One of the most delicious and satisfying sandwiches is the patty melt. A patty melt is a variation of the classic hamburger sandwich, but with a delightful twist. Instead of using regular hamburger buns, it is made with crispy and buttery Texas toast. This gives the patty melt a rich and flavorful taste that truly sets it apart. In this article, we will explore how to make a patty melt with Texas toast, step by step.
Gather Your Ingredients
1. Ground Beef
The star of the patty melt is, of course, the patty itself. Start by selecting some high-quality ground beef. Look for ground beef with a good amount of fat content as this will help keep the patty juicy and flavorful. Aim for a beef to fat ratio of 80:20 or 85:15.
2. Texas Toast
Texas toast is a thickly sliced bread that is perfect for holding up to the juicy patty and other toppings. Look for Texas toast at your local grocery store or bakery. If you can’t find it, you can also use any thickly sliced bread, such as sourdough or rye, as a substitute.
3. Cheese
Cheese is a vital component of the patty melt. The most traditional choice is American cheese, as it melts beautifully and brings a creamy and mild flavor to the sandwich. However, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, to add your own twist to the patty melt.
4. Onions
Caramelized onions are a classic addition to a patty melt and provide a sweet and savory flavor. Slice a medium-sized onion thinly and cook it slowly over low heat with a bit of butter until it becomes golden brown and soft.
5. Butter
Butter is an essential ingredient for achieving that perfect crispiness on the Texas toast. Use softened butter to spread on the outside of each slice of bread before grilling.
6. Seasonings
To give your patties an extra burst of flavor, don’t forget to season them. Simple salt and pepper will do the trick, but you can also add other spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce according to your taste preference.
Prepare and Cook the Patties
1. Shape the Patties
Divide the ground beef into equal portions, depending on the size of the patties you desire. Gently shape each portion into a patty, being careful not to overwork the meat as this can result in tough burgers. Make sure the patties are slightly larger than the size of your Texas toast to account for shrinkage during cooking.
2. Season the Patties
Sprinkle both sides of each patty with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Don’t be too heavy-handed with the seasonings, as you want the beef to shine.
3. Cook the Patties
Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the patties in the pan. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For a medium hamburger, aim for an internal temperature of around 160°F (71°C).
Assemble the Patty Melt
1. Butter the Bread
Take each slice of Texas toast or your chosen bread and spread a generous amount of softened butter on one side of each slice. This will give the bread a beautiful golden brown color and a rich flavor when grilled.
2. Layer the Patty Melt
Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. Add the cooked hamburger patty on top of the cheese. Spread some caramelized onions on top of the patty for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Top it Off
Place another slice of cheese on top of the onions, and then cover the sandwich with the second slice of buttered bread, butter side facing out.
4. Grill the Patty Melt
Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the assembled patty melt onto the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Enjoy Your Flavorful Creation
Once the patty melt is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a minute or two. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the filling from oozing out when you take a bite.
Cut the patty melt in half diagonally, and it’s ready to be enjoyed. The combination of the juicy patty, the gooey melted cheese, the sweet caramelized onions, and the crispy Texas toast is truly a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Serve your patty melt alongside some crispy French fries, a pickle spear, and a dollop of ketchup or your favorite condiments. This classic sandwich with a twist is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack.
In conclusion, making a patty melt with Texas toast is a simple process that elevates the classic hamburger sandwich to new heights. By using high-quality ingredients and following a few key steps, you can create a tasty and satisfying meal that will surely impress your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to indulge in a delightful patty melt experience.