Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce: A Classic Done Right

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

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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).
  2. Season both sides of the patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. 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

  1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
  2. For each sandwich, layer one slice of cheddar and one slice of Swiss cheese on the unbuttered side of a slice of bread.
  3. Add a burger patty, some of the caramelized onions, and a generous spoonful of the secret sauce.
  4. 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

  1. 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.

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