Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

A Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is a classic diner-style sandwich with a flavorful twist! It’s a hearty combination of a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all sandwiched between two buttery, crispy slices of rye bread, topped off with a secret sauce that adds an extra layer of tangy richness. It’s the perfect blend of savory and creamy.

Here’s how to make the ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce!

Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Secret Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Patty Melt:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter (for caramelizing onions)

• 4 slices rye bread (or any sturdy bread you prefer)

• 4 slices Swiss cheese (or American cheese)

• 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling the sandwich)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Secret Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sweet pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). Stir well until everything is combined.

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Set the sauce aside for later.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

2. Caramelize the Onions:

   • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are golden brown and soft. You may need to lower the heat slightly as they cook to avoid burning.

   • Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties

3. Form the Patties:

   • While the onions are caramelizing, form the ground beef into 4 equal patties (about 1/4 lb each). Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

4. Cook the Patties:

   • In the same skillet (you can wipe it out if needed), cook the beef patties over medium-high heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness (typically medium or medium-well works best for a patty melt). For a juicy burger, make sure not to overcook!

   • Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty in the last minute of cooking, then cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melt

5. Butter the Bread:

   • While the patties are cooking, butter one side of each slice of rye bread with 1 tablespoon of butter.

6. Toast the Bread:

   • Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Place the buttered side of the bread slices down on the griddle and toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. You want a crisp, golden crust, but not too dark.

7. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice of toasted bread.

   • Place a patty with melted cheese onto one slice of bread.

   • Add a portion of the caramelized onions on top of the cheese-covered patty.

   • Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.

Step 5: Grill the Patty Melt

8. Grill the Sandwich:

   • In the same skillet or griddle, add a little more butter if needed. Grill the assembled sandwich over medium heat, pressing down gently with a spatula, until both sides are crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

9. Serve:

   • Once both sides of the sandwich are golden brown and crispy, remove it from the pan. Let it cool for about 1 minute before slicing in half to prevent the filling from spilling out.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Side Dish: Serve the Patty Melt with crispy fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad for a classic diner-style meal.

• Dipping Sauce: The secret sauce can also be used for dipping the sandwich for extra flavor!

• Pickles: A side of pickle spears or even pickled onions would pair wonderfully with the richness of the patty melt.

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Tips for Perfect Patty Melts:

• Cheese Choices: If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can use American cheese for that super melty texture or even cheddar for a sharp bite.

• Onion Variations: If you’re not keen on caramelized onions, you can substitute with sautéed mushrooms or add a few crispy bacon strips for extra flavor.

• Meat Alternatives: If you’re looking for something lighter, you can try ground turkey or plant-based patties for a non-beef option.

The Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is the perfect comfort food for anyone who loves a juicy burger with melted cheese, crispy bread, and a tangy sauce. It’s super satisfying and will definitely hit the spot! Would you like any other sandwich ideas, or maybe a drink pairing suggestion for this?