Introduction
The Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is a delicious combination of juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and crispy bread, all brought together with a flavorful secret sauce. This diner classic is easy to make at home and perfect for satisfying your burger cravings.
Ingredients
For the Patty Melt:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 slices rye bread or sourdough
- 4 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
For the Secret Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Preparation Tips
Use freshly ground beef with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for the juiciest patties.
Cook the onions slowly over low heat to achieve perfectly caramelized results.
Toast the bread lightly before assembling the melt to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties
Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and shape them into thin patties slightly larger than the bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melt
Spread a thin layer of secret sauce on one side of each bread slice. On two slices, layer a slice of cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, sauce side down.
Step 5: Grill the Patty Melt
Melt the remaining butter in the skillet over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve
Cut the patty melts in half and serve warm with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.
Description
The Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is a hearty, flavorful sandwich with perfectly balanced textures and tastes. The juicy beef, gooey cheese, and tangy secret sauce make every bite a satisfying experience.
Nutritional Information (Per sandwich, based on 2 servings)
- Calories: 700
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese are great alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best results.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! Use your preferred type of bread to suit your dietary needs.
Recommendations
Pair with crispy fries or a side salad for a complete meal.
Add sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve with a pickle spear and a cold soda for a classic diner-style experience.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is a deliciously indulgent sandwich that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With its juicy beef patties, melty cheese, caramelized onions, and tangy sauce, this dish is a must-try for burger lovers. Whip it up today and enjoy the perfect comfort food!