Patty melts are a classic comfort food that combines the best elements of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe features juicy ground beef patties, melted Swiss and cheddar cheese, and perfectly caramelized onions, all grilled between slices of buttery rye bread. To top it all off, these patty melts are served with a delicious secret sauce that adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the savory beef and cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose a ground beef with a bit of fat content, such as 80/20, to ensure the patties stay juicy and flavorful.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory depth of flavor to the patty melt.
- 8 slices rye bread: Rye bread is traditional for patty melts, adding a nice texture and slightly tangy flavor.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor to the patty melt.
- 4 slices cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, creamy contrast to the milder Swiss cheese.
- Butter, for grilling: Butter is used to grill the bread to golden, crispy perfection.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the beef patties and enhancing all the flavors.
- For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, adding creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang.
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish: Provides a sweet, tangy crunch to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich, umami depth of flavor.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Secret Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined and smooth. Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld together while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions. Season with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. This should take about 15-20 minutes. If the onions start to stick to the pan, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Form and Cook the Beef Patties:
- While the onions are caramelizing, divide the ground beef into four equal portions and form them into thin patties that are slightly larger than the bread slices, as they will shrink when cooked. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet used for the onions, cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. The edges should be crispy, and the center should be juicy and flavorful. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Lay out the slices of rye bread. On four slices, place a slice of Swiss cheese. On the other four slices, place a slice of cheddar cheese.
- Top the Swiss cheese with a beef patty, then pile on the caramelized onions. Place the cheddar cheese-topped bread slice on top to form a sandwich.
5. Grill the Patty Melts:
- Wipe out the skillet, then add a tablespoon of butter and melt it over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet (you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet).
- Grill the sandwiches for about 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted. Add more butter to the skillet as needed to ensure the bread toasts evenly.
6. Serve with Secret Sauce:
- Once the patty melts are golden and the cheese is perfectly melted, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Cut each sandwich in half for easy serving.
- Serve the patty melts with a generous side of the secret sauce for dipping or spreading directly on the sandwich. The sauce adds a creamy, tangy layer of flavor that takes these patty melts to the next level.
Tips and Variations:
- Bread Choice: While rye bread is traditional, you can experiment with other types of bread like sourdough or pumpernickel for different flavors and textures.
- Cheese Variations: If you prefer, you can swap out the Swiss and cheddar for other cheeses like provolone, American, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
- Add Some Greens: To add a fresh crunch, consider adding a few slices of pickles or a handful of arugula to the patty melt just before serving.
Conclusion:
Patty melts are the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that are hard to resist. The combination of juicy beef, gooey cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, all enveloped in crispy, buttery rye bread, makes for a meal that’s both hearty and indulgent. The secret sauce, with its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, is the ideal finishing touch. Whether you’re making these for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, patty melts are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this classic dish with a modern twist, and don’t forget to share the love with your friends and family!
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