Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

A patty melt is the ultimate comfort food—a delicious sandwich with juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and crispy rye bread. This version takes it up a notch with a simple yet flavorful secret sauce that complements the savory flavors perfectly. With a crisp crust on the outside and gooey melted cheese inside, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite.

Let’s dive into how to make these Patty Melts with Secret Sauce in just a few easy steps!

Ingredients:

For the Patty Melts:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 1/4 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 8 slices rye bread
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• About 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Cook the onions: Add the sliced onions and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to low. Set the onions aside.

2. Make the Secret Sauce:

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, a pinch of salt, and a bit of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to mix.
2. Set aside: Keep the sauce aside until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

3. Prepare the Beef Patties:

1. Season the ground beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties, slightly larger than the bread slices, as they will shrink while cooking.
3. Cook the patties: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then cook the beef patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. Assemble the Patty Melts:

1. Butter the bread: Spread the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter evenly on one side of each of the 8 slices of rye bread.
2. Layer the ingredients: On the non-buttered side of 4 slices of bread, spread a spoonful of the secret sauce. Layer with a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing out

5. Grill the Sandwiches:

1. Grill the patty melts: In a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, cook the assembled sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You may need to press down gently on the sandwiches with a spatula to ensure even browning.
2. Slice and serve: Once the sandwiches are grilled, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love These Patty Melts:

1. Caramelized Onions: The sweet and savory flavor of caramelized onions adds richness and depth to the sandwich.
2. Secret Sauce: The simple sauce made from ketchup, onion powder, and seasonings adds a tangy, flavorful kick that complements the beef and cheese perfectly.
3. Crispy Rye Bread: Rye bread offers a delicious contrast to the gooey, melty cheese and beef patty, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
4. Melty Swiss Cheese: The melted Swiss cheese is creamy and rich, pulling everything together into one comforting bite.

Tips for Success:

• Cook the Onions Slowly: Caramelizing onions takes time, but the deep, sweet flavor they bring to the sandwich is worth the wait. Keep the heat low and stir them occasionally for the best results.
• Thin Patties: Make sure to shape the beef patties a bit larger than your bread slices, as they will shrink slightly during cooking.
• Press the Sandwiches: For even cooking and to help melt the cheese, gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula while grilling.
• Use a Griddle for Multiple Sandwiches: If you’re making several patty melts at once, use a large griddle to cook multiple sandwiches at the same time.

Variations:

• Add Mushrooms: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté some mushrooms along with the onions and add them to the sandwich.
• Spicy Patty Melt: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the secret sauce for a spicy kick, or include a slice of pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Different Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional for patty melts, you can substitute it with cheddar, provolone, or American cheese for a different flavor profile.

These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that hits all the right notes. With juicy beef patties, perfectly caramelized onions, gooey Swiss cheese, and crispy rye bread, every bite is a treat. The tangy secret sauce adds just the right touch, making this sandwich a must-try for lunch or dinner. Enjoy it with a side of fries or a simple salad for the ultimate meal!