The Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is a delicious twist on the classic patty melt sandwich. It typically features a juicy beef patty, melted cheese (often Swiss or American), and caramelized onions, all sandwiched between two slices of buttery grilled bread, usually rye or sourdough.
The “secret sauce” is what makes it special—it often includes a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and spices, giving it a tangy and creamy flavor that complements the savory ingredients. The combination of the rich, melted cheese, the sweetness of the caramelized onions, and the zesty secret sauce makes for a mouthwatering experience. It’s perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner! If you’re interested, I can share a recipe for it!
Here’s a simple recipe for the Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce:
Ingredients:
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Patty Melt:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking the onions)
- 4 slices of Swiss or American cheese
- 4 slices of rye or sourdough bread
- Butter (for grilling the sandwiches)
Instructions:
- Make the Secret Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Onions:
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Patties:
- Form the ground beef into 4 equal patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties:
- In the same skillet (you can use a little more butter if needed), cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
- Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Spread a generous amount of secret sauce on one side of each slice of bread. On the non-sauce side, layer with a patty, some caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top with another slice of bread, sauce side down.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- In the skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and grill until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. You may need to press down slightly with a spatula.
- Serve:
- Once grilled to perfection, remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping!
You can definitely add other toppings to your patty melt to customize it to your taste. Here are some great options:
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Add some earthy flavor by sautéing mushrooms with garlic and butter.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch and smoky flavor.
- Tomato Slices: Fresh tomato slices can add a nice juiciness.
- Pickles: Dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles can provide a tangy crunch.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado can add creaminess and a fresh taste.
- Hot Sauce: If you like a bit of heat, drizzle some hot sauce inside.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings based on what you enjoy!
Enjoy your Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce! Let me know how it turns out!