Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

A Patty Melt is a classic American sandwich that combines a juicy beef patty with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and often served on rye bread. The key to making it stand out is the Secret Sauce, which adds a zesty, creamy element to the sandwich. Here’s a recipe for making a mouthwatering Patty Melt with Secret Sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Secret Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)

• 1 tablespoon pickle relish (optional for a bit of tang)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Patty Melt:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for juicy patties)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

• 4 slices rye bread (or any bread of your choice)

• 4 slices Swiss cheese (or American cheese)

• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)

• 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Secret Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed (more mustard or relish if you want it tangier, or more ketchup for sweetness).

3. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the patties and onions.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat and add a bit of olive oil.

2. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes until they’re golden brown and caramelized. Be patient and avoid turning up the heat too high, as slow cooking creates the sweet, rich flavor.

3. Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Beef Patties

1. While the onions are cooking, form the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties. Make them slightly larger than the slices of bread, as they will shrink a little as they cook.

2. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.

3. In the same skillet you used for the onions, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

4. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness (medium-rare to medium works well for this recipe). When the patties are done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.

2. Place the bread, buttered side down, on the skillet over medium heat. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

3. On one slice of bread, add a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a cooked patty, some of the caramelized onions, and a generous amount of the secret sauce.

4. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

5. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the patty melts are grilled to perfection, remove them from the pan and cut them in half to serve.

2. Serve hot with a side of fries, chips, or a simple salad.

Tips:

• Beef Blend: For a juicy patty, try using an 80/20 ground beef blend (80% lean, 20% fat). This provides enough fat for flavor without being overly greasy.

• Cheese Options: While Swiss is traditional for a Patty Melt, you can also try cheddar, American, or a combination of cheeses for extra flavor.

• Grilled Onions: If you like your onions extra sweet, you can make them ahead of time and refrigerate them. You can also caramelize them in a bit of balsamic vinegar or a splash of wine for a twist.

• Serving Suggestions: Patty melts are great with a cold beer or a milkshake, making it a perfect diner-style meal at home!

This Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The rich flavor of the caramelized onions, juicy beef patty, gooey melted cheese, and tangy secret sauce make it irresistible! Enjoy your homemade patty melt, and feel free to experiment with the sauce or toppings to suit your tastes!