Here’s a recipe for Patty Melts with Secret Sauce, combining juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted cheese between toasted bread, along with a flavorful homemade sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend is best)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or American cheese, depending on preference)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter (for toasting the bread)
For the Secret Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Secret Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and white vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until well combined and set aside in the fridge to chill while you prepare the patty melts.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
- In a 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 and caramelized. Reduce the heat if the onions start to brown too quickly. Set aside once done.
3. Cook the Beef Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties (they should be roughly the size of your bread slices).
- In the same skillet you used for the onions, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Set the cooked patties aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of 4 slices of bread.
- Layer each with a slice of cheddar cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, a slice of Swiss cheese, and top with another slice of bread (buttered side facing out).
5. Cook the Patty Melts:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place the assembled sandwiches on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve:
- Slice the patty melts in half and serve hot with more secret sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes:
- You can customize the cheeses depending on your taste, but Swiss and cheddar provide a great flavor combination.
- Rye bread gives the patty melt a classic diner feel, but you can use sourdough or any sturdy bread you like.
Enjoy your juicy Patty Melts with Secret Sauce!