Understanding the Patty Melt

Developing a rich understanding of what a patty melt is, it stands as a beautiful blend of a hamburger and a grilled cheese sandwich. Constructed with layers of bread, ground beef or corned beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, the patty melt is griddled to achieve a delightful, crispy crust with gooey, delicious filling.

In this recipe, we will elevate the classic patty melt by incorporating corned beef for a succulent flavor that resonates with the traditional deli tastes. So, let’s dive deeper into the ingredients and preparation steps.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Corned Beef Patty Melt

• Corned Beef Brisket: Opt for a point cut brisket that’s already brined, commonly found around St. Patrick’s Day.
• Onion: A large white or sweet yellow onion works perfectly.
• Rye Bread: While any bread will suffice, rye is traditional for deli-style sandwiches.
• Swiss Cheese: Use about 3 slices per sandwich to ensure a melty experience.
• Butter: Softened salted butter is ideal for grilling; unsalted can be used with a pinch of kosher salt afterward.
• Thousand Island Dressing: A classic choice for flavor enhancement.
• Oil: Avocado oil or another high-heat oil works best for cooking.

Note: If you can’t find a point cut corned beef, a flat cut is also suitable. You can craft this melt with different types of breads, and consider substituting one layer of Swiss with American cheese for a creamier result.

Steps to Create Your Corned Beef Patty Melt

1. Preheat Your Griddle: Set your griddle to 425°F (medium heat), ideal for perfect patties.
2. Form the Patties: Roll your ground corned beef into four balls, ready for smashing on the griddle.
3. Grill the Patties: Drizzle oil on the hot griddle, place the balls, smash them down, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Then, flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes before removing them to set aside.
4. Sauté the Onions: Add a bit more oil, tossing in sliced onions until they reach a tender, golden state.
5. Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread, adding Thousand Island on the opposite side of two slices.
6. Assemble the Sandwich: On the griddle, place two slices, buttered side down, with Thousand Island side up. Layer with one patty, half the onions, one and a half slices of Swiss, a second patty, another layer of Swiss, and finish with the last slice of bread, buttered side up.
7. Cook to Perfection: Flip the sandwiches once they are golden brown and continue cooking until the cheese has melted.

How to Serve Your Corned Beef Patty Melts

After cooking, it’s best to serve these delicious corned beef patty melts immediately while they are hot. This hearty double-decker sandwich can easily suffice as a meal on its own. For entertaining or special occasions, consider cutting them into quarters for appetizing bites suitable for game day or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!

Storage Tips for Remaining Sandwiches

Patty melts are best enjoyed fresh, as the bread may become soggy if stored. However, if you need to prepare in advance, grill the patties and sautéed onions beforehand and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to consume, rebuild and grill to heat through.