Patty Melts with Secret Sauce - Best Recipe Ever!

Patty Melts with Secret Sauce - The Ultimate Recipe

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 8 slices rye bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Butter, for grilling
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce

Start by making the flavorful secret sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld together.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally. The key to perfect caramelized onions is patience! Let them slowly cook until they become golden brown and soft, about 15-20 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Form and Cook the Patties

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin, oval-shaped patties that match the size of your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Using the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts

Butter one side of each rye bread slice. Place 4 slices, butter-side down, onto a clean skillet or griddle preheated over medium heat.

Now, it's time to layer the ingredients for the ultimate patty melt:

• First, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each slice of bread.
• Next, add a cooked beef patty.
• Top with a generous helping of caramelized onions.
• Then, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top.
• Finally, cover with another slice of bread, butter-side up.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Cook each sandwich for about 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula. Flip carefully to ensure even browning. The goal is to achieve a golden, crispy crust while allowing the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the patty melts are done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Slice each sandwich in half and serve hot with the secret sauce on the side or drizzled inside. Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for the perfect meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Patty Melts

• Use quality beef: An 80/20 blend of ground beef works best for juicy patties.
• Caramelize onions slowly: Don't rush this step! The deeper the caramelization, the richer the flavor.
• Choose the right bread: Rye bread provides the best texture and flavor for patty melts.
• Butter generously: A good amount of butter gives the bread a crispy, golden crust.
• Press gently: Use a spatula to press down slightly while grilling to ensure even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While Swiss and cheddar are the traditional choices, you can experiment with provolone, American, or even pepper jack for extra flavor.

What can I substitute for rye bread?

If you're not a fan of rye, you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or even Texas toast for a delicious variation.

Can I make patty melts ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the patties and caramelized onions in advance. When ready to eat, simply assemble and grill the sandwiches fresh for the best results.

What are good side dishes for patty melts?

Classic choices include French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.

Final Thoughts

Patty melts are the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy beef, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and crispy buttered bread into one irresistible sandwich. With this easy recipe and secret sauce, you'll be able to make restaurant-quality patty melts at home.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Share your experience in the comments below.