How to Make a Breakfast Patty Melt: The Ultimate Morning Sandwich
Sausage, egg, and caramelized onions unite for an irresistible morning treat.
The Ultimate Breakfast Patty Melt
If you crave the heartiness of classic diner sandwiches but want something perfect for breakfast, the breakfast patty melt is your new favorite. This delicious mash-up fuses a sausage breakfast sandwich with the iconic patty melt, adding layers of melted cheese, golden sautéed onions, and perfectly cooked eggs—all nestled between two slices of buttery grilled bread. Whether you’re looking to start your day strong or enjoy breakfast for dinner, this sandwich delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
What Is a Breakfast Patty Melt?
The breakfast patty melt is a savory handheld feast that combines key elements of traditional American breakfast (sausage, eggs, cheese) with the structure and technique of the classic patty melt. While the original relies on a seasoned hamburger patty, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and rye bread, this breakfast twist swaps in spicy breakfast sausage, a tender egg layer, and your favorite cheese for a perfect blend of morning flavors and comfort-food nostalgia.
Ingredients for a Breakfast Patty Melt
- Sausage (breakfast or chorizo, in patty form)
- Eggs (2 large, scrambled or softly set)
- Onion (sliced and caramelized)
- Cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, or your preference; you’ll want plenty!)
- Bread (Sourdough or rye; sturdy slices are best)
- Butter (for skillet and bread)
- Salt and Pepper (to season eggs and sausage)
- Optional: Hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce (for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Breakfast Patty Melt
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Slice one large onion thinly.
- Melt 1–2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown (about 15–20 minutes).
- Transfer onions to a plate and set aside.
- Form and Cook the Sausage Patty:
- Take ground breakfast sausage (or chorizo for a spicier version).
- Form into a thin patty slightly larger than your chosen bread slices. Sausage is rich and flavorful, so keep the patty thin.
- In the same skillet (no need to clean it fully, as the onion flavor adds depth), cook the patty over medium to medium-high heat for about 5 minutes total, flipping once, until browned and cooked through.
- Transfer the sausage to a plate.
- Prepare the Egg Layer:
- Beat 2 large eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add a few drops of hot sauce if desired.
- Wipe the skillet almost clean. Melt a small dab of butter over medium-low heat.
- Pour in the eggs and gently push them into a circle roughly the diameter of your sausage patty.
- When eggs are mostly set, carefully flip and cook the second side just until done. Remove from skillet.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Start with one slice of hearty bread (sourdough or rye recommended) and place a slice of cheese on top.
- Add the cooked sausage patty.
- Layer the cooked egg on top of the sausage.
- Add a generous spoonful of caramelized onions.
- Add one or two more slices of cheese (the more, the meltier!).
- Top with a second slice of bread.
- Grill the Patty Melt:
- Generously butter the outsides of the bread.
- Heat a clean skillet over low to medium-low heat and add a little more butter.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet. Let it toast slowly so the inside heats through and the cheese fully melts without burning the bread.
- Press gently with a spatula; flip and add more butter as needed.
- Grill until both sides are deep golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is gooey.
- Serve:
- Remove from skillet, cut in half, and serve immediately. Perfect for sharing—or indulging solo!
Popular Variations and Tips
- Use bacon or sliced ham instead of sausage for a different breakfast twist.
- Try adding sliced avocado or a tomato slice before grilling.
- Experiment with cheeses: Swiss for nutty meltiness, Cheddar for sharpness, Pepper Jack for spice.
- Add a few dashes of Worcestershire to eggs or meat for umami depth.
- Vegetarian option: swap sausage for a veggie patty or sautéed mushrooms.
- For more heat, layer in pickled jalapeños or use spicy chorizo.
Breakfast Patty Melt: Nutrition Facts (Estimate)
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600–700 |
| Protein | 25–30g |
| Fat | 35–45g |
| Carbohydrates | 30–35g |
| Sodium | Over 1000mg |
*Actual values vary depending on bread, cheese, and sausage used.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
- Pair with crispy breakfast potatoes, hash browns, or a simple green salad to balance richness.
- Serve with fresh fruit, pickles, or a tangy slaw to cut through the savoriness.
- Great with a strong cup of coffee, fresh orange juice, or even a Bloody Mary for brunch.
- Perfect as a breakfast-for-dinner option; kids and adults both love it.
Pro Tips for the Best Patty Melt Experience
- Low and Slow: Keep skillet heat low when toasting to let cheese fully melt.
- Buttery is Better: Don’t skimp on butter—it makes the bread crispy and golden.
- Prep Ingredients Before: Have all components (egg, sausage, onions, cheese, bread) ready to go before assembly for smoother cooking.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: The deeply caramelized flavor is worth the extra wait.
- Customize! Play with the ratio of cheese, egg, and meat based on your cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make breakfast patty melts ahead of time?
A: While best fresh, you can prep the sausage, onions, and eggs in advance. Assemble and grill just before serving for best texture.
Q: What’s the best bread for a patty melt?
A: Sourdough and rye are sturdy, flavor-packed choices that grill up crispy and hold fillings well.
What others are reading
Q: What cheese melts best for this sandwich?
A: Swiss, Cheddar, American, or Pepper Jack all melt beautifully. Layering more than one adds depth.
Q: Can I use plant-based sausage and eggs?
A: Yes! Use your favorite plant-based sausage patties and vegan cheese/egg substitutes to make it vegetarian or vegan.
Q: How do I prevent soggy bread?
A: Toast the sandwich over low heat in plenty of butter and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients. Thicker bread slices help, too.
Troubleshooting & Expert Advice
- Cheese not melting? Cover the skillet loosely with a lid or foil to trap heat as you grill.
- Sandwich falling apart? Let cooked layers cool slightly before assembling and use bread that’s not too thin.
- Onions burning? Lower the heat and stir more frequently. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking if necessary.
A Brief History: The Classic Patty Melt, Reimagined
The patty melt is a beloved cross between a hamburger and a grilled cheese, originating in the American diner scene, often enjoyed at lunch or as a late-night bite. By marrying the technique with classic breakfast flavors, the breakfast patty melt pays homage to comfort food roots while innovating for early risers and breakfast-for-dinner fans alike.
Final Thoughts: Why the Breakfast Patty Melt Will Be Your New Favorite
Whether you serve it at breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, the breakfast patty melt is a celebration of classic American flavors. With layers of sizzling sausage, melting cheese, sweet onions, and tender eggs, it’s rich, satisfying, and full of personality. As easy to customize as it is to devour, this sandwich proves there’s nothing diner-style comfort food can’t do.
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