The Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe
Craving a decadent, indulgent comfort food that combines juicy beef, caramelized onions, and melty cheese? Look no further than the ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce. This classic sandwich is a perfect blend of savory flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this mouth-watering dish, complete with a tangy secret sauce that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or a special treat for yourself, this Patty Melt is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients Breakdown
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious patty melt.
Secret Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a slight kick and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice: Adds acidity and a touch of dill flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: For a hint of smokiness.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile of the sauce.
Patty Melts:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for cooking the onions.
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced: Caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.
- 12 ounces 85/15 ground beef: Chosen for its balance of flavor and fat.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To season the beef.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses the beef with a savory, umami flavor.
- 8 slices rye bread: The perfect sturdy bread with a slight tang.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For grilling the sandwiches.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor.
- 4 slices cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, creamy contrast.
Equipment Recommendations
To achieve the best results, having the right equipment is crucial. Here are our top picks:
- Stainless Steel Skillet: Ideal for caramelizing onions and cooking patties evenly.
- Zwilling Pro Chef’s Knife: Ensures precise slicing of onions and other ingredients.
- Boos Maple Cutting Board: Provides a sturdy surface for all your prep work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get into the heart of the recipe.
1. Preparing the Secret Sauce
- In a bowl, combine ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon pickle juice, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Set aside.
2. Caramelizing the Onions
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once warm, add 2 large, thinly sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and turn a deep golden brown. This process can take about 30 minutes or more. If the onions start to dry out or look like they might burn, add a splash of water to the pan and reduce the heat slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Preparing the Patties
- In a bowl, combine 12 ounces of ground beef, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into four thin, oblong patties, shaping them to match the shape of your bread slices.
- In the same skillet used for the onions, add the patties over medium heat. Cook until browned on both sides. Remove from heat and set aside. Wipe any excess grease from the pan.
4. Assembling the Sandwiches
- Butter one side of each of the 8 slices of rye bread. On the unbuttered side of half the slices, layer as follows: one slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, a generous spoonful of secret sauce, one slice of cheddar cheese, and finally, top with another slice of rye bread, buttered side up.
5. Cooking the Patty Melts
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the assembled sandwiches and cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 1-2 minutes. Carefully flip each sandwich and cook until the other side is also golden brown and the cheese is melted, about another 1-2 minutes.
6. Serving
- Serve the patty melts immediately, with any leftover secret sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt
1. Don’t Rush the Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time, but it’s worth the wait. Cook them low and slow to draw out their natural sweetness.
2. Choose the Right Bread: Rye bread is ideal for patty melts due to its sturdy texture and slight tang, which complements the rich flavors of the sandwich.
3. Balance the Cheese: Using both Swiss and cheddar cheese provides a perfect balance of nutty and sharp flavors that enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.
4. Season Well: Seasoning the beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper ensures that each bite of the patty is packed with flavor.
5. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the secret sauce to your taste. Add more pickle juice for tanginess or a bit more mustard for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information
Each patty melt sandwich provides approximately:
- Calories: 694 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 103mg
- Sodium: 1009mg
- Potassium: 535mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 534 IU
- Vitamin C: 6mg
- Calcium: 229mg
- Iron: 4mg
Storage and Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked patties and caramelized onions in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in a skillet or microwave before assembling the sandwiches. The secret sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.