The Ultimate Homemade Jarlsberg Patty Melt: Your New Favorite Cheesy Burger Hybrid

I partnered with Jarlsberg to bring you this incredibly cheesy and satisfying recipe.

Every now and then, a dish crosses your path that makes you pause and wonder, “Where have you been all my life?” For many, the patty melt holds this exact mystique. It’s a culinary marvel, a truly genius mash-up of two of the most beloved comfort foods known to man: the classic, juicy burger and the ultimate gooey grilled cheese. This makes it an instant contender for the top spot on any “all-time favorite foods” list. Yet, despite its undeniable deliciousness, the patty melt often remains a hidden gem, mysteriously absent from many restaurant menus and, for too long, from my own home kitchen.

My fascination with the patty melt grew with each fleeting mention or tantalizing image I encountered. I kept thinking, “Why haven’t I made this myself?” The universe, it seems, eventually aligned with my cravings, as Jarlsberg cheese provided the perfect opportunity and the undeniable reason to finally jump in and craft this iconic sandwich. And let me assure you, the wait was absolutely worth it. This guide will help you create a patty melt so good, it will undoubtedly become a regular feature in your meal rotation.

What is a Patty Melt? Deconstructing This American Diner Classic

If you’re new to the world of patty melts, prepare to have your culinary horizons expanded. At its core, a patty melt is an American diner staple, a warm, griddled sandwich built around a few key components: a seasoned ground beef patty, beautifully caramelized onions, and plenty of perfectly melted cheese, all encased between two slices of buttered or mayo-slathered bread. While its exact origins might be debated, what truly matters is the incredible synergy of flavors and textures it offers.

It takes the best elements of a burger – savory beef – and combines them with the irresistible appeal of a grilled cheese – crispy, buttery bread and abundant melted cheese. Add to that the deeply sweet and savory notes of slow-cooked caramelized onions, and you have a sandwich that transcends its humble ingredients. It’s comforting, hearty, and undeniably satisfying, making it much more than just a sandwich; it’s an experience.

Jarlsberg Cheese: The Essential Ingredient for an Unforgettable Patty Melt

The choice of cheese is critical to a truly outstanding patty melt, and this is precisely where Jarlsberg cheese distinguishes itself as the undisputed champion. Its unique characteristics are perfectly suited to create that signature gooey, stretchy, and incredibly flavorful experience that defines a great patty melt. Jarlsberg is celebrated for its mild, buttery, and distinctly nutty flavor profile, which provides a wonderful complement to the rich beef and the sweet caramelized onions, enhancing them without ever overwhelming their natural tastes.

Beyond its exceptional flavor, Jarlsberg’s superior meltability is what truly makes it shine in this recipe. When subjected to heat, it transforms into a wonderfully smooth, flowing, and incredibly gooey consistency. This creates the perfect “cheese glue” that masterfully binds all the components of the patty melt together, ensuring that every single bite is a harmonious blend of savory beef, sweet onions, and gloriously melted cheese. With Jarlsberg, you avoid any dry, crumbly, or unevenly melted cheese issues, guaranteeing a patty melt that is not just good, but truly extraordinary and memorable.

Mastering the Homemade Jarlsberg Patty Melt: A Step-by-Step Guide

The beauty of a patty melt lies in its simplicity and forgiving nature. You don’t need a strict, precise recipe; rather, think of it as assembling an elevated grilled cheese. The focus is on quality ingredients and a few key techniques. Here’s how to craft your own perfect patty melt, step by delicious step.

1. The Essential Caramelized Onions: Patience is a Virtue

The foundation of an incredible patty melt begins with perfectly caramelized onions. This step cannot be rushed, as the slow cooking process transforms pungent raw onions into deeply sweet, savory, and incredibly tender strands of flavor. Begin by thinly slicing one or two large onions. The thinner the slices, the more surface area for caramelization, leading to a quicker and more uniform result. In a heavy-bottomed skillet – a cast iron pan works exceptionally well here – melt a generous tablespoon of butter or a splash of neutral oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt to help draw out their moisture. Stir them frequently, allowing them to slowly soften, turn translucent, and then gradually transform into a rich, golden-brown hue. This process will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes, or even longer. Resist the urge to crank up the heat, as burnt onions will introduce bitterness. Once they are jammy, sweet, and deeply colored, remove them from the pan and set aside.

2. Crafting the Perfect Burger Patties

Next up are the burger patties. For about three to four patty melts, you’ll need approximately one pound of good quality ground beef. An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio (like ground chuck) is highly recommended, as the fat content contributes significantly to flavor and juiciness. The key to tender patties is gentle handling. Avoid overworking the meat, as this can lead to a tough texture. Simply take the ground beef from its packaging and gently form it into patties that are slightly thinner and flatter than your usual burger, aiming for a thickness of about ½ to ¾ inch. Crucially, shape them to roughly match the size and shape of your bread slices. This ensures they fit neatly into the sandwich and cook evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Add a touch more butter or oil to your skillet (or use the residual drippings from the caramelized onions for extra flavor). Cook the patties over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, creating a nice crust. Don’t worry if they’re still a bit pink in the middle; they will continue to cook when griddled within the cheesy sandwich packages.

3. Expert Assembly: Building Your Patty Melt Layers

With your caramelized onions ready and your burger patties cooked, it’s time for the exciting assembly phase. Lay out your chosen bread slices. While traditional rye bread offers a wonderful, slightly tangy counterpoint, feel free to experiment with a sturdy sourdough, a good quality white bread, or even a soft brioche. The main considerations for bread are its sturdiness (to hold up to the fillings) and its size (not too large, not too many cavernous holes). For an extra layer of flavor, you might spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard, a savory aioli, or even classic mayonnaise on the inside of each bread slice.

Now, for the Jarlsberg cheese! I find that coarsely grating the Jarlsberg makes it significantly easier to distribute evenly, ensuring a quicker and more consistent melt. Layer a generous amount of grated Jarlsberg onto half of your bread slices. Place a cooked burger patty on top of the cheese-laden slices, then pile a substantial serving of those sweet, glistening caramelized onions onto each patty. To ensure maximum gooeyness and to act as the ultimate binding agent, top the onions with another generous layer of Jarlsberg cheese. Finally, place the remaining bread slices on top, forming your ready-to-griddle sandwiches.

4. The Griddle Perfection: Achieving Golden, Gooey Excellence

This is where your patty melt truly comes to life, transforming into a golden-brown, cheesy masterpiece. Before placing them in the skillet, spread the outsides of your assembled sandwiches with soft butter or mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is particularly excellent for griddling, as it creates an incredibly golden, crispy crust and is often easier to spread evenly than cold butter. If your skillet still has some delicious beef drippings from cooking the patties, you can often use those for extra flavor, reducing the need for additional fat.

Carefully place the sandwiches, buttered/mayo-side-down, into your skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Spread a bit more butter or mayo on the top slices of bread. Cook them patiently, much like you would a classic grilled cheese. Allow the bottom to toast to a beautiful golden-brown and the cheese to begin melting. Then, with a gentle hand, carefully flip them. Continue cooking until the second side is equally golden and crisp, and, most importantly, the Jarlsberg cheese inside is completely melted and beautifully oozing. The burger patty should also be heated through to your liking. If you notice the bread browning too quickly but the inside isn’t warming sufficiently, simply cover the skillet with a lid or a piece of foil for a few minutes. This traps the heat, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly and the burger to heat evenly without any risk of burning the bread. Once perfectly golden and gooey, remove from the skillet, let them rest for a minute, then slice and serve!

Tips for Crafting Your Best Patty Melt Ever

Embrace Patience with Onions: True caramelization requires a low and slow approach. Don’t rush this step; the depth of flavor is worth the wait.
High-Quality Ground Beef: For the most flavorful and juicy patty, opt for an 80/20 ground chuck.
Gentle Patty Formation: Handle the ground beef as little as possible to ensure tender patties.
Don’t Skimp on Jarlsberg: Be generous with the cheese! Grating it ensures a faster, more even melt and maximum gooeyness.
Master Heat Control: Keep your griddling heat at medium to medium-low. This allows the bread to crisp perfectly and the cheese to melt without burning the exterior.
Gentle Press: A light press with a spatula during griddling can help compress the sandwich, fusing the layers and achieving that classic diner-style flatness.
Rest Before Serving: Let your finished patty melt rest for a minute or two after cooking. This allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing excessive oozing and making it easier to handle and eat.

Beyond the Classic: Exciting Patty Melt Variations

Once you’ve fallen in love with the classic Jarlsberg patty melt, you’ll quickly realize its incredible versatility. This dish is ripe for creative variations, allowing you to adapt it to different tastes and occasions. For example, I’m already envisioning a delightful turkey version. Imagine patties made with seasoned ground turkey, a thin layer of tangy cranberry sauce spread inside the sandwich, and that wonderfully gooey, nutty Jarlsberg holding it all together. The sweet-tartness of the cranberry would perfectly complement the turkey and cheese.

Consider these other exciting variations:

Veggie Patty Melts: Substitute a high-quality, sturdy veggie burger patty for the beef. Ensure it’s one that holds its shape well when griddled.
Chicken Patty Melts: Ground chicken patties, perhaps infused with some aromatic herbs or spices, offer a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative.
Alternative Breads: While rye is traditional, explore other robust bread options like pumpernickel, a seeded multigrain, or even a hearty ciabatta for a different texture.
Sauce Experimentation: Swap out the mustard or mayo for a homemade Russian dressing, a zesty Thousand Island, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
Creative Add-ins: Elevate your melt with additions like crispy bacon strips, a few slices of pickled jalapeños for heat, or even some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth.

Your New Weeknight Comfort Food Hero

The Jarlsberg patty melt is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary triumph that can easily become a regular hero in your kitchen. It’s the kind of satisfying, ridiculously tasty dinner that truly hits the spot, particularly when you have hungry teenagers (or adults!) around. With a bit of ground beef or bison stashed in the freezer and a wedge of Jarlsberg cheese in the fridge, a gourmet-level comfort food feast is always just minutes away. It’s hearty, it’s decadently cheesy, and it’s utterly delicious – embodying everything you could ever desire from a truly great homemade meal. So, go forth, embrace the griddle, melt that cheese, and savor every glorious bite!