Easy Turkey Patty Melt Recipe
Easy Turkey Patty Melt Recipe — seriously, these things are GOLD. We’re talking juicy turkey patties, that crazy-good caramelized onion thing, melty cheese, and all smooshed between slices of your favorite bread. It’s like your childhood grilled cheese grew up, got a job, and started paying taxes. But in a good way! Trust me, this isn’t just a recipe, it’s a flavor hug.
Honestly, these patty melts have become a THING in my house. My husband, Mark, who usually lives on pizza and beer, actually requests them. I know, shocking, right? One time, I made a double batch and he ate THREE in one sitting. I swear, the man nearly licked the plate. And my little one, Leo, who is the pickiest eater on the planet, will happily demolish one of these bad boys. I even snuck some spinach into the caramelized onions once and he didn’t even notice! Victory!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Turkey Patty Melt Recipe
- It’s ridiculously easy. Like, if-you-can-boil-water easy.
- Ready in like, 20 minutes. Hello, weeknight dinner savior!
- That caramelized onion situation? Out of this world. Seriously.
- It’s a super sneaky way to get more protein into your diet (without choking down another dry chicken breast).
- Leftovers? Ha! What leftovers? But seriously, they’re awesome cold straight from the fridge, too. Midnight snack? Don’t mind if I do…
How to Make It
Alright, listen up! First, grab some ground turkey. I usually get the lean stuff, but honestly, whatever’s on sale works. Throw it in a bowl and mix it up with some breadcrumbs, an egg (forgot it once, didn’t die, but egg is better), and a bunch of spices. Don’t be shy with the spices! Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder… go wild.
Now, form those babies into patties. Try to make them even-ish so they cook at the same rate, but don’t stress too much. We’re going for flavor, not perfection, remember?
Next, the caramelized onions. This is the magic, people. Slice up an onion (or two, I’m a sucker for onions), throw them in a pan with some butter (or olive oil if you’re feeling fancy), and cook them low and slow until they’re all soft and golden brown. It takes a little while, so be patient. And don’t burn them! I may or may not have done that… once or twice.
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Cook the patties in a pan until they are browned on both sides and cooked through. I like to add the cheese on top in the last minute so that it melts. Speaking of cheese, use whatever melts well – cheddar, Swiss, provolone… go wild.
Butter the outsides of your bread slices (I like sourdough, but rye or even white bread works) and assemble your melts. Bread, caramelized onions, the cheesy patty, and another slice of bread. Throw ’em in a pan and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is all melty and gooey. Flip and repeat.
Slice in half and devour!
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Turkey: I usually grab the lean stuff because it’s what I always buy, but honestly, use whatever’s on sale. No one will know the difference.
- Breadcrumbs: Don’t skip these! They are important to bind everything together. I forgot them once and things got ugly.
- Onions: Yellow, white, red… I’ve used them all for this. Yellow is my default, but honestly, use what you have. The key is to caramelize them low and slow, okay? Don’t rush it!
- Cheese: I lean towards cheddar because it’s always in my fridge, but provolone or Swiss would be amazing. I once used mozzarella and it was…fine. Not great, but fine.
- Bread: Sourdough is my go-to but honestly, use whatever you have on hand.
Recipe Steps:
- Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and spices in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Caramelize sliced onions in butter (or oil) over low heat.
- Cook patties in a pan until browned and cooked through.
- Add cheese to patties during the last minute of cooking to melt.
- Butter the outsides of bread slices.
- Assemble melts with bread, caramelized onions, cheesy patty, and another slice of bread.
- Cook in a pan until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Flip and repeat.
- Slice in half and serve.
What to Serve It With
- Fries. Duh.
- A simple side salad. You know, to feel healthy-ish.
- Pickles! Because pickles make everything better.
- Chips and dip. Let’s be real, who doesn’t love chips and dip?
- Coleslaw is also surprisingly good with this.
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the turkey patties! They’ll be dry and sad. Aim for juicy and delicious.
- Be patient with the onions. They take time to caramelize properly. Don’t try to rush them or they’ll burn. Trust me, I’ve been there.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the melts. Cook them in batches if you need to.
- If your bread is browning too quickly, turn the heat down. Nobody wants burnt bread.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and toppings. Get creative!
Storage Tips
So, if you actually have leftovers (which is a miracle in my house), just wrap them up tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stick them in the fridge. They’ll be good for a couple of days. You can reheat them in a pan, in the microwave (if you’re desperate), or even eat them cold. I’ve been known to eat a cold patty melt for breakfast. Don’t judge me.
Variations and Substitutions
- Ground Chicken: Works just as well as turkey!
- Different Breads: Rye, whole wheat, ciabatta… whatever floats your boat. I’ve even used English muffins in a pinch (don’t judge).
- Veggies: Throw in some sauteed mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions. It’s delicious!
- Spices: Get crazy with the spices! Add some cumin, chili powder, or even a little smoked paprika to the patties.
- Cheese Alternatives: Use provolone for a milder flavor, or pepper jack for a kick. If you are dairy-free, try dairy-free cheese options or just leave it off! It’s still good!
- No breadcrumbs? Grind up some crackers or use oats. I did it last week and no one complained!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Easy Turkey Patty Melt Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground turkey preferably lean
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 slices Swiss cheese or cheese of your choice
- 8 slices bread like rye or sourdough
- 4 tbsp butter softened
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, mix ground turkey with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into 4 equal patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Butter the outside of each bread slice. Place one slice, buttered side down, on a skillet. Layer with 1 slice of cheese, a turkey patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and another bread slice, buttered side up.
- Cook over medium heat until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
