ADVERTISEMENT
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce
Start by making the secret sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and set aside. This sauce is the game-changer for your Patty Melt, giving it a tangy, creamy kick that perfectly complements the savory beef and melted cheese.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Next, heat a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until they turn soft and golden brown. The caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, adding depth and flavor to your Patty Melt. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Form the Patties
While the onions are caramelizing, it’s time to prepare the beef patties. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty that’s slightly larger than the bread slices you’ll be using. Season each patty with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
In the same skillet, heat a little bit of butter over medium-high heat. Add the beef patties and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for a medium doneness, or longer if you prefer them well-done. Once the patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Patty Melts
Now, it’s time to put everything together. Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce on one side of each slice of rye bread. On the non-sauced side of two slices of bread, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a beef patty, a handful of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the other slice of bread, sauce-side facing inward.
Step 6: Grill the Patty Melts
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the assembled Patty Melts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure the bread gets golden brown and crispy, and the cheese melts perfectly. Be careful not to burn the bread, so keep the heat at a medium level and check frequently. Flip the sandwiches carefully to grill the other side.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once both sides are golden and crispy, remove the Patty Melts from the skillet and cut them in half diagonally. Serve immediately with a side of crispy fries or a simple salad.
Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt:
- Meat Choice: Choose ground beef with a bit of fat (80% lean) for a juicy and flavorful patty. If you prefer, you can substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Caramelizing the Onions: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. The longer you cook them, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll become. Don’t rush this step!
- Cheese Options: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can use other types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or American cheese if you prefer.
- Bread Choice: Rye bread is classic for Patty Melts, but you can use any hearty bread you like, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
Why You’ll Love These Patty Melts:
The combination of the juicy beef patty, creamy cheese, caramelized onions, and the tangy secret sauce makes each bite of this Patty Melt absolutely irresistible. The crispy, buttery toasted bread adds the perfect texture to the melt, giving you a satisfying crunch with each mouthful. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.
This recipe is an ultimate comfort food and a fun, filling take on the classic burger. Plus, the secret sauce really takes it to the next level, elevating the flavors and making your Patty Melts stand out. Give this recipe a try, and let the deliciousness speak for itself!
ADVERTISEMENT
