Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Patty Melts:

1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juicy patties)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
8 slices of rye bread (or sourdough for a twist)
4 slices of Swiss cheese
4 slices of cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Secret Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Secret Sauce:

In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using).
Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Stir the ingredients together until fully combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

2. Caramelize the Onions:

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet, stirring occasionally.
Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Patties:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients together gently until just combined (overmixing can make the patties tough).
Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty that’s slightly larger than the bread slices (the patties will shrink a bit as they cook).

4. Cook the Patties:

In the same skillet used for the onions, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
Add the beef patties to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Place a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing the cheese to melt.
Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.

5. Assemble the Patty Melts:

Spread a thin layer of the secret sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
To build each patty melt, start by placing a slice of bread (sauce side up) on a clean work surface.
Place one beef patty with melted cheese on top of the bread.
Add a generous amount of caramelized onions on top of the patty.
Place another slice of bread (sauce side down) on top to complete the sandwich.

6. Grill the Patty Melts:

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

7. Serve:

Slice each patty melt in half for easier handling.
Serve hot with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.

Optional Side Suggestions:

Serve with crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad to balance out the richness of the patty melt.
A dill pickle spear on the side adds a nice tangy contrast.

Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt:

Bread Choice: Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough offers a great alternative with its slightly tangy flavor.
Butter It Up: Butter the bread or the skillet lightly to achieve that golden-brown crust. Alternatively, use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for a crispy, tangy twist.
Patty Size: Make the patties slightly larger than the bread to account for shrinkage during cooking.
Cheese Choices: Swiss cheese is classic, but mixing it with cheddar provides a perfect balance of creaminess and sharpness.
Caramelized Onions: Low and slow is the key. This brings out the natural sweetness in the onions, complementing the savory beef and tangy secret sauce.

Conclusion:

Patty melts are a timeless classic, perfect for a comforting meal at home. The combination of juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all tucked between golden-brown slices of bread, makes for an irresistible dish. The secret sauce adds a tangy, savory kick that elevates the flavors, making every bite a delightful experience. This recipe is sure to become a favorite, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a diner-style meal.