The Whataburger Patty Melt is a beloved classic known for its juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and flavorful onions, all sandwiched between toasted rye bread. This copycat recipe lets you recreate this fast-food favorite in your own kitchen, perfect for a hearty meal any day of the week.

Equipment:

Skillet or griddle
Spatula
Knife
Mixing bowls

Ingredients:

For the Patty:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Onions:

1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp creamy horseradish sauce
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder

For Assembly:

4 slices of Texas toast or rye bread
4 slices of American cheese
4 slices of Monterey Jack cheese
Butter for grilling

Instructions:

Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined. Set aside.
Caramelize the Onions:
- In a skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and deeply golden, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Form and Cook the Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and form into thin patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until well-browned and cooked to your preference.
Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce on the non-buttered side.
- On two slices, place a slice of American cheese, a cooked beef patty, half of the caramelized onions, a slice of Monterey Jack cheese, and top with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
Grill the Patty Melts:
- Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula, until the bread is toasted golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
- Cut the patty melts in half and serve hot. Enjoy the melty cheese, tender beef, and sweet onions in each bite.

Tips:

Ensure the patties are thin as they cook faster and fit better in the sandwich.
Adjust the heat as needed when caramelizing the onions to prevent them from burning.
For an authentic touch, use rye bread as it adds a distinctive flavor that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.

This Copycat Whataburger Patty Melt recipe brings the delicious flavors of the fast-food favorite into your home. With juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, this hearty sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you desire a comforting meal.

The Whataburger Patty Melt

The Whataburger Patty Melt is a beloved classic known for its juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and flavorful onions, all sandwiched between toasted rye bread.

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Equipment

Skillet or griddle
Spatula
Knife
Mixing bowls

Ingredients

For the Patty:
1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend for juiciness
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Onions:
1 large onion thinly sliced
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp creamy horseradish sauce
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
For Assembly:
4 slices of Texas toast or rye bread
4 slices of American cheese
4 slices of Monterey Jack cheese
Butter for grilling

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined. Set aside.
Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and deeply golden, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Form and Cook the Patties:
Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and form into thin patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until well-browned and cooked to your preference.
Assemble the Patty Melts:
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce on the non-buttered side.
On two slices, place a slice of American cheese, a cooked beef patty, half of the caramelized onions, a slice of Monterey Jack cheese, and top with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
Grill the Patty Melts:
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula, until the bread is toasted golden brown and the cheese is melted.