Texas Patty Melt
The Texas Patty Melt is more than just a sandwich. It is a staple of Texas comfort food. Known for its grilled beef patty, melted cheese, caramelized onions, rich sauce, and crispy Texas toast, this sandwich delivers bold flavor and hearty portions that define Texas-style dining.
Unlike a traditional cheeseburger, the Texas Patty Melt replaces the soft bun with buttery, grilled toast. This creates a sandwich that is crispier, richer, and more indulgent. From classic American diners to chains like Waffle House and Whataburger, the Texas Patty Melt has earned a lasting place on menus across Texas and the southern United States.
What Is a Texas Patty Melt?
A Texas Patty Melt is a grilled sandwich made with a seasoned beef patty, melted cheese, caramelized onions, sauce, and toasted bread, most commonly thick-cut Texas toast. It combines the structure of a grilled cheese with the flavor of a burger.
What Defines a Texas Patty Melt?
The original patty melt dates back to American diners and traditionally used rye bread, Swiss cheese, and onions. The Texas version is larger, richer, and more filling.
Key Texas-Style Differences
- Texas toast instead of rye
- Thicker beef patties
- American, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese
- Creamier or spicier sauces
- Larger portions
Texas Patty Melt vs Cheeseburger
| Feature | Texas Patty Melt | Cheeseburger |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | Texas toast or rye | Soft bun |
| Cooking Style | Grilled sandwich | Assembled burger |
| Texture | Crispy, buttery | Soft |
| Flavor Profile | Deep, rich, savory | Cla |
Ingredients (Classic Build)
A traditional Texas Patty Melt typically includes:
- Beef Patty: 80/20 ground beef for juiciness
- Bread: Texas toast or rye
- Cheese: American, Cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack
- Onions: Slow-caramelized
- Sauce: Creamy or tangy patty melt sauce
- Butter: Used to grill the bread
What Kind of Cheese Is Best on a Patty Melt?
The most common cheese choices include:
- American for classic melt texture
- Swiss for traditional diner style
- Cheddar for a sharper Texas-style flavor
- Monterey Jack, commonly used by Whataburger
Best Bread for a Patty Melt
- Texas toast: Thick, buttery, and crispy, the most popular option
- Rye bread: Traditional with a mild tang
- Sourdough: A crisp alternative with light acidity
Patty Melt Sauce Guide
What Sauce Comes on a Patty Melt?
Sauce varies by style and restaurant.
Classic Patty Melt Sauce
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
Texas-Style Sauce Variations
- Creamy pepper sauce
- Ketchup, mayo, mustard, and hot sauce
- Chipotle mayo
- Hot sauce blends
Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- Texas toast slices
- Sliced onions
- Cheese of choice
- Butter
- Patty melt sauce
Instructions
- Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Season beef and form patties or use the chopped-patty method.
- Cook patties on a hot griddle until browned.
- Butter bread and toast until golden.
- Assemble in this order: bread, sauce, patty, cheese, onions, bread.
- Grill until cheese melts and bread crisps.
Tips for a Juicy Patty Melt
- Use 80/20 beef
- Avoid pressing patties too firmly
- Cook on cast iron or a flat-top surface
- Let meat rest briefly before assembling
What Is the 5-6-7 Rule for Burgers?
The 5-6-7 rule refers to approximate cooking times based on burger thickness and heat. Patty melts benefit more from steady, even heat than from high flames, which helps prevent dryness. Also check Texas Breakfast Melt with Hashbrowns
Popular Texas Patty Melt Variations
- Open-face patty melt
- Chopped Texas patty melt
- Bacon patty melt
- Jalapeño Texas melt
- Double-patty melt
- Low-carb or keto versions
Whataburger Patty Melt Style
The Whataburger patty melt typically includes:
- Texas toast
- Two beef patties
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Creamy pepper sauce
Frisco Melt Explained
Why is it called a Frisco Melt?
The name comes from San Francisco-style sourdough bread.
What is a Frisco Melt from Steak ’n Shake?
It is a sourdough melt with double cheese and a tangy sauce.
Calories & Nutrition (Average Estimates)
| Version | Calories |
|---|---|
| Classic Texas Patty Melt | 800–1,000 |
| Whataburger Patty Melt | ~950 |
| Chopped Texas Patty Melt | 1,000–1,150 |
Calories vary by portion size, bread, cheese, and sauce.
What Is the Signature Dish of Texas?
While barbecue is often cited first, Texas-style burgers and melts, especially the Texas Patty Melt, are widely recognized as core comfort foods across the state.
Final Thoughts:
The Texas Patty Melt delivers bold flavor, crispy texture, and classic comfort-food satisfaction. Whether ordered at a diner, enjoyed at Whataburger, or cooked at home, it remains one of the most recognizable and beloved Texas sandwiches. see full Waffle House menu with prices here