Patty melts are a classic diner favorite that combine the best of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe elevates the traditional patty melt with a flavorful special sauce and caramelized Vidalia onions, creating a truly irresistible sandwich.
Ingredients
For the Patty Melts:
- 1½ pounds ground beef: Choose ground beef with a good fat content (80/20) for juicy patties.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick to the patties.
- 12 slices sourdough bread: A hearty bread that grills beautifully and holds up well to the filling.
- ½ cup Special Sauce: Adds a tangy and savory flavor to the melts (recipe below).
- 3 Vidalia onions, thinly sliced: Sweet onions that caramelize to perfection.
- 6 slices Cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey layer of deliciousness.
- 8 teaspoons unsalted butter: For grilling the sandwiches to golden-brown perfection.
For the Special Sauce:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon barbecue sauce: Provides a smoky sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce: Adds a subtle heat to the sauce.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Special Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce.
- Stir until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Set the sauce aside.
2. Cook the Onions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 teaspoons of unsalted butter.
- Add the thinly sliced Vidalia onions to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Lower the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
- Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Patties
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overwork the meat.
- Divide the meat into six equal portions and shape each portion into a thin patty, slightly larger than the bread slices.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat (you can use the same skillet from the onions, just wipe it out).
- Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Set the patties aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts
- Take the sourdough bread slices and spread a thin layer of the Special Sauce on one side of each slice.
- On half of the bread slices (sauce side up), place a cooked beef patty.
- Top each patty with a generous portion of the caramelized onions.
- Add a slice of Cheddar cheese on top of the onions.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top, sauce side down, to form a sandwich.
5. Grill the Patty Melts
- Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium heat.
- Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in the skillet.
- Place one or two sandwiches in the skillet (depending on the size of your skillet) and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Press down lightly on the sandwiches with a spatula while grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Repeat the process, adding more butter as needed, until all the sandwiches are cooked.
6. Serve
- Slice the patty melts in half diagonally and serve hot.
- Pair with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or pickles on the side.
Tips and Variations
- Bread Alternatives: Rye bread is a classic choice for patty melts if you prefer a more traditional option.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ons: Enhance the sandwich by adding sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or even a fried egg.
- Spicy Kick: If you love spice, increase the amount of hot sauce in the special sauce or add sliced jalapeños to the sandwich.
The Irresistible Patty Melt Delight with Special Sauce is a comfort food masterpiece. The combination of juicy beef patties, gooey melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy special sauce all tucked between crispy, buttery sourdough bread is truly indulgent. This sandwich is perfect for a weekend treat, a casual dinner, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth delight with your favorite sides and dig in!
