Applebee’s Classic Patty Melt (Copycat)

The scent of a perfectly browned patty melt always brings me back to late nights after high school football games. Our whole team, sweaty and victorious (or sometimes not!), would pile into the local diner. The comforting aroma of grilled onions, melting cheese, and toasted bread was like a warm hug. While everyone else ordered burgers and fries, I always went straight for the patty melt, a symphony of savory flavors that just hit the spot every time.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Yield: 2 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 2 hamburger patties
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Melted butter, as needed
• 4 pieces Italian bread
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, blended with roasted garlic, and mustard
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sliced onion

Equipment Needed

• Grill or broiler
• Fry pan
• Frying pan or saute pan

Instructions

1. Season one side of the burger patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Place the patties on a grill or under a broiler, seasoned side down.
3. Season the other side of the patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Flip the patties and cook to your preferred doneness. Remember that the cheese will melt best if the patty is still relatively hot when assembling the sandwich.
5. While the burger patties are cooking, melt butter in a fry pan over medium heat. Use enough butter to generously coat the bread.
6. Spread mayonnaise (blended with roasted garlic and mustard) onto each slice of Italian bread. This adds a tangy richness and helps the bread crisp up beautifully.
7. Drop the Italian bread, mayonnaise-side up (dry side down), into the melted butter in the fry pan. Swirl the bread to ensure the dry side is evenly coated with butter.
8. Cover two slices of bread with two slices each of Swiss cheese.
9. Cover the remaining two slices of bread with two slices each of Cheddar cheese.
10. In a separate frying pan or saute pan, melt butter over medium heat.
11. Add the sliced onions to the pan and saute them until they are soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for adding a sweet and savory element to the patty melt.
12. Season the sauteed onions with salt, pepper, and garlic.
13. Place the cooked burger patty on top of one of the cheese-topped slices of bread.
14. Place the sauteed onions on top of the other cheese-topped slice of bread.
15. Carefully assemble the sandwich, placing the onion-topped bread slice over the burger patty.
16. Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately. The warm, gooey cheese and savory flavors are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sauteing the onions. Work in batches if necessary to ensure they caramelize properly.
• For extra flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the burger patties while they’re cooking.
• If you don’t have Italian bread, sourdough or rye bread can also be used as a substitute.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauteed onions.
• Using a panini press can achieve even grilling on both sides simultaneously.
• To ensure the cheese melts evenly, you can briefly cover the pan with a lid while the sandwich is grilling.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your patty melt immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is perfectly melted. A side of crispy french fries or a simple salad complements the rich flavors of the sandwich. Leftover patty melts are best stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, you can use a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the bread soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	873.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	599 g	69%
Total Fat	66.6 g	102%
Saturated Fat	31.9 g	159%
Cholesterol	198.2 mg	66%
Sodium	742.4 mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	18.8 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	1.1 g	4%
Sugars	6.3 g	25%
Protein	49.4 g	98%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda for a unique flavor profile.
• Bread Alternatives: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
• Meat Options: Ground turkey or plant-based patties can be used as healthier alternatives to beef.
• Onion Swaps: Try using red onions or shallots for a different flavor profile. Caramelized onions will also add an extra layer of sweetness.
• Spicy Patty Melt: Incorporate jalapenos or a spicy aioli for a kick.
• Vegetarian Patty Melt: Substitute the beef patty with grilled portobello mushrooms or a thick slice of roasted eggplant.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of sliced cheese?
A: While you can, sliced cheese melts more evenly and creates a better texture for the patty melt.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A: Make sure the pan isn’t too hot and don’t overcrowd the pan. Also, be sure to serve the sandwich immediately after grilling.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble and cook the patty melt right before serving for optimal flavor and texture. You can, however, prepare the onions and the mayonnaise mixture in advance.

Q: What if I don’t have roasted garlic?
A: You can substitute with regular garlic, minced finely, but the roasted garlic adds a unique depth of flavor. You can also purchase pre-roasted garlic cloves at most grocery stores.

Q: Can I grill the patty melt on an outdoor grill?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to monitor the heat carefully to prevent the bread from burning. A panini press would be the ideal grilling method.

Final Thoughts

Recreating this Applebee’s classic at home is surprisingly easy, and the results are incredibly satisfying. The combination of juicy beef, gooey cheese, and caramelized onions nestled between buttery toasted bread is a symphony of flavors that’s sure to please. So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to indulge in a patty melt that rivals the original. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and bread to create your own signature version. And most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite! I hope you love it!