Patty melts are a tasty twist on a classic burger, featuring juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and crispy grilled onions, all nestled between two slices of buttery bread.
And that secret sauce? It makes every bite extra special! I like to serve them with a side of fries, and my kitchen smells amazing when I cook these. You’ll love them! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, go for 90/10 but keep in mind it may be less juicy. Ground turkey or chicken can work too for a lighter choice.
Rye Bread: Rye bread is traditional for patty melts, with its unique flavor complementing the beef. If rye isn’t available, use whole wheat or sourdough as alternatives. They’ll still give you great texture and taste!
Onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing, bringing out that sweet flavor. If you want a milder taste, use sweet onions or even finely chopped shallots for a slightly different flavor profile.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess. If you’re not a fan, try using provolone or gruyère. Both have excellent melting qualities and will keep your melts delicious.
How Do You Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is simple but takes patience. This process enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat! Melt butter in your skillet, then add sliced onions. Low and slow is key.
- Stir occasionally for about 15-20 minutes until they become golden brown and soft. Patience here is crucial!
- Season with a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture and sweetness.
- Once they’re caramelized, remove from heat and set aside. They’ll add a lovely richness to your patty melts.
How to Make Patty Melts with Secret Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices rye bread
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Patty Melts recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking. So, you can enjoy your flavorful meal in just about 40 minutes. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Secret Sauce:
Start by making your secret sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Onions:
Grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to turn a lovely caramel color, so be patient! When they’re ready, sprinkle with a little salt and remove them from the skillet.
3. Cook the Beef:
In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off, and set the beef aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
Now it’s time to build your delicious melts! Take the rye bread slices and spread some of that tasty secret sauce on one side of each slice. On two of the slices, layer half of the cooked ground beef, half of the caramelized onions, and 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Top it with the remaining two bread slices, sauce side down. Press down gently so they stick together.
5. Grill the Melts:
Heat the last tablespoon of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the assembled melts. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is nice and melty. You can press down gently with a spatula to help them grill evenly.
6. Serve:
Once they look perfect, remove the melts from the skillet. Slice them in half, and serve hot with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty Patty Melts!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so it might not have the same richness. You might want to add a little olive oil or butter while cooking to enhance the flavor and moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Rye Bread?
No worries! You can use any bread you have on hand, like sourdough, whole wheat, or even sandwich buns. Just choose a bread that can hold up to grilling and won’t get too soggy.
How to Store Leftover Patty Melts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or you can use the microwave, though the texture might not be as crispy.
Can I Make the Secret Sauce in Advance?
Yes, definitely! You can prepare the secret sauce a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, as ingredients may separate.
