A device for installing an ingredient inside a food patty, the device including first and second hinged together patty portion receptacles, and a die support with a respective patty portion shaping die for each of the patty portions in the receptacles. The dies are closed into the receptacles to shape the patty portions therein to define a respective pocket in each patty portion for holding an ingredient. With the ingredient installed in a pocket formed in one of or each of the patties, the patty portion receptacles are hingedly movable together to combine the patty portions into a patty containing the installed ingredient. The patty remains in one receptacle. A patty portion release device at one or each receptacle releases the patty portions from the respective receptacles. For example, one receptacle is of a non-stick material and/or is deformable to release the patty portion material therein.