Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Heat Oil: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. 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.
  3. Set Aside: Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. You’ll need two slices per sandwich.
  2. 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

  1. Heat a Griddle or Skillet: Over medium heat, place the assembled sandwiches butter-side down.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

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