Welcome to the intersection of two of America’s greatest comfort foods! This Patty Melt Pizza recipe takes all the savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors of a classic diner patty melt and transforms them into an irresistibly delicious pizza. Imagine a golden crust topped with a creamy special sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a blanket of gooey Swiss and cheddar cheese. If you’re looking for a new family favorite, this is it. We’ve crafted a simple, step-by-step guide to ensure your pizza night is a spectacular success.
Get ready to ditch the takeout menu. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the best of a classic sandwich and a beloved pizza together in every single bite. It’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to assemble.
Why You’ll Love This Patty Melt Pizza Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory beef, sweet onions, and tangy sauce is a proven winner.
- Perfect for Pizza Night: It’s a fun and unique twist on a regular pizza that will wow family and friends.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings, cheese, or even the crust to fit your preferences.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll be using pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Patty Melt Pizza
This recipe comes together with a few key components. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
For the Special Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our sauce.
- Ketchup & Yellow Mustard: For that classic tangy flavor.
- Dill Pickle Relish: Adds a sweet and tangy crunch.
- Spices: A simple mix of garlic powder and onion powder ties it all together. For a similar but distinct flavor, check out this classic burger sauce recipe (coming soon).
For the Toppings:
- Ground Beef: We recommend an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Yellow Onions: You’ll slice these thin and caramelize them until they are sweet and jammy. This is the soul of the patty melt!
- Cheese: A blend of shredded Swiss and sharp cheddar cheese provides the perfect melt and flavor profile.
- Pizza Dough: Use your favorite store-bought dough or a homemade recipe. A 12-16 inch crust works perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a Patty Melt Pizza at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result.
1. Caramelize the Onions
Start by caramelizing the onions, as this step takes the longest. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown and sweet. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce & Cook the Beef
While the onions cook, whisk together all the ingredients for the special sauce in a small bowl. In a separate skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble Your Pizza
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up. Stretch your pizza dough into a 12-16 inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Spread a generous layer of the special sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Top evenly with the cooked ground beef, caramelized onions, and finally, the shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses.
4. Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving hot.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Rush the Onions: True caramelization takes time. Low and slow is the key to developing that deep, sweet flavor.
- Preheat Your Pan: Placing your pizza on a preheated surface helps create a crispy, not soggy, crust.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best gooey cheese pull, buy blocks of Swiss and cheddar and shred them yourself.
- Make it a Meal: This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple side. For a fun, dippable side, try making some homemade garlic knots.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative! For a different flavor profile, consider adding some crumbled bacon for a smoky kick. If you enjoy related hearty meals, you might also like this cheeseburger tater tot casserole. You can also add a swirl of Thousand Island dressing on top after baking for an extra layer of classic patty melt flavor.
FAQs About Patty Melt Pizza
Yes! You can make the special sauce, caramelize the onions, and cook the ground beef up to 2 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pizza.
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough is a great way to save time and makes this recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Just follow the package instructions for pre-baking, if any.
A Patty Melt Pizza uses a creamy ‘special sauce’ similar to Thousand Island dressing. It’s typically made with a mayonnaise base, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish to give it a tangy and savory flavor.
This pizza is quite hearty, so it pairs well with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. You could also serve it with french fries, onion rings, or garlic knots for a true comfort food feast.
The key to perfectly caramelized onions is cooking them low and slow. Use butter or oil in a pan over medium-low heat, and stir occasionally for 20-30 minutes until they are soft, sweet, and deep golden brown.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pizza Creation!
This Patty Melt Pizza is destined to become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s a fun, creative, and utterly delicious meal that satisfies all your comfort food cravings. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Patty Melt Pizza
Patty Melt Pizza: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown and sweet. Set aside.
- While onions cook, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a pizza stone or large baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
- Stretch the pizza dough to your desired size and shape. Spread the special sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border. Top with the cooked ground beef, caramelized onions, and finish with the shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses.
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't rush the onion caramelization process; it's key to the authentic patty melt flavor.
Tip 3: Ensure your pizza stone or pan is fully preheated to get a crispy crust.
