Patty Melts With Secret Sauce Recipe

If you love burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, then you're in for a treat with this Patty Melt with Secret Sauce recipe! A patty melt combines the best of both worlds: a juicy burger patty topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a crispy grilled bread. But the magic doesn’t stop there—this version comes with a rich, tangy secret sauce that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re making this for a weekend indulgence or a quick weeknight meal, this patty melt recipe is sure to satisfy every craving. Let’s dive in for all the juicy details, including step-by-step instructions, topping variations, and tips on how to make the perfect patty melt every time!

this Recipe

What is a "Patty Melt"?

A Patty Melt is a cross between a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich, typically made with a ground beef patty, melted cheese (like Swiss or American), caramelized onions, and served on grilled bread (often rye or sourdough). Unlike a traditional hamburger, patty melts are cooked and assembled in a skillet, giving them a golden, crispy crust. This classic American diner sandwich is both nostalgic and indulgent, offering a gooey, flavorful bite in every corner. Adding a homemade secret sauce elevates the dish, balancing the richness with a tangy, creamy kick.

Ingredients List for Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Patty Melts:

For the Patty Melts:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juicier patties)
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or cheddar or American cheese)
• 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 8 slices of rye bread (or sourdough or any sturdy bread)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling the bread)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for caramelizing the onions)

For the Secret Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• 1 teaspoon pickle relish (sweet or dill)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients List for Toppings and Variations

Want to customize your Patty Melts? Here are some additional toppings and variations you can consider:

• Toppings:
• Sliced pickles for crunch and tang
• Bacon for a smoky, salty addition
• Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor
• Jalapeños for a spicy kick
• Tomato slices for freshness
• Variations:
• Turkey Patty Melt: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Patty Melt: Use a plant-based burger patty or a large portobello mushroom cap as the base.
• Cheese Swap: If Swiss isn’t your favorite, try cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to adjust this Patty Melt recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

• Bread Options: Rye bread is traditional for patty melts, but you can use sourdough, Texas toast, or even a hearty whole wheat bread. The key is to use a sturdy bread that will hold up to grilling.
• Cheese Options: Swiss cheese is classic for a patty melt, but don’t hesitate to swap it for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even gouda if you want a different flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, skip the bread and serve the patty melt on a bed of lettuce or over a grilled portobello mushroom cap.
• Spicy Kick: Add some heat by mixing hot sauce or sriracha into the secret sauce or sprinkling red pepper flakes onto the burger patty as it cooks.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect Patty Melts with Secret Sauce:

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Reduce the heat if they start to burn. Season with a pinch of salt.
3. Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Patties

1. While the onions are cooking, divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a thin patty (about the size of the bread slices). Season both sides of each patty with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce if desired.
2. In the same skillet used for the onions, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Melt a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking by covering the pan with a lid or using a spatula to help the cheese melt faster.
3. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Secret Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
2. Set the secret sauce aside for assembling the sandwiches.

Step 4: Grill the Bread

1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. The buttered sides will become crispy and golden when grilled.
2. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the bread slices butter-side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. You can cook the bread in batches if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Patty Melts

1. Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice of bread.
2. To assemble the patty melts, place a beef patty with melted cheese on top of one slice of bread. Add a spoonful of caramelized onions on top of the patty. Close the sandwich with another slice of bread, sauce side down.
3. Grill the assembled sandwiches in the skillet for another minute or two per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

How to Cook Patty Melts with Secret Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Caramelize the onions until golden and set aside.
2. Form and cook the patties with seasoning and melt cheese on top.
3. Mix the secret sauce ingredients in a bowl.
4. Grill the bread until golden and crispy.
5. Assemble the patty melts by layering the patties, onions, and secret sauce between slices of grilled bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Lean Ground Beef: Patty melts are best with a slightly fatty ground beef blend (80/20 is ideal). Leaner beef can result in dry patties.
• Skipping the Caramelized Onions: Don’t rush the onions—caramelizing them slowly over low heat adds a rich, sweet flavor that’s essential for the perfect patty melt.
• Burning the Bread: Buttered bread can burn quickly if the heat is too high. Cook the bread over medium heat to ensure it gets crispy and golden without burning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Patty melts are best served hot off the skillet with some classic sides. Here are a few ideas for serving and presenting your Patty Melts with Secret Sauce:

• Classic Diner Style: Serve the patty melts with crispy French fries or onion rings on the side.
• With a Salad: For a lighter meal, pair your patty melt with a simple side salad or some coleslaw.
• Cut in Halves: Slice the patty melt diagonally for a classic, diner-style presentation, and serve with a side of extra secret sauce for dipping.

How to Serve Patty Melts

• On a Plate: Serve your patty melt on a plate with a generous serving of fries or chips.
• With a Side of Pickles: A few crunchy dill pickles or pickle spears on the side add a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
• As a Party Dish: If you’re making patty melts for a crowd, cut the sandwiches into quarters and serve them as sliders or finger food with a side of dipping sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Patty Melts

• Serve in a Basket: For a nostalgic diner feel, serve your patty melts in lined baskets with fries and ketchup.
• Stacked High: For a visually impressive presentation, stack two patty melts on top of each other with a skewer through the center, holding everything in place.

Patty Melts Recipe Tips

• Press the Sandwiches: While grilling the assembled patty melts, gently press them with a spatula to help the cheese melt and the bread crisp up evenly.
• Make-Ahead: Caramelize the onions and prepare the secret sauce in advance to save time when making the sandwiches.
• **Freeze Patties**: You can pre-make the beef patties and freeze them for later. Just thaw and cook as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of bread for the patty melts?
A: Yes! While rye bread is traditional, sourdough or Texas toast are great alternatives.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the onions and sauce in advance, but the sandwiches are best assembled and grilled fresh to maintain their crispiness.

Q: Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based burger patty will work just as well.

Q: How can I make the patty melt spicier?
A: Add hot sauce or sriracha to the secret sauce, or top the patty with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

There you have it—Patty Melts with Secret Sauce, the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with flavor! With juicy burger patties, melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and crispy bread, this sandwich is a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or impressing guests with a diner-style meal, these patty melts are sure to satisfy. Don’t forget the secret sauce—it’s what takes this dish from good to unforgettable!

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