Everything you love about a patty melt sandwich is in this easy to make Patty Melt Dip. It's sure to be a real crowd-pleaser at your next party or celebration!

My husband and I love patty melts, and we order them often when we go out to eat.
This hot patty melt dip idea came to me when I was trying to come up with appetizer recipes that I'd never seen before.
Go directly to the recipe.
- The ingredient list:
- Kitchen tools and equipment:
- Why use Velveeta?
- Why this recipe works (IMHO):
- What is party (cocktail) bread and where can I find it?
- Other good dipper suggestions:
- Other ways to serve patty melt dip:
- Additional appetizers and dips:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredient list:
- yellow onions
- ground beef
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
- beef broth or stock
- dill pickle relish
- yellow mustard
- Velveeta or American Cheese
- cocktail (party) rye bread (shown) or rye bread cut into wedges
Kitchen tools and equipment:
- large skillet
- spatula or wooden spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- slow cooker (optional) for keeping warm while serving
Why use Velveeta?
I used Velveeta in this Patty Melt Dip because I knew it would melt better than any other cheese I could think of.
If you're not a fan of Velveeta then, by all means, you can substitute one pound of American cheese for the Velveeta or even go with cheddar if you prefer.
*Please note, if you do decide to go with cheddar, make sure to purchase it in block form because the pre-shredded bagged cheeses are coated with starches to keep the cheese in shred form, and they aren't good for melting.
Why this recipe works (IMHO):
The day I made this hot ground beef appetizer I couldn't stop snacking on it. I guess that's the sign of a really good recipe. At least I like to think so.
It's easy and fast to make and once you try it you'll be amazed how much the flavor of this hot and meaty appetizer spread resembles the iconic patty melt burger, caramelized onions, and all!
If you enjoy patty melts, you are going to love, love, love this Patty Melt Dip. You have my word on it! My husband gave this dip a full two thumbs up and believe you me, he knows his patty melts! 🙂
What is party (cocktail) bread and where can I find it?
It typically located at the deli area of the market.
If you're unable to find cocktail bread in your area a good option is to cut rye bread into wedges or slices (you can toast it first if you'd like), and serve it with this patty melt dip.
Another good option is rye crackers or rye bread crisps if you're looking to closely mimic the flavor of a patty melt.
Other good dipper suggestions:
- pita bread
- pretzels
- crackers
- assorted vegetables
Other ways to serve patty melt dip:
How about serving this on a bun just as you would a sloppy Joe? YUM!!
Or, spoon this hot and cheesy dip over a baked potato!
I'd even like it spooned over mashed potatoes, hot cooked noodles or rice!
Think outside the box a little. How would YOU serve this delicious and cost-effective hot spread?
Additional appetizers and dips:
Cheesy Hot Mexican Street Corn Dip
Crescent Wrapped Bratwurst Bites with Sauerkraut Dipping Sauce
Cream Cheese Salami Dip with Dill Pickles
Easy Skillet Queso Dip from Kylee Cooks
Buffalo Shrimp Dip from Sweet and Savory Meals
Lasagna Dip from Snacks and Sips
The BEST Gruyere Cheese Fondue
When you make this recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did. Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!
Printable Recipe Card
Patty Melt Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups yellow onions diced (approximately 1½ medium onions)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup beef stock or broth
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1½ teaspoons coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1 pound Velveeta or American cheese cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- Cocktail rye bread or assorted dippers
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, caramelize the onions in the olive oil, stirring frequently (approximately 10 minutes).
- Add the beef broth to the onions and stir until almost evaporated.
- Add the ground beef to the onions in the skillet and stir until browned.
- Add the salt, pepper, garlic, and cheese. Stir well until melted.
- Add the dill pickle relish and yellow mustard. Stir to combine.
- Serve hot with cocktail rye bread or assorted chips or dippers of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you've enjoyed today's easy hot appetizer for patty melt dip as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
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Coco says
I made this for a get-together my boyfriend was throwing, and it was a hit. I did make one substitution: I used Thousand Island dressing instead of the pickle relish and mustard, since Thousand Island has both in it while also adding more of that "special sauce" flavor. I did a full substitution of 5 tbs, which did make it a little more on the sweet side, so if anyone else wants to try that, I'd recommend starting with 3 tbs and adding more to taste!
Thanks for the recipe! I needed new things to try with ground beef.
Renée says
Love your substitutions, Coco! Very good thinking. Glad the dip was a hit! I love it too!
Marsha says
This dip looks incredible!!
Renée says
Thank you! It IS!! My husband is the patty melt king, and he loves it!!
Tayler Ross says
This looks like the perfect game day dip! I am definitely saving this for Super Bowl Sunday!
Renée says
Good call! I'm making it too!
Sarah says
I LOVE LOVE dips! I have a party to go to tomorrow and I am TAKING THIS!
Renée says
I'm sure everyone will love it. Have fun accepting all the compliments!
Julie Evink says
I'm always looking for a new fun dip to try during football games and we decided to try this one over the weekend. We loved it! Going on our regular rotation!
Jillian says
This dip is some serious comfort food! It's perfect for game day and holidays!
Renée says
Thanks, Jillian! Everyone loves it! It's so easy to make, too!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Yummy! My mouth is watering just from seeing this dip recipe, Renée. Can I also add a bit of red onions when preparing it?
Renée says
Hi, Agness! I LOVE red onions and would definitely use them in this recipe too! Go for it!!