A Patty Melt is a classic American sandwich that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting qualities of a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s typically made with a hamburger patty, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all sandwiched between slices of rye bread. Adding a secret sauce can elevate this already fantastic dish. Here’s a recipe for a classic Patty Melt with a delicious secret sauce.
Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Patty Melt:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for caramelizing onions)
- 4 slices of rye bread
- Additional butter (for grilling the sandwich)
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles or relish
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
2. Make the Secret Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, chopped pickles or relish, smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Beef Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin, slightly larger-than-burger-sized patties.
- Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the Patties:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the skillet to melt the cheese.
5. Assemble the Patty Melt:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- On the unbuttered side, spread a generous amount of the secret sauce.
- Place a patty with melted cheese on top of two slices of bread with sauce.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions on top of the patties.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side out.
6. Grill the Patty Melts:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press down slightly with a spatula to ensure even grilling.
7. Serve:
- Remove from the skillet and let rest for a minute before slicing.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides, like pickles, fries, or a simple salad.
Tips:
- Meat Mix: For juicier patties, you can mix a bit of finely chopped onion or a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the ground beef before forming the patties.
- Bread Choices: While rye bread is traditional, you can also use sourdough, whole wheat, or your favorite sandwich bread.
This Patty Melt with secret sauce is sure to become a favorite for its flavorful twist on the classic! Enjoy your meal!