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Introduction
Patty melts are a beloved classic sandwich that combine the juicy satisfaction of a burger with the crisp, buttery goodness of grilled bread and melted cheese. But what if you could take this comfort food staple up a notch? Enter the secret sauce — a tangy, creamy addition that elevates every bite with layers of flavor. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, melty, and zesty, making your homemade patty melts truly unforgettable.
Ingredients:
For the Patty Melts:
1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 slices of rye bread (or your favorite sandwich bread)
8 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for extra nuttiness)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
For the Secret Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon pickle relish
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
1. Prepare the Secret Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your preference. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Cook the Onions:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt a little butter and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
3. Make the Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into four even patties, slightly larger than your bread slices since they will shrink when cooking.
4. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through (or to your desired doneness).
5. Assemble the Patty Melts:
Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, a generous dollop of secret sauce, then another slice of cheese. Top with another bread slice, buttered side out.
6. Grill the Sandwiches:
In a clean skillet, grill the sandwiches over medium heat. Press down gently with a spatula or sandwich press, cooking about 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serve your patty melts hot, straight from the skillet, accompanied by crispy fries or a fresh pickle. If you want to store leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain the crispy crust and melty cheese—avoid microwaving to keep the texture.
Variant:
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