantly ask for these patty melts on weekends. The mix of toasty buttered rye, tender beef patties and double melted cheese creates the ultimate comfort sandwich. The real star though? My hidden mixture packed with crunchy bacon pieces. You'll quickly see why these vanish so fast at our table after just one taste.

What Makes These Stand Out

I found that combining tangy cheddar with smooth provolone gives you that amazing stretch when you pull it apart. The mixture came about when I had extra bacon one day—now my family refuses them any other way. The rye turns wonderfully crunchy and doesn't fall apart with all the tasty fillings. Every mouthful stays moist thanks to well-seasoned beef patties that I make slightly bigger than the bread slices.

Gather These Items

  • Ground Beef: Grab the 80/20 fat blend for the juiciest results.
  • Fresh Rye Bread: Forget grocery store versions and visit a nearby bakery.
  • Two Cheeses: Tangy cheddar and rich provolone make the best melty combo.
  • Real Butter: Go with unsalted to control your toasty finish.
  • Sauce Basics: Good mayo, crunchy bacon bits, ketchup, a tiny bit of sugar and sweet pickle chunks.

Simple Instructions

Shape Your Meat
Form your ground beef into squares matching your bread size. Push your thumb into the center of each patty to stop them bulging when cooked. Sprinkle both sides well with salt and pepper, then leave them while heating your pan.
Sear The Meat
Warm your skillet until it's really hot before adding patties. Cook them about 4 minutes each side for medium. Wait for a brown crust before turning. When done, put them aside to cool slightly while making your sauce.
Whip Up The Secret Mix
As your meat rests, fry your bacon until super crunchy then cut it into small bits. Stir it with mayo, ketchup, a touch of sugar and sweet relish until smooth. Taste and tweak as needed. Let the flavors blend while putting your sandwiches together.
Build Your Sandwiches
Butter all sides of each bread slice, right to the corners. Put cheddar on one slice, add your beef, spread a thick layer of bacon mix, then finish with provolone. Top with the second buttered bread and press down lightly so it sticks.
Toast Till Golden
Put your sandwich in a pan over medium heat. Cook about 3-4 minutes per side, watching for that perfect golden color. In the final minute, cover the pan so the cheese melts fully without burning the bread.
Last Step
When both sides are crispy and the cheese is completely melted, move to a cutting board. Wait just 30 seconds before cutting so all that gooey goodness stays inside.

Kitchen Secrets

Always give your bread a quick toast beforehand so it stays crisp. Use plenty of butter for that amazing crust. Keep your heat at medium—rushing will burn the outside while leaving the middle cold. Try changing up the sauce with a dash of hot sauce for kick or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

A close-up of a stacked grilled cheese sandwich filled with melted cheddar and ground beef, served on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of a stacked grilled cheese sandwich filled with melted cheddar and ground beef, served on a plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Quick Fixes

Can't find good rye? Sourdough works great too. Turkey bacon fits perfectly in the sauce, or leave it out and add some smoked salt instead. To avoid sogginess, move quickly when building and keep your heat steady at medium. Toasting bread first really makes all the difference.

Tasty Side Options

These go great with homemade crunchy fries. A tart coleslaw balances all that richness wonderfully. When it's chilly out, nothing's better than dipping these in warm tomato soup. And don't forget some crunchy dill pickles on the side—they bring the whole meal together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why mix cheddar and provolone?

They melt differently, adding depth to the textures and flavors.

→ Can I swap rye for another bread?

Of course—any firm bread will do the trick, even gluten-free choices.

→ Why toss bacon into the sauce?

It’s smoky, savory, and goes great with the beef and cheese combo.

→ What’s the trick to no burnt sandwiches?

Keep the heat low and watch them like a hawk while grilling.

→ Can I prep the sauce before serving?

Sure thing! Toss it in the fridge for up to three days.

Cheesy Patty Melts

Savory beef patties, melty cheeses, and crispy rye bread paired with a bold bacon-relish spread for a quick dinner fix.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 3 Servings (3)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 6 slices cheddar cheese.
02 1/4 cup mayonnaise.
03 6 slices provolone cheese.
04 6 slices rye bread.
05 Salt and black pepper to your liking.
06 2 tablespoons finely chopped bacon.
07 6 tablespoons unsalted butter.
08 1 teaspoon sweet relish.
09 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
10 1 teaspoon sugar.
11 3 tablespoons ketchup.
12 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
13 1 pound ground beef.

Instructions

Step 01

Gently press the ground beef into three evenly-sized patties, making sure they fit the size of your bread slices.

Step 02

Cook your patties on each side for around 4-5 minutes for a medium finish, but tweak the timing if you'd like them more or less done. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 03

Warm up a big skillet over medium-high heat until it’s really hot. This takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 04

Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper on both sides of every patty.

Step 05

Wipe your skillet clean, turn the heat to medium, and spread butter on one side of all the bread slices.

Step 06

In a small bowl, stir everything for the sauce together until it’s nice and smooth. Set it aside for later use.

Step 07

Toast the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes until the bread goes golden. Flip them gently, then grill another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is gooey.

Step 08

On the unbuttered side of three bread slices, smear the sauce. Place those slices on top of your sandwiches with the sauce-side in.

Step 09

Lay three butter-side-down bread slices in the warm skillet. Top each with two slices of provolone cheese, then put a patty on top, and finish with two slices of cheddar.

Step 10

Slice the sandwiches in half diagonally, then dig in while the cheese is still oozy and hot.

Notes

  1. Two kinds of cheese combined.
  2. Custom tasty sauce.
  3. Old-school diner vibes.
  4. A comforting meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big, sturdy skillet.
  • Small bowl for mixing.
  • Flat spatula.
  • Spoon measures.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese).
  • Includes eggs (mayonnaise).
  • Made with wheat (bread).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 850
  • Total Fat: 52 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 48 g