Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

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Here’s a recipe for the Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce—a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic diner favorite!

Ingredients

For the Patty:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, for sweetness)
  • Pinch of salt

For the Secret Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp pickle relish
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • Dash of hot sauce (optional, for heat)

For Assembly:

  • 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough, if preferred)
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • Butter, softened (for grilling the bread)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
  2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties, slightly larger than the bread slices (they’ll shrink when cooked). Set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions:

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions, stir to coat, and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sugar and a pinch of salt midway for extra sweetness and flavor. Remove from heat when golden and soft.

3. Make the Secret Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill until ready to use.

4. Cook the Patties:

  1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

5. Assemble the Patty Melts:

  1. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
  2. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, spread the secret sauce generously.
  3. Layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, a slice of cheddar cheese, and another bread slice (buttered side facing out).

6. Grill the Patty Melts:

  1. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Serve:

Slice each patty melt in half and serve hot with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with fries or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your ultimate patty melt! 🍔

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