Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

 

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than these classic patty melts with a delicious secret sauce. Combining the best parts of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich, this dish features juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery rye bread. The secret sauce adds a tangy, creamy kick that takes this sandwich to the next level. Whether for a casual dinner or a weekend treat, these patty melts are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Preparation Details

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Patties:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

For the Secret Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

For Assembling the Patty Melts:

• 8 slices rye bread
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add butter.
2. Once melted, add sliced onions and stir to coat in butter.
3. Sprinkle with sugar and salt, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes until onions turn golden brown and soft.
4. Optionally, deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, stirring for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Secret Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Stir well until fully combined, then refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Mix gently, then divide into four equal portions and shape into oval patties slightly larger than the bread slices.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook patties for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts

1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
2. On the unbuttered side, spread a layer of secret sauce.
3. Place a slice of cheese, followed by a beef patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and finally, top with another slice of bread (buttered side facing out).

Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each sandwich for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
2. Remove from heat and let the sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing in half.

 

Patty melts with secret sauce are a delicious twist on a classic sandwich, combining rich, savory flavors with a satisfying crunch. The juicy beef, gooey cheese, and sweet caramelized onions create an irresistible combination, while the tangy secret sauce adds a burst of flavor. Perfect for a quick meal or a special treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve with a side of fries or a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!