Waffle House Patty Melt Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Waffle House Patty Melt Recipe (Easy Copycat)

As a restaurant specializing in breakfast foods, it’s no wonder that Waffle House has a delicious patty melt on its menu.

This easy copycat recipe is perfect for when you’re craving this classic sandwich but don’t feel like leaving home.

The best part is that you probably already have all the ingredients handy! So give it a try and enjoy a piece of Waffle House history in your kitchen.

What is Patty Melt Recipe?

Patty Melt Recipe

The Patty Melt is a classic American sandwich, traditionally consisting of a hamburger patty, grilled onions, and cheese on rye bread.

There are many variations on the Patty Melt, but the basic ingredients remain the same. The Patty Melt is usually cooked on a griddle or grill, although it can also be baked in the oven.

The key to a good Patty Melt is to make sure that the hamburger patty is well-seasoned and cooked to perfection.

Once these elements are combined, they are sandwiched between two slices of rye bread and grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

The result is a delicious, hearty sandwich that is perfect for any time of day.

Can I make this recipe at home?

Absolutely! This recipe is easy to make at home and only requires a few simple ingredients. If you want to try making your own Waffle House Patty Melt, just follow the recipe below.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to make from start to finish.

Anyone can easily whip up a batch of these delicious sandwiches at home in no time!

What ingredients do I need to start?

Rye bread
Rye bread

To make this delicious Waffle House Patty Melt recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

Ground beef: It’s best to use 80/20 ground beef for this recipe, as it will result in the juiciest and most flavorful patties.

Onion: A sliced onion is all you need to add a bit of sweetness and savoriness to the mix.

Vegetable oil: This will be used to cook the patties on the grill or skillet. You can use any oil, but we prefer vegetable oil for its neutral flavor.

American cheese: You could also use Swiss cheese, but we think American cheese tastes best in this dish.

Rye bread: This is our bread of choice, but you could also use white bread, whole wheat bread, or even hamburger buns.

Butter: A tablespoon of butter is needed to give the bread a nice golden color and delicious flavor.

What else do I need?

In addition to the ingredients listed above, you will also need a griddle or large skillet and some basic kitchen supplies such as a bowl, spatula, and plate.

Waffle House Patty Melt Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Waffle House Patty Melt Recipe

The Waffle House Patty Melt has been a classic American diner dish for decades. This easy copycat recipe captures the essence of the original with its savory beef patty, grilled onions, and melty American cheese on rye bread. It's the perfect comfort food for any time of day.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Ground beef
  • 1 Onion (sliced)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 slices Rye bread
  • 1 tbsp Butter (softened)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • In a bowl, combine the ground beef and onion. Form into four patties.
  • Add the vegetable oil to the griddle or skillet, and then add the patties. Cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  • During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese.
  • Butter each slice of bread, and then place two slices on the griddle or skillet, cheese side up.
  • Top with the cooked patties and the remaining bread slices, cheese side down.
  • Grill for about 2 minutes per side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
  • Serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword Waffle House Patty Melt Recipe

Will this recipe taste like the original?

Yes, this recipe captures the taste of the original Waffle House Patty Melt perfectly.

The savory beef patty, grilled onions, and melty American cheese on rye bread come together to create a delicious sandwich that is sure to please any diner fan.

What if I don’t have a griddle or skillet? 

No problem! You can cook the patties in a regular pan on the stovetop. Just be sure to use a nonstick pan, and cook the patties over medium-high heat until they are cooked through.

Then, follow the rest of the recipe instructions as directed.

Can I add or replace some ingredients?

Of course! Feel free to add or replace ingredients to suit your taste.

For example, you could use different kinds of cheese or bread.

You could also add additional toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, or pickles.

Get creative and make this recipe your own!

Tips and tricks for a better recipe

Delicious bread

First of all, use high-quality beef for the best flavor.

  • Sauté the onions before adding them to the ground beef to soften them and bring out their sweetness.
  • Use good-quality American cheese for the best flavor and melting ability.
  • Choose a hearty bread like rye or pumpernickel for the sandwiches.
  • Be sure to butter the bread before grilling to prevent it from sticking and give it a nice flavor.
  • Cook the sandwiches on a preheated grill or skillet for best results.
  • Use a spatula to press down on the sandwiches while they’re cooking, especially if you’re using a skillet, to help them cook evenly and toast the bread nicely.
  • Only flip the sandwiches once during cooking, so the cheese doesn’t have a chance to slip out.
  • Cook the sandwiches until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted for best results.
  • Serve the sandwiches immediately while they’re hot.
  • If you have leftover sandwiches, reheat them in a skillet over low heat, so the cheese doesn’t get too melty.
  • Feel free to add other toppings to the sandwiches, like bacon, grilled mushrooms, or avocado.
  • Add a little kick to the recipe using pepper Jack cheese instead of American cheese.
  • Make mini sandwiches by using slider buns instead of slices of bread.

Get creative with your leftovers and use them to make waffle fries, waffle onion rings, or even a patty melt-style omelet.

Things that go well with this recipe

Ketchup
  • Fried eggs: Add a fried egg to your patty and melt for extra protein and flavor.
  • Bacon: Add some crispy bacon to your patty melt for extra salty flavor.
  • Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes would be a great addition to this recipe.
  • Pickles: Add some pickles to the side of your patty and melt for a little acidity and crunch.
  • Ketchup: Ketchup is always a good condiment with a beef patty melt.
  • Mustard: Yellow mustard is another great condiment to try with this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? 

No, we do not recommend making this recipe ahead of time.

The patties will lose their juiciness if made ahead, and the cheese will not be as melty and gooey.

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle or skillet.

How should I store leftovers? 

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Then, reheat in the microwave or on the griddle or skillet before serving.

Final Words

This Waffle House Patty Melt copycat recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a classic diner favorite at home. So, fire up the griddle or skillet and try this recipe. We know you’ll love it!

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Candy Seideman has been cooking for most of her life. In fact she is referred to as "The Chef" by most of her close family not only because she attended culinary school and was an actual chef, but also because she has a passion for cooking for friends and family.