The Waffle House patty melt is a popular sandwich dish offered at Waffle House, a chain of diners known for their 24/7 breakfast options and comfort food.
The patty melt typically consists of a beef patty, grilled onions, and melted cheese, sandwiched between slices of toasted rye bread. It is often served with a side of fries or hash browns.
How to Make Waffle House Patty Melt
My favorite waffle house patty melt memory is from a road trip with buddies.
We couldn’t resist eating the town’s greatest patty melts at a charming diner.
We devoured that sandwich because of its appealing flavors and textures. Since then, I’ve been trying to reproduce that magic in my own kitchen, and today I’m happy to share my step-by-step instructions.
I’ll show you how to make the ultimate Waffle House patty melt, from prepping the beef patties and caramelizing the onions to assembling and cooking the sandwich to golden perfection.
Step 1: Waffle House Patty Melt Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 fat-to-lean ratio)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices of rye bread
- 8 slices of American or Swiss cheese
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by Step Instructions to Make Waffle House Patty Melt
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Patties
Take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions of approximately ¼ pound each. Shape each portion into a patty that is slightly larger than the size of your bread slices, as the patties will shrink slightly during cooking.
Season each patty generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help to enhance the flavor of the beef and add a hint of seasoning to each bite.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and foamy, place the beef patties onto the hot surface.
Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare patty, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F, while a medium patty should reach 140-145°F.
Once the patties are cooked, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and flavorful patty.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
In the same skillet or griddle that you used to cook the beef patties, add another tablespoon of butter if needed. Place the thinly sliced onions into the pan and spread them out in an even layer.
Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and softened. Be patient, as caramelizing onions takes time, but the result is worth it!
Once the onions are caramelized to your liking, season them with a pinch of salt and remove them from the heat. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melt
Take four slices of rye bread and lay them out on a clean surface. Place a slice of cheese on each bread slice, followed by a beef patty on top of the cheese.
Spoon a generous amount of caramelized onions on top of each patty, spreading them out evenly to cover the surface.
Top each patty with another slice of cheese, followed by the remaining four slices of rye bread to create a sandwich.
Spread about half a tablespoon of butter on the outer side of each bread slice. This will help to create a crispy and golden crust when the sandwich is cooked.
Step 5: Cook the Patty Melt
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and foamy, carefully place the assembled patty melts onto the hot surface.
Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich while cooking to help melt the cheese and create a nice crust on the bread.
Once the patty melts are cooked to your liking, carefully transfer them to a cutting board and let them rest for a minute before slicing.
Serving Waffle House Patty Melt
Cut each patty melt in half diagonally to reveal the melty cheese and juicy beef patty inside.
Serve the patty melts with a side of crispy fries or golden hash browns for the ultimate diner experience.
You can also add some condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo to customize your patty melt to your liking.
Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of the beef patty, sweet and caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese, all sandwiched between slices of toasty rye bread.
Waffle House Patty Melt Faq’S
Can I use a different type of bread for my patty melt?
Yes, While rye bread is traditional for a patty to melt, you can use other types of bread like white bread, sourdough, or even Texas toast. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, as different bread types may require different cooking times.
Can I use a different type of cheese for my patty melt?
Yes! While American or Swiss cheese is commonly used in a patty melt, you can experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack to suit your taste preferences.
Waffle House Patty Melt Recipe
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend for best results
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of rye bread
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- Butter softened
- Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Shape the beef mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, making sure to press them firmly together to hold their shape while cooking.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little oil to coat the surface.
- Cook the beef patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In the same skillet or griddle used to cook the beef patties, add the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften and turn golden brown.
- Add the brown sugar and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
- Lay out 8 slices of rye bread and spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
- Place a slice of Swiss cheese on 4 slices of bread, followed by a cooked beef patty on top of the cheese.
- Spoon a generous amount of caramelized onions over the beef patty.
- Drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the onions.
- Top with another slice of Swiss cheese and close the sandwich with another slice of rye bread, butter side up.
Step 4: Cook the Patty Melt
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and place the assembled sandwiches onto the hot surface.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Remove the sandwiches from the griddle or skillet and let them rest for a minute before cutting them into halves or quarters.
