Introduction:
Patty melts are a classic American diner-style sandwich, combining juicy, flavorful beef patties with melted cheese and caramelized onions, all sandwiched between two slices of buttered, grilled rye bread. This twist on the traditional patty melt includes a secret sauce that adds a burst of flavor to elevate the sandwich to new heights.
Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, patty melts are a great choice for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack.
Ingredients:
For the Patty Melts:
1 lb ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices rye bread
4 slices Swiss cheese (or your preferred cheese)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter (for toasting the bread)
For the Secret Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp pickle relish (optional)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Make the Secret Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the Onions:
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
Cook the Patties:
Form the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.
Toast the Bread:
While the patties cook, butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place the bread, buttered-side down, in a separate skillet over medium heat. Toast the bread until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Assemble the Patty Melts:
Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice of bread.
Layer one slice of toast with a cheesy patty, followed by a spoonful of caramelized onions. Top with the second slice of toasted bread, buttered-side up.
Grill the Sandwich:
Place the assembled patty melt in the skillet over medium heat and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is crispy and golden, and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the patty melt in half and serve with your favorite side dishes, like fries, chips, or a salad. Enjoy your delicious, melt-in-your-mouth patty melt with secret sauce!
Description:
The Patty Melt with Secret Sauce combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. The caramelized onions add a sweet and savory flavor that perfectly complements the juicy beef patty and gooey Swiss cheese. The secret sauce, with its tangy and creamy base, provides an extra layer of richness that takes this sandwich to another level. It’s a comforting and indulgent meal that’s sure to satisfy any craving.
Tips:
For a juicier patty: Choose ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20) for a more flavorful and juicy patty.
Caramelizing onions: Be patient with the onions; the slow cooking process brings out their natural sweetness.
Customize the sauce: Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the secret sauce based on your preferences—add a little hot sauce for heat or some extra relish for a tangy kick.
Grilled onions alternative: If you prefer a different flavor, sauté mushrooms in place of onions for a rich, earthy addition.
Grilled bread: For extra flavor, try grilling the rye bread in a cast iron skillet for a more authentic diner-style finish.
Variations:
Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef patty with a veggie burger or a portobello mushroom cap for a meat-free version of the patty melt.
Cheese Options: While Swiss is traditional, you can substitute with cheddar, American cheese, or provolone for a different taste.
Bacon Patty Melt: For extra indulgence, add crispy bacon strips to the patty melt for a smoky, crunchy element.
Open-Faced Patty Melt: Serve the sandwich open-faced (without the top slice of bread) for a more rustic style that’s perfect for sharing or eating with a fork and knife.
Corrections:
If the bread gets too dark before the cheese is melted, lower the heat and continue grilling slowly. This ensures the inside melts perfectly while the outside crisps up without burning.
For an even more melt-in-your-mouth texture, use a combination of cheeses (e.g., Swiss and American) to get both the creamy melt and sharp flavor.
If you don’t have rye bread, you can substitute with sourdough or white bread, though rye adds a distinct flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Enjoy:
Take a bite of your delicious Patty Melt with Secret Sauce and savor the combination of savory beef, tangy sauce, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions. It’s a satisfying meal that combines comfort, flavor, and nostalgia all in one!