Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Craving a comforting yet flavorful meal? Look no further than our delightful Patty Melts with Secret Sauce recipe! Perfectly seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a tangy secret sauce sandwiched between slices of rye bread create a mouthwatering culinary experience that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or hosting a casual get-together with friends, these patty melts are sure to be a hit. Join us as we uncover the secrets to making the ultimate patty melts, complete with our irresistible homemade secret sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Patty Melts:

• 1 lb. Ground beef
• 6 slices rye bread
• 1/2 tsp. Onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 6 Tbsp. butter, softened and unsalted

For the Secret Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. chopped bacon pieces
• 3 Tbsp. ketchup
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. relish

Instructions:

For the Secret Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped bacon pieces, ketchup, sugar, and relish. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Set aside.

For the Patty Melts:

1. Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Divide the seasoned ground beef into 6 equal portions and shape them into patties.
4. Place the patties on the preheated skillet or grill pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
5. While the patties are cooking, spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
6. Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet or grill pan and set aside.
7. In the same skillet or grill pan, place a slice of rye bread, buttered side down. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese, a cooked beef patty, a spoonful of secret sauce, and a slice of provolone cheese. Place another slice of rye bread on top, buttered side up.
8. Cook the patty melt for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make the remaining patty melts.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Burger Patty Variation: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. You can also add additional seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• Bread Variation: If you don’t have rye bread on hand, you can use sourdough bread, whole wheat bread, or even hamburger buns for a classic twist on the patty melt.
• Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize your patty melt. Try using Swiss cheese, American cheese, or pepper jack cheese for a unique flavor profile.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, omit the rye bread and use lettuce wraps instead. You can also substitute the sugar in the secret sauce with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
• Low Carb Option: For a low-carb option, use almond flour or coconut flour-based bread for the patty melt. You can also reduce the amount of ketchup in the secret sauce or use a sugar-free ketchup to lower the carb content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the secret sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I grill the patties instead of cooking them on the stovetop? A: Absolutely! You can grill the patties on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan for a smoky flavor.

Q: Can I freeze leftover patty melts? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover patty melts in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

In conclusion, our Patty Melts with Secret Sauce recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its juicy seasoned beef patties, melty cheese, and flavorful secret sauce, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a tasty twist on a classic sandwich, these patty melts are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of homemade patty melts!