Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle relish, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Chill: Set the sauce aside in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the meal. This helps the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat Oil: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Onions: Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally, cooking them slowly over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized. If they start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan.
- Set Aside: Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
- Shape the Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into thin, oblong patties (about the size of your bread slices). Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook: In the same skillet used for the onions (for extra flavor!), cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- Melt the Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty, cover the pan with a lid, and let the cheese melt.
Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts
- Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. You’ll need two slices per sandwich.
- Assemble: Spread the secret sauce on the non-buttered side of the bread slices. Place a cheesy patty on one slice of bread, top with a generous scoop of caramelized onions, and close the sandwich with another slice of bread (buttered side out).
Step 5: Grill the Patty Melts
- Heat a Griddle or Skillet: Over medium heat, place the assembled sandwiches butter-side down.
- Grill: Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted to perfection.
- Serve: Slice in half, and serve with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping!
Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt:
- Thin Patties: Make sure your beef patties are thin and wide enough to cover the bread once cooked. This ensures every bite has a good balance of beef, cheese, and bread.
- Caramelized Onions: Don’t rush the onions! Slow-cooking them until they’re soft and golden will add a rich, sweet flavor that complements the savory beef.
- Cheese Choice: While Swiss or American cheese are the classic choices, feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Variations:
- Spicy Patty Melt: Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
- Bacon Patty Melt: Top your patty with crispy bacon strips for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Veggie Patty Melt: Swap the beef patty for a veggie burger or a large grilled portobello mushroom for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Crispy Fries: Pair your patty melts with a side of crispy, golden fries or onion rings for the ultimate diner experience.
- Pickles: Serve with dill pickles on the side for a tangy contrast.
- Salad: For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the patty melt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is everything you want in comfort food – juicy, cheesy, and full of rich, savory flavors. The secret sauce adds a tangy, creamy note that perfectly complements the melted cheese and caramelized onions. Whether you’re making this for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every gooey, crispy, flavorful bite!