Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Chill the sauce: Cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramelized Onions
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Cook the onions: Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low if the onions start to brown too quickly. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Patties
- Mix the beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Form the patties: Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about the size of the bread slices. Make the patties slightly thinner in the center to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
- Heat the skillet: In the same skillet used for the onions, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties: Add the beef patties to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Patty Melts
- Prepare the bread: Spread a thin layer of the secret sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place a slice of cheese on the sauced side of four bread slices. Top with a beef patty, followed by caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and another slice of bread with the sauced side facing down.
Step 6: Cook the Patty Melts
- Heat the skillet: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down gently with a spatula to help the sandwiches adhere and cook evenly.
Step 7: Serve
- Slice and serve: Slice the patty melts in half and serve hot with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Patty Melts
- Caramelize the onions slowly: Take your time caramelizing the onions to bring out their natural sweetness and achieve a rich, golden color.
- Use good quality cheese: Swiss cheese is traditional for patty melts, but feel free to use cheddar or your favorite melty cheese.
- Press gently: Pressing the sandwiches gently with a spatula helps the bread brown evenly and the cheese melt perfectly.
Conclusion
Patty melts with secret sauce are a delicious and comforting sandwich that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe ensures juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a flavorful sauce all come together in a crispy, golden sandwich. Enjoy making and savoring this classic dish with your loved ones!