Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

Recipes

Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

Ingredients

For the Secret Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Patty Melts:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 12 ounces 85/15 ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Secret Sauce:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
  3. Set aside until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Prepare the Caramelized Onions:

  1. In a skillet over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil.
  2. Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and a deep golden brown, about 30 minutes or longer.
    • Tip: If the onions start to dry out or stick to the pan, add a splash of water and reduce the heat slightly.
  4. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the heat and set aside.

Prepare the Patties:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
  3. Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions.
  4. Shape each portion into a thin, oblong patty to match the shape of your bread slices.

Cook the Patties:

  1. In the same skillet used for the onions (wipe out any excess grease if necessary), heat over medium heat.
  2. Add the beef patties to the skillet.
  3. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  4. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.

Assemble the Patty Melts:

  1. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread with the softened unsalted butter.
  2. For each sandwich, layer the ingredients as follows on the unbuttered side of the bread:
    • Place one slice of bread buttered side down on a plate or cutting board.
    • Add one slice of Swiss cheese.
    • Place a cooked beef patty on top of the cheese.
    • Top with a generous portion of caramelized onions.
    • Drizzle or spread some of the secret sauce over the onions.
    • Add one slice of cheddar cheese.
    • Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.

Cook the Sandwiches:

  1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Place the assembled sandwiches onto the skillet.
  3. Cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
  4. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula.
  5. Cook the other side for an additional 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
  6. Remove from the skillet.

Serve:

  • Slice each patty melt in half if desired.
  • Serve immediately while hot.
  • Enjoy your delicious Patty Melts with Secret Sauce!

Notes

  • Bread Options: Rye bread adds a traditional flavor, but you can substitute with sourdough or your preferred bread.
  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to use only one type of cheese or substitute with other cheeses like provolone or pepper jack.
  • Additional Toppings: Add sliced pickles, tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
  • Cooking the Onions: Patience is key for caramelizing onions. Low and slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness.
  • Sauce Storage: Extra secret sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Patty Melt with Secret Sauce!