Craving a comforting, juicy, and cheesy sandwich with a twist? Look no further than the Patty Melt with Secret Sauce! This timeless diner favorite, featuring a juicy burger patty, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and toasted bread, takes on a whole new level of flavor with a mouthwatering secret sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this melt is a satisfying mix of crispy, savory, and cheesy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Patty Melt:
- Juicy Burger Perfection: A perfectly cooked beef patty is the heart of this dish.
- Melted Cheese Goodness: Loads of gooey cheese for a truly melty sandwich experience.
- Crispy, Toasty Bread: Golden-brown grilled bread adds the perfect crunch.
- The Secret Sauce: A tangy, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
Ingredients:
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy burgers)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough, rye, or your favorite sandwich bread)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Butter, for grilling the bread
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Secret Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Set aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld while you prepare the patty melts.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, until they are soft and caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into patties, pressing them slightly thinner than you would for a regular burger (since they’ll be going inside a sandwich).
- Season both sides of the patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In the same skillet, add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side over medium-high heat until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- For each sandwich, layer one slice of cheddar and one slice of Swiss cheese on the unbuttered side of a slice of bread.
- Add a burger patty, some of the caramelized onions, and a generous spoonful of the secret sauce.
- Top with another slice of cheddar and Swiss cheese, then place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side out.
Step 5: Grill the Patty Melts
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Tips for the Best Patty Melts:
- Press the Sandwich: Gently press the sandwich down with a spatula while grilling to ensure even cooking and extra crispiness.
- Use Good Bread: Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough or Texas toast also works great for that crunchy, buttery exterior.
- Customize the Cheese: Swap out the cheese for a melty combo of your favorites—American, provolone, or even pepper jack for a kick.