Crave the Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

If you’re craving a fun, comforting meal that blends the best of classic diner flavors with a fresh, homemade twist, the Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust is exactly what you need. This recipe elevates the beloved patty melt sandwich by transforming it into a pizza featuring a soft, airy focaccia base that perfectly balances rich, savory toppings. Packed with melty cheese, caramelized onions, and flavorful ground beef, this dish will quickly become your go-to when you want comfort food with an unexpected, delicious upgrade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food with a twist: It combines the familiar flavors of a patty melt with the irresistible texture of focaccia crust.
• Rich and savory: Melted cheese, juicy beef, and caramelized onions deliver layers of bold flavor in every bite.
• Easy to customize: You can switch up toppings or cheeses without losing any of the dish’s essence.
• Perfect for sharing: Its size and flavor blend make it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
• Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully while maintaining its savory texture and richness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one is chosen to build a perfect balance of flavors, texture, and color—from the dough’s fluff to the cheesy, meaty toppings.

• Focaccia dough: Use either store-bought or homemade focaccia dough for a tender, airy crust that supports the toppings perfectly.
• Ground beef: Opt for a good quality lean ground beef to keep the pizza juicy and flavorful without excess grease.
• Swiss cheese: Provides the classic nutty, creamy taste that’s essential to any patty melt-inspired dish.
• American cheese: Adds extra melty, smooth texture and that iconic cheeseburger flavor.
• Caramelized onions: Slow-cooked until golden, these deepen the flavor profile with their natural sweetness and softness.
• Dijon mustard: A light spread on the crust base for tang and zest reminiscent of a traditional patty melt.
• Butter: For brushing the crust edges, ensuring a golden, flavorful finish.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to accentuate all ingredients without overpowering.

Variations for Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

Feel free to tweak this recipe to fit your taste buds or dietary preferences. The Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust is incredibly versatile and welcomes a variety of customizations easily.

• Vegetarian version: Replace ground beef with seasoned mushrooms or a meat substitute for a plant-forward option.
• Cheese swap: Switch out Swiss and American for provolone or mozzarella for a milder, creamier finish.
• Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the rich toppings.
• Gluten-free crust: Use gluten-free focaccia or pizza dough to cater to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.
• Extra veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers or fresh spinach for added color, nutrients, and crunch.

How to Make Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

Step 1: Prepare the Focaccia Crust

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out your focaccia dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, stretching it evenly into a rectangular or oval shape about 12 by 8 inches. Brush the edges lightly with melted butter to ensure a golden crust as it bakes.

Step 2: Cook and Season the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and thinly sliced onions. Cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and sweet. Caramelized onions add depth and essential flavor to the pizza.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Base

Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly over the focaccia dough. This mimics the tangy element found in traditional patty melts. Then evenly distribute the cooked ground beef and caramelized onions across the crust.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Layer slices or shredded Swiss and American cheese generously over the toppings. Bake in your preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the focaccia edges are crispy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the pizza rest for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making slicing easier. Cut into squares or wedges and serve while warm.

Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

• Use room temperature dough: Letting focaccia dough warm up before stretching helps it rise better and reduces tearing during shaping.
• Don’t rush caramelized onions: Slow cooking onions unlocks their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Drain beef well: Excess grease can soggy the focaccia crust, so drain or blot the meat for the best texture.
• Cheese layering: Mix both Swiss and American for the right balance of flavor and meltability.
• Let it rest: A few minutes resting time before slicing prevents the cheese from pulling and messiness.

How to Serve Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness that complements the savory richness of the pizza.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some classic kettle-cooked potato chips to keep the comfort vibe alive with crunchy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pizza on a wooden board with small bowls of extra Dijon mustard or pickles on the side to echo the classic patty melt experience in a fun, casual style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness and melty texture, or use a skillet to refresh the crust’s crunch.

FAQs

Can I make the focaccia dough from scratch?

Absolutely! A simple homemade focaccia dough adds a wonderful fresh flavor, but store-bought dough works perfectly for a quicker option.

What cheeses work best for this recipe?

Swiss and American cheeses provide the classic patty melt taste and melt beautifully, but you can substitute with provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar to suit your preferences.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not with traditional focaccia crust, but you can use a gluten-free focaccia or pizza dough alternative to make this recipe gluten-free.

How long does the pizza take to bake?

Baking usually takes about 15–18 minutes at 425°F, until the cheese melts and browns slightly and the crust is golden and crispy.

Can I prepare the toppings in advance?

Yes, caramelize onions and cook the ground beef a day ahead to save time on assembly day—just keep them refrigerated in airtight containers.

Final Thoughts

If you want a fun, flavorful dish that hits all the comfort food notes while surprising your taste buds, you’ve got to try the Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust. It’s the perfect recipe to share with friends or treat yourself any night of the week. Dive in, get creative, and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite!

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