Waffle House Patty Melt Recipe: Classic Melts

This waffle house patty melt recipe is a delicious, comforting dish that brings a taste of Southern hospitality to your plate.

One of the most popular menu items in Waffle House’s chain of restaurants, the patty melt is typically a juicy beef patty with gooey cheese between Texas toast, similar to grilled cheese. 

This mouth-watering patty melt sandwich is a juicy beef meat patty, melted cheese, and caramelized onions between pieces of bread. 

This delightful combination of flavors is enjoyed by food lovers everywhere. Perfect for those looking for a juicy burger on a road trip. 

The urge to recreate this classic original Waffle House recipe at home might have crossed your mind, so get ready to learn how to whip up your own version of a Waffle House patty melt.

Waffle House Patty Melt

It’s essential to select the right ingredients for your homemade patty melt. 

You can start with the obvious choice of a burger patty with a slice of cheese on slices of bread, but why not get creative?

A classic patty melt usually includes a ground beef patty, Swiss and cheddar cheese, onions or onion powder, and rye bread.

This combination creates the perfect balance of flavors, and using fresh, quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in your final result. 

You can also add a little variety, such as sourdough bread or raisin toast for the bread, different types of cheese if you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, sauteed onions, apple butter, or pickle relish for something extra. 

Be sure to also have Worcestershire sauce on hand to enhance the taste of your burger patties before you sear them on a hot griddle.

Before getting started with this complete guide, know that preparing the patty melt is simple but requires a few important steps.

First, you season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce before shaping it into patties. 

The onions are caramelized in a skillet with a touch of sugar and salt for added sweetness and depth of flavor.

Once the patties are cooked, they are loaded up with a little cheese and placed between two slices of buttered rye bread.

The sandwich is then grilled on medium-high heat or until the bread becomes golden and crispy on a nonstick skillet, and the cheese is perfectly melted. 

Ingredients

We’ve got the scoop on the ingredients required for a delicious Waffle House Patty Melt. 

To make it easier to follow, we have grouped the ingredients into three sub-sections: Ground Beef and Seasoning, Bread and Cheese Choices, and Caramelized Onions and Sauces.

Ground Beef and Seasoning

For a flavorful and juicy patty melt, it is recommended to use 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef. 

This type of beef has an ideal fat-to-meat ratio, resulting in tasty cooked burgers. To season the meat, you will need:

• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 package Worcestershire sauce

You may also add a dash of soy sauce to your assembled patty melts for added flavor.

Bread and Cheese Choices

The piece of bread you choose for your patty melt will have an impact on the overall taste and texture. 

Traditionally, rye bread or sandwich bread is used. 

You can also opt for wheat toast if you prefer a different flavor. 

When it comes to cheese options, you have a wide variety to choose from:

• Swiss cheese (freshly grated or pre-sliced)
• Cheddar cheese (freshly grated or pre-sliced)
• American cheese
• Edam cheese
• Colby cheese

To achieve a gooey, melty consistency, it is best to use freshly grated cheese.

Caramelized Onions and Sauces

Caramelized onions add a sweet, savory touch to the patty melts. To prepare the onions, you will need:

• 3/4 cup onions
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cook the onions in a medium-low heat skillet until they have reached your desired tenderness, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Add a little olive oil to the bottom of the skillet first to help with burning or a tablespoon of butter. 

In terms of sauces to add extra flavor to your patty melt, the most common options are:

• Mayonnaise (4 tbsp)
• Ketchup
• Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, softened)

Additionally, you can also add toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and bacon to suit your taste. 

Serve your patty melt with a side of French fries or waffle fries for a complete meal experience.

Waffle House Patty Melt Recipe

The Waffle House Patty Melt is a classic American diner dish that has been enjoyed for decades in the United States. 

This recipe will guide you through the process of recreating this delicious comfort food at home.

Preparing the Ground Beef Patties

Begin by preparing the ground beef patties. You will need:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground pork and beef if desired)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients well, then shape the meat mixture into thin patties.

Caramelizing the Onions

Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet flavor to the patty melt. To make them:

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

1. In a skillet, heat the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning or sticking.
3. Season the onions with the kosher salt and set the mixture aside.

Assembling the Patty Melt

To assemble the Waffle House Patty Melt, gather the following ingredients:

• Cooked ground beef patties
• Caramelized onions
• 8 slices rye bread
• 4 slices American cheese (or more if you want double cheese)
• Melted teaspoon of butter or vegetable oil for grilling

1. Lay out 4 slices of rye bread on a clean surface.
2. Place a cooked patty on each slice of bread.
3. Top the patty with a generous layer of caramelized onions.
4. Add a slice of American cheese on top of the onions.
5. Finish by placing the remaining bread slices on top of the cheese.

Cooking on the Grill or Skillet

Now that the patty melts are assembled, it’s time to cook them until crispy and golden brown:

• Preheat your grill, griddle, or skillet to medium heat.
• Lightly brush the outer sides of the sandwich with melted tablespoons of butter or vegetable oil.
• Use a spatula to gently place each patty melt onto the cooking surface.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Remove the patty melts from the heat and transfer them to a plate or aluminum foil.
• Enjoy your cooked burger! 

Serve your homemade Waffle House Patty Melt with your favorite breakfast sides like hash browns and enjoy a little piece of the American dinner experience in your own home. 

While you’re at it, take the time to experiment with other breakfast foods, such as breakfast sandwiches that require the same ingredients. 

Unlike the Waffle House menu, you can also experiment with variations like a T-Bone Steak melt, a Tuna Melt, chicken sandwiches, or pork chops. 

Serving Suggestions

Waffle House Patty Melt is a delicious and savory dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served with a variety of tasty sides. 

Here are some scrumptious suggestions that you can pair with your patty melt to make a complete meal for the next time you want to indulge. 

Side Dishes

Salads

A fresh and crunchy salad can provide a lovely contrast in flavors and textures to the rich and cheesy patty melt.

Consider serving up a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more of a kick, a tangy coleslaw or even a flavorful Southwest quinoa salad might be a perfect choice, especially if you want to stick to a vegetarian diet, more or less).

Potato Variations

There’s no denying that potatoes make a great companion to a patty melt.

Whether you opt for classic french fries or go for a healthier option such as oven-baked sweet potato wedges, you can’t go wrong.

For a twist, try pairing the patty melt with a serving of crispy, golden tater tots. Or a side of creamy and satisfying mashed potatoes.

Pickle Platter

The tangy, crunchy taste of pickles can beautifully complement the rich flavors of the Waffle House Patty Melt.

Make a scrumptious pickle platter with a variety of pickled veggies, such as dill pickles, pickled jalapeños, or even pickled red onions. This can add a burst of brightness and zing to your meal.

Soup

Serving a flavorful bowl of soup with your patty melt can turn it into a comforting and filling meal.

A tomato soup with a rich, velvety texture can be a great option, or if you prefer something chunkier, consider trying a vegetable minestrone or a thick and hearty chili.

When planning your meal, feel free to mix and match these suggestions so you can create a dining experience that suits your tastes and preferences.

If you’re looking for the good times of a good old-fashioned diner, one of the best things you can do is recreate a Waffle House patty melt worthy of a Tiktok video. 

Grab a paper towel and dig into your patty melt after recreating this iconic American dish. 

Final Thoughts

The Waffle House patty melt recipe pays homage to its unique origins at a Chinese restaurant co-owned by Joe Rogers Sr.

The flavors of this iconic dish are brought to life with a delicious combination of juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all sandwiched between slices of toasted bread.

Inspired by the legendary Lib’s Patty Melt, the Waffle House version has gained a devoted following. Earning it a spot in the world record for most patty melts served in a day.

As we savor the flavors and nostalgia of this beloved meal, it’s important to remember the late Anthony Bourdain’s exploration of culinary cultures and his respect for diverse dining experiences.

So, whether enjoyed as a hearty day breakfast or any-time comfort food, make sure to prepare your ingredients at room temperature and savor the Waffle House patty melt while appreciating the legacy of Joe Rogers Sr. and the resilience of Waffle House during power outages.

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