Patty Melt Pizza Recipe

This Patty Melt Pizza Recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup—imagine all the gooey, cheesy, caramelized onion goodness of a diner-style patty melt, layered onto a golden, fluffy focaccia crust and finished with a tangy, creamy sauce. It’s cozy, indulgent, a little bit retro, and totally irresistible. Every bite is a savory, meaty, cheesy celebration you’ll crave all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultimate Comfort Fusion: Patty melts and pizza join forces for the heartiest, coziest meal—each irresistible bite oozes nostalgia and fun!
  • Crispy, Fluffy Crust: Baking the pizza in a cast-iron skillet creates a focaccia base that’s crisped on the outside and pillow-soft inside—no flat, boring crust here.
  • Gooey Cheese Pulls: You get both mozzarella and cheddar, melting on top and mingling with savory beef and caramelized onions for that classic patty melt flavor.
  • Homemade Special Sauce: The creamy, tangy, slightly garlicky sauce takes the whole Patty Melt Pizza Recipe over the top—drizzle it on generously.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best thing about this Patty Melt Pizza Recipe is that all the ingredients are simple, but every single one shines in the finished dish. Each layer brings its own magic—crust for chewy bite, beef and onions for deep flavor, two cheeses for all the melt, and the sauce for essential zing. Here’s how it all stacks up:

  • Warm Water & Active Dry Yeast: The combo that wakes up your dough! Make sure the water isn’t too hot or it’ll quiet the yeast—think warm bath, not boiling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Just a little to feed the yeast and kickstart rising for a perfectly fluffy focaccia base.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This adds richness and a gentle grassy note to both the crust and skillet and helps the dough brown beautifully.
  • Minced Garlic: Stirred into both the oil and the sauce, for big savory flavors throughout.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The trusty base for a soft, chewy focaccia you’ll want for every pizza night.
  • Kosher Salt: Not only in the dough, but to season beef—don’t skip it for deep, balanced flavor.
  • Yellow Onions: Caramelized slowly until they’re supersweet and golden—they’re the classic star of any patty melt.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the onions as they cook and creates those gorgeous brown edges.
  • Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 blend if possible—it’s juicy and gives you the hearty meat layer that makes a patty melt legendary.
  • Worcestershire Sauce & Garlic Powder: These give the beef that signature umami and just a whisper of heat and tang.
  • Black Pepper: Used in the beef and in the sauce for a little kick.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: The master of melty texture and mild, creamy pulls—you want those cheese strings!
  • Mild Cheddar Cheese: For a little bite and extra meltiness—a patty melt classic.
  • Mayonnaise, Ketchup & Lemon Juice: The backbone of the homemade patty melt sauce—creamy, tangy, and sharp.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped for the sauce and garnish, it adds a pop of color and herby freshness that brightens every slice.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

What’s fun about the Patty Melt Pizza Recipe is how flexible it is, so you can make it your own! Whether you want to experiment for dietary reasons or just switch up the flavors, there’s plenty of room to riff and play.

  • Swap the Meat: Try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based beef alternative for a different vibe (and less grease to drain!).
  • Bread Base Shortcut: No time for scratch focaccia? Grab ready-made pizza dough or even naan for a speedy version; just keep your toppings generous.
  • Add Pickles: Chop some dill pickles and scatter over the pizza right before serving—they add a classic diner zing that’s so fun and crunchy!
  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the beef or swirl some sriracha into the sauce if you love a kick.
  • Gluten Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza base—the beef, onions, cheese, and sauce are all naturally gluten free!

How to Make Patty Melt Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Make the Focaccia Dough

Start by blooming your yeast! Mix the warm water, yeast, and a bit of sugar in a large bowl, and let it get nice and foamy—this proves your yeast is awake and ready. Meanwhile, whisk together your olive oil, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Add half of this garlicky oil to the yeast mixture, saving the rest for the skillet magic later. Stir in your flour until a soft, sticky dough pulls away from the bowl. Transfer to a greased bowl and cover—let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about an hour. This is your secret to a thick, pillowy base that feels truly special.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

While the dough is rising, get cozy with your onions. In a skillet, melt butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your thinly sliced yellow onions and let them work their caramelizing magic, stirring every few minutes for 15–20 minutes. As they soften, they’ll turn beautifully golden and sweet, becoming that classic patty melt topping you know and love. Transfer the onions to a plate and set aside (and try not to eat them all with a fork right now!).

Step 3: Brown the Beef & Season

Using the same skillet, add your ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s really well browned and crumbly. Drain off most of the excess grease (a little left is great for flavor). Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and stir everything together. The result is savory, juicy, and loaded with umami—the perfect layer for your Patty Melt Pizza Recipe.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Patty Melt Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, lemon juice, plenty of black pepper, parsley, and garlic. Give it a good whisk—you should end up with a creamy, tangy, garlicky sauce that could make cardboard taste good. Set aside half for baking, and reserve the rest for that post-bake drizzle.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Preheat your oven and oil up a cast iron skillet with your reserved garlic oil. Gently add the risen dough, pressing it outward with your fingers so it fills the pan and gets dimpled like true focaccia. Give the crust a quick jump-start bake, pull it out, and slather on half your patty melt sauce. Pile on the seasoned beef and those irresistible onions, then cover with mozzarella and cheddar. Slide it back into the oven until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and utterly irresistible—about 13–15 minutes.

Step 6: Finish, Slice, & Serve!

Once your Patty Melt Pizza Recipe is bubbling and golden, drizzle with the rest of that dreamy sauce and scatter on extra fresh parsley. Slice it up, marvel at those cheese pulls, and prepare for smiles all around your table.

Pro Tips for Making Patty Melt Pizza Recipe

  • Cast Iron is King: Don’t skip the skillet—cast iron creates a killer focaccia crust with crispy edges and soft center, giving your Patty Melt Pizza Recipe true pizzeria vibes.
  • Low & Slow for Onions: Caramelize onions on medium-low heat and stir often to coax out their natural sweetness without burning—your patience pays off in rich flavor!
  • Sauce Timing Matters: Spread half the sauce before baking to soak into the crust, and save the rest for a cool, creamy drizzle after baking—it keeps flavors distinct and each bite layered.
  • Cheese Distribution: For best melt, sprinkle cheese evenly and right to the edges—cheesy, bubbly bites all the way to the crust make all the difference.

How to Serve Patty Melt Pizza Recipe

Patty Melt Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Keep garnishes simple—just a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness does wonders. If you’re feeling extra, a few thin pickle slices or a pinch of crushed red pepper give a playful nod to diner-style flair!

Side Dishes

This pizza is hearty all on its own, but it shines especially bright with classic sides. Serve with crispy oven fries, a simple green salad with sharp vinaigrette, or a tangy slaw for something crunchy and bright. Cold soda or iced tea on the side? Just perfect.

Creative Ways to Present

For game night or casual gatherings, slice your Patty Melt Pizza Recipe into squares (like a classic party pizza) instead of wedges for easy hand-held bites. Or offer a “dipping bar” with extra sauce, some spicy mustard, or even a little ranch for fun, build-your-own flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Patty Melt Pizza slices keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool fully, then store in an airtight container—layer parchment or wax paper between slices to keep the cheese from sticking and things tidy.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this pizza! Once cooled, wrap slices tightly in foil and slip into a freezer bag—this prevents freezer burn and keeps flavors fresh. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For crispy edges and melty cheese, reheat slices in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for 7–10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the focaccia dough ahead of time?

    Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to the first rise, then cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature about an hour before baking for the fluffiest results.

  2. What’s the best way to get really caramelized onions?

    Patience is key! Cook the onions low and slow, stirring often and adding a splash more oil if the pan gets dry. Avoid turning up the heat too high, which can burn them before they’re sweet and jammy.

  3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

    You can, but for the best melt and stretch, shred blocks of mozzarella and cheddar yourself—pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that keep it from melting as smoothly.

  4. Is there a way to make Patty Melt Pizza Recipe vegetarian?

    Definitely! Swap in your favorite plant-based ground “beef” and cook it as directed—you’ll get all the classic flavors and textures, no meat required.

Final Thoughts

You can’t help but smile when you bring out this Patty Melt Pizza Recipe—everyone goes straight for the first cheesy, beefy slice. If you’re craving something out-of-the-box and totally crowd-pleasing, give this pizza a go. I promise, it’ll be a new family favorite before you even finish the first pan!

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Patty Melt Pizza Recipe

Patty Melt Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 84 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious fusion recipe combining the flavors of a patty melt sandwich with the concept of a pizza, resulting in a Patty Melt Pizza on a homemade focaccia crust.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Focaccia Dough

  • 1 cup warm water, 110°F-115°F
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour

Patty Melt Toppings

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese

  • 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Patty Melt Sauce

  • 2/3 cup (155 g) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Focaccia Dough – In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and salt. Add half of the oil mixture to the yeast mixture. Stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. Let rise for 1 hour.
  2. Patty Melt Toppings – Cook onions until golden brown. Brown ground beef, then add Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Patty Melt Sauce – Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, pepper, parsley, and garlic.
  4. Assembly – Preheat oven. Press dough into a skillet, bake until puffed. Spread sauce on crust, top with beef, onions, and cheeses. Bake until bubbly. Drizzle with remaining sauce and parsley.

Notes

  • You can customize the toppings with your favorite patty melt ingredients.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 710mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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