Description
Patty Melts with Secret Sauce take the classic diner sandwich to new heights with a tangy, creamy sauce, gooey melted cheese, and juicy beef patties, all nestled between crispy golden rye bread. Perfect for a comforting meal any time of the day, these melts are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Secret Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Butter for grilling (about 2 tbsp)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Secret Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well blended, then set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Form and Cook the Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into thin patties slightly larger than your bread slices.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place four slices, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Top each slice with a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked beef patty, a generous portion of caramelized onions, and a slice of cheddar cheese.
- Add the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up, to complete the sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Cook the sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
- Press down gently with a spatula while grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the patty melts from the skillet and let them rest for a minute.
- Slice each sandwich in half and serve hot, with the secret sauce either drizzled on top or served on the side.
Notes
- Choose the Right Bread: Rye is classic, but you can substitute with sourdough, brioche, or whole-grain bread for a twist.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Take your time caramelizing the onions; it adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the melts.
- Press Lightly While Grilling: This helps the cheese melt evenly and the bread crisp up perfectly.
- Use High-Quality Beef: Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio will keep the patties juicy and flavorful.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American