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Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

The Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust is a comforting and innovative dish that combines the classic, savory flavors of a patty melt sandwich with a soft, airy focaccia bread base. Featuring juicy ground beef, melty Swiss and American cheeses, caramelized onions, and a tangy Dijon mustard spread, this pizza offers a perfect balance of richness and zest. Ideal for family dinners or sharing with friends, it’s easy to customize and delicious even as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Focaccia Dough

  • Store-bought or homemade focaccia dough (enough to form a 12 by 8 inch crust)

Meat & Cheese

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 4 oz Swiss cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 4 oz American cheese, sliced or shredded

Vegetables & Condiments

  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for caramelizing onions)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing crust edges)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Focaccia Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the 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.
  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.
  3. Caramelize the Onions: Using the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and the thinly sliced onions. Cook over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown and sweet. This slow cooking process develops rich flavor.
  4. Assemble the Pizza Base: Spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard over the focaccia dough. This adds the tangy zest reminiscent of a classic patty melt. Distribute the cooked ground beef and caramelized onions evenly on top of the mustard-spread dough.
  5. Add Cheese and Bake: Generously layer the Swiss and American cheese slices or shreds over the toppings. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, slightly golden, and the focaccia crust edges are crispy and golden brown.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes so the cheese can set slightly. This makes slicing easier. Cut the pizza into squares or wedges and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use room temperature focaccia dough to prevent tearing and encourage better rising during baking.
  • Do not rush caramelizing the onions; slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness.
  • Drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid soggy focaccia crust.
  • Mix Swiss and American cheeses to achieve a perfect balance of flavor and meltability.
  • Allow the pizza to rest a few minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from pulling and messiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: patty melt pizza, focaccia pizza, comfort food, caramelized onions, ground beef pizza, homemade pizza, cheesy pizza