Craving Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust?

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your love for juicy burgers with the irresistible charm of pizza, the Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust is about to become your new favorite dish. This recipe takes the classic patty melt and transforms it into a pizza experience that’s cheesy, meaty, and satisfies that crunchy-crust craving perfectly thanks to a golden, airy focaccia base. It’s a mouthwatering upgrade that hits every comfort food note in one glorious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Rich and savory beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions create a perfect balance of tastes that satisfy every craving.
• Unique Crust: The focaccia crust adds a crispy, airy texture that stands out from traditional pizza dough.
• Comfort Food Meets Gourmet: Combines beloved diner favorites into a deliciously elevated and shareable pizza form.
• Easy to Customize: Adapt toppings and cheeses easily to suit your personal flavor preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a casual family dinner or a fun party snack, this recipe impresses every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but carefully chosen ingredients will set your Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust apart. Each item plays a critical role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal—from the fluffy focaccia to the lush melted cheese topping.

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties that won’t overwhelm the pizza.
• Focaccia Dough: Store-bought or homemade focaccia dough provides the perfect base with its airy crumb and golden crust.
• Swiss Cheese: This traditional patty melt cheese melts beautifully, offering nutty, creamy richness.
• Caramelized Onions: Slow-cooked onions add sweet depth and a tender texture that complements the meat.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick reminiscent of classic patty melts, balanced perfectly with the other toppings.
• Butter: Used to sauté onions and brush the crust for golden crispiness and indulgent flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and balancing all the flavors.
• Optional Pickles: Adds a bright, acidic crunch that’s iconic in patty melts and perfect as a pizza topping twist.

Variations for Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

This recipe invites you to experiment and make it your own. You can tweak ingredients based on what’s available or your taste preferences while keeping the core charm alive.

• Cheese Mix: Swap or add provolone or cheddar for a sharper or creamier cheese profile.
• Vegetarian Patty: Use plant-based ground “beef” for a meatless twist that still satisfies.
• Caramelized Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms alongside onions for an earthier, richer topping.
• Spicy Kick: Include sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to add heat contrast.
• Gluten-Free Focaccia: Prepare or buy gluten-free focaccia dough to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

Step 1: Prepare the Focaccia Crust

Start by pressing out the focaccia dough onto a greased baking sheet, stretching it gently to form an even layer about 1/2 inch thick. Brush the top generously with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with salt to create a golden, crispy crust. Pre-baking the crust for 10 minutes at 400°F helps set the base and prevents sogginess later.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While the crust pre-bakes, season your ground beef with salt and pepper, then cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles that replicate the texture of a classic patty melt.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In a separate pan, melt butter and slowly cook thinly sliced onions over medium-low heat until golden brown and sweet, stirring occasionally. This step takes patience but adds incredible depth to the final dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Remove the focaccia crust from the oven, then spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard across the surface for tang. Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef and caramelized onions, scatter the Swiss cheese on top, and add optional pickles if you like that extra zing.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the focaccia are golden brown and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

• Use Quality Beef: Higher quality beef improves flavor and juiciness, so choose fresh, well-marbled meat.
• Don’t Skip the Pre-Bake: Pre-baking focaccia prevents the toppings from making the crust soggy.
• Low and Slow Onions: Patience with caramelizing onions pays off in sweetness and texture.
• Even Topping Distribution: Distribute meat and onions evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Brush Crust with Butter: Butter enhances browning and adds irresistible flavor to the edges.

How to Serve Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and subtle freshness that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair the pizza with a crisp green salad or crunchy dill pickle slices to cut through the richness, or serve with classic potato chips for an extra nostalgic touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into generous squares for casual sharing, or serve slices with a small ramekin of mustard-mayo dip to echo the tangy notes found in the pizza’s sauce layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through to preserve the focaccia’s crisp texture. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I make the focaccia crust from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade focaccia dough enhances flavor and freshness, and the process is fairly straightforward if you have some time for rising.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Use plant-based ground “beef” or hearty mushrooms to replicate the meaty texture while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.

What cheese alternatives work well for this recipe?

Provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar can substitute or be combined with Swiss for different flavor profiles.

Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?

You can assemble it a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated, but baking right before serving yields the best texture.

What beverages pair well with Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust?

Classic pairings include a cold craft beer, a crisp lager, or an iced tea – drinks that complement the pizza’s savory, rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself to a comforting, flavor-packed meal, the Ultimate Patty Melt Pizza with Focaccia Crust is your answer. Its irresistible combination of juicy beef, savory cheeses, and crispy focaccia crust makes it not only a unique twist on two beloved classics but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and savor every delicious bite!

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