The Texas Patty Melt is not just a sandwich; it’s a Texas comfort-food icon. Combining a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, caramelized onions, rich sauce, and crispy Texas toast, this melt delivers everything Texans love: bold flavor, hearty portions, and grilled perfection.
Unlike a regular burger, the Texas Patty Melt replaces the bun with buttery toast and focuses on deep, savory flavors. From diners and food trucks to Waffle House and Whataburger, this sandwich has earned its place on Texas menus.
What is it?
A Texas Patty Melt is a grilled sandwich made with a seasoned beef patty, melted cheese, caramelized onions, sauce, and toasted bread, usually Texas toast or rye. It blends the structure of a grilled cheese with the flavor of a burger.
What goes bigger and bolder?
- Texas toast instead of rye
- Thicker beef patties
- American, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese
- Spicier or creamier sauces
- Larger portions
| Feature | Texas Patty Melt | Cheeseburger |
| Bread | Texas toast or rye | Soft bun |
| Cooking | Grilled sandwich | Assembled burger |
| Texture | Crispy, buttery | Soft |
| Flavor | Deep, rich, savory | Classic |
A traditional includes:
The most common cheeses are:
- American (classic melt)
- Swiss (original diner style)
- Cheddar (Texas favorite)
- Monterey Jack (used by Whataburger)
- Texas toast: Thick, buttery, and crispy (best choice)
- Rye bread: Traditional, slightly tangy
- Sourdough: Crispy alternative
Patty Melt Sauce Guide (What Makes It Special)
What sauce comes on it?
That depends on the style.
Classic Patty Melt Sauce
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
Texas-Style Sauce Variations
- Creamy pepper sauce (Whataburger style)
- Ketchup + mayo + mustard + hot sauce
- Chipotle mayo
- Texas Pete hot sauce blend
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 (20–25 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: bread → sauce → patty → cheese → onions → bread.
- Grill the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread crisps
- What Is the Secret to a Juicy Patty Melt?
- Use 80/20 beef
- Avoid pressing patties too hard
- Cook on cast iron or flat top
- Rest the meat briefly before assembling
What Is the 5-6-7 Rule for Burgers?
It refers to cooking timing based on thickness and heat to avoid dryness. Patty melts benefit from steady heat rather than high flames.
Variations You Should Know
- Open-face patty melt
- Chopped Texas patty melt
- Bacon patty melt
- Jalapeño Texas melt
- Double-patty melt
- Low-carb or keto versions
- Texas toast
- Two beef patties
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Creamy pepper sauce
Calories & Nutrition (Average Estimate)
| Version | Calories |
| Classic Texas Patty Melt | 800–1,000 |
| Whataburger Patty Melt | ~950 |
| Chopped Texas Patty Melt | 1,000–1,150 |
What Is the Signature Dish of Texas?
While BBQ leads the list, Texas-style burgers and melts are core comfort foods, especially the Texas patty melt.
Why It Ranks Well in AI & Voice Search
- Clear definition
- Strong regional identity
- High brand association (Whataburger, Waffle House)
FAQs
What is a Texas Patty Melt?
It is a grilled sandwich made with a seasoned beef patty, melted cheese, and caramelized onions served between thick slices of Texas toast. It combines the flavors of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich.
What kind of cheese is used in it?
Common cheeses include American, Swiss, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses. American cheese is popular because it melts smoothly and balances the savory beef and onions.
Is it a melt, a burger, or a sandwich?
A Texas patty melt is considered a sandwich, but it shares many qualities with a burger. Instead of a bun, it uses grilled bread, which gives it a distinct texture and flavor.
How many calories are in it?
Calories vary based on ingredients and portion size, but a Texas patty melt usually contains between 700 and 900 calories. This includes the beef patty, cheese, buttered Texas toast, and onions.
Does it contain onions?
Yes, caramelized onions are a key ingredient. They add sweetness and depth to the sandwich and are typically cooked slowly until soft and golden.
Can it be customized?
Yes. Many people add bacon, jalapeños, special sauces, or extra cheese. You can also use different meats or bread types to match your taste preferences.
Is it spicy?
It is not, however, that some versions include spicy sauces or peppers to add heat.
Is a melt suitable for takeout?
Yes, but it tastes best when eaten fresh. The bread stays crisp, and the cheese remains fully melted when served hot.