If you’re craving a sandwich that delivers bold flavors with a creamy, tangy kick, you absolutely must try the Mustard Horseradish and White Cheddar Patty Melt Recipe. This sandwich takes the classic patty melt to exciting new heights by combining the sharpness of white cheddar with the zesty punch of a horseradish and mustard blend, all layered between perfectly toasted rye bread. From the sweet caramelized onions to the juicy, well-seasoned beef patties, every bite sings with texture and taste. Trust me, once you discover this delightful twist, it will become a go-to comfort food that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the first step to making the Mustard Horseradish and White Cheddar Patty Melt Recipe truly shine. Each element plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, balancing richness, acidity, and texture.
- Olive oil: Used to caramelize onions and toast the bread, it adds a subtle fruity richness and helps achieve that golden crust.
- Small onion, thinly sliced: Slowly caramelized to bring a sweet, savory depth that melts perfectly over the patty.
- Mustard: Provides a sharp tang and a creamy base for the horseradish spread.
- Horseradish: Adds a spirited, zesty heat that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Rye bread: Classic choice for patty melts, its slightly sour flavor and chewy texture provide the ideal sandwich foundation.
- White cheddar cheese, sliced: Sharp, creamy, and melts beautifully, pairing perfectly with the spice of the horseradish and mustard.
- Ground beef: The heart of the sandwich, seasoned simply with salt and pepper for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the beef.
How to Make Mustard Horseradish and White Cheddar Patty Melt Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and sweetly fragrant. This process transforms the onions into a perfect savory-sweet topping that’s absolutely irresistible on the patty melt.
Step 2: Mix the Mustard and Horseradish Spread
While the onions caramelize, combine 1/4 cup of mustard with 1/4 cup of horseradish in a small bowl. This vibrant mixture is your patty melt’s secret weapon, offering a sharp, spicy creaminess that elevates the sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread and Cheese
Spread the mustard and horseradish blend evenly on one side of each of the 8 slices of rye bread. Arrange half the bread slices, spread-side up, on a clean surface and layer them with slices of white cheddar cheese. This step creates a gooey, melted cheese bed that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the spread.
Step 4: Form and Cook the Beef Patties
Season 1 pound of ground beef generously with salt and pepper, then form into equally sized patties. Cook these in the same skillet over medium heat until nicely browned on both sides and cooked through. The juicy, savory patties form the hearty centerpiece of your patty melt.
Step 5: Build and Cook the Patty Melts
Place a cooked beef patty atop each cheese-layered bread slice, then pile on the caramelized onions. Top with the remaining bread slices, spread side down. Return to the skillet and toast the sandwiches carefully until the rye bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts into warm, luscious layers. This final step seals all the flavors into a crispy, melty masterpiece.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Remove your patty melts from the skillet, slice them diagonally, and serve hot. The combination of hearty rye bread, melty white cheddar, zesty mustard horseradish spread, sweet onions, and juicy beef creates an unforgettable eating experience you’re going to love sharing.
How to Serve Mustard Horseradish and White Cheddar Patty Melt Recipe

Garnishes
Add a little fresh crunch with a side of tangy pickles or crisp dill spears. A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley on the plate brightens the presentation without overpowering the patty melt’s bold flavors.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy fries or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a comforting twist, creamy coleslaw balances the sandwich’s rich, spicy profile beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the patty melt into smaller sliders for a party platter or serve it open-faced with a side of au jus for dipping. Layering some crispy bacon or adding sautéed mushrooms can also customize this classic recipe to your heart’s content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover patties and bread separately in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or resealable bag. Stored properly, the components stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembly and reheating.
Freezing
If you want to prepare patties in advance, you can freeze cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. It’s best to toast the bread and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
For reheating assembled patty melts, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While white cheddar gives a perfect sharpness and melt, feel free to experiment with Swiss or Gruyere for a more traditional patty melt twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well and complement the mustard horseradish flavor.
What’s the best bread to use for this recipe?
Rye bread is classic here for its slightly sour and hearty texture, but you can substitute sourdough or a rustic country loaf if rye isn’t available. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the juicy patties and toppings.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply choose a gluten-free bread that holds up well when toasted. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy sandwich to adapt.
How spicy is the horseradish in this recipe?
The horseradish adds a noticeable but balanced heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the other flavors. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference by using more or less horseradish.
Is it okay to prep ingredients ahead of time?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions and mix the horseradish-mustard spread a day ahead, and form the patties to save time when you want to cook. This makes the assembly and cooking process quick and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
The Mustard Horseradish and White Cheddar Patty Melt Recipe is a deliciously bold twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to win over your taste buds and become a favorite at your table. Its vibrant flavors, balanced textures, and irresistible aromas make it a perfect sandwich for any day you want something comforting and exciting. Go ahead and give this recipe a try — your next cozy meal just found its champion!
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Mustard Horseradish and White Cheddar Patty Melt Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mustard Horseradish and White Cheddar Patty Melt is a flavorful twist on the classic patty melt, featuring tangy mustard and spicy horseradish spread with rich white cheddar cheese and caramelized onions on rye bread. Perfectly pan-toasted to golden perfection, this sandwich combines savory beef patties with creamy, melted cheese and sharp condiments for an irresistibly tasty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz white cheddar cheese, sliced
- 8 slices rye bread
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Condiments & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup horseradish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prepare for caramelizing the onions and cooking the patties.
- Caramelize Onions: Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized, which will take about 10-15 minutes.
- Mix Spread: While the onions cook, combine 1/4 cup mustard and 1/4 cup horseradish in a small bowl to create the tangy spread for the sandwiches.
- Prepare Bread: Spread the mustard and horseradish mixture on one side of each slice of rye bread evenly.
- Assemble Cheese Layer: Place half of the bread slices on a clean surface, spread-side up, and layer them with the slices of white cheddar cheese.
- Season and Form Patties: In a separate bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then shape the beef into patties sized to fit the bread slices.
- Cook Patties: Using the same skillet, cook the beef patties over medium heat until browned on both sides and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Build Patty Melts: Place the cooked patties on top of the cheddar-topped bread slices, then evenly distribute the caramelized onions over the patties.
- Complete Sandwich: Top each assembled patty with the remaining slices of bread, spread-side down, to enclose the filling.
- Toast Sandwiches: Return the sandwiches to the skillet and toast them over medium heat, pressing slightly, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Slice each patty melt diagonally and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy the deliciously warm, melty sandwich!
Notes
- Using rye bread adds a classic tangy flavor that complements the horseradish and mustard spread perfectly.
- Make sure to cook the onions low and slow for optimal caramelization and sweetness.
- Adjust the amount of horseradish based on your desired level of spiciness.
- You can substitute white cheddar with any sharp cheddar or your favorite melting cheese.
- Press the sandwiches gently while toasting to help the cheese melt evenly and the bread crisp up nicely.

