Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce
This Rye Bread Patty Melt recipe is a classic comfort food with a flavorful twist from the secret sauce and caramelized onions. Here’s a quick recap of the recipe with tips, variations, and storage instructions to make it even better:
Rye Bread Patty Melt Recipe
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
1 lb ground beef
8 slices of rye bread
8 slices of Swiss cheese
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 tbsp butter, plus more for spreading
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Secret Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp relish
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Make the Secret Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
Caramelize Onions: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook until caramelized (10-15 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
Form and Cook Patties: Shape ground beef into 4 patties, slightly larger than the bread slices. Season with salt and pepper. Cook in the skillet for about 4 minutes per side (or to desired doneness). Set aside.
Assemble Sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. Spread secret sauce on the non-buttered side of 4 slices. Layer with cheese, a patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and the remaining bread slices (buttered side up).
Grill Sandwiches: In a clean skillet over medium heat, grill the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese is melted (3-4 minutes per side).
Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt
Choose Quality Ingredients:
Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties.
Opt for fresh rye bread and good-quality Swiss cheese for the best taste.
Caramelize Onions Slowly:
Cook the onions low and slow to bring out their natural sweetness. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Don’t Overwork the Patties:
Handle the ground beef gently when forming patties to keep them tender.
Butter the Bread Generously:
Buttering the bread ensures a crispy, golden crust when grilling.
Press the Sandwich Lightly:
Use a spatula to press the sandwich lightly while grilling to help the layers meld together.
Adjust the Secret Sauce:
Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for a spicy or smoky kick.
Variations
Turkey Patty Melt:
Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Patty Melt:
Use a plant-based patty (like Beyond Meat) and vegan cheese for a meat-free version.
Spicy Patty Melt:
Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sandwich.
Mushroom Patty Melt:
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, umami flavor.
BBQ Patty Melt:
Replace the secret sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Cheese Variations:
Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone.
Bacon Patty Melt:
Add crispy bacon slices to the sandwich for extra richness.
Open-Faced Patty Melt:
Skip the top slice of bread and broil the sandwich for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
How to Store
Refrigerating:
Store assembled but uncooked sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Grill just before serving.
Store leftover cooked sandwiches in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing:
Wrap uncooked sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
Reheating:
Reheat cooked sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.
Alternatively, use a toaster oven or air fryer to reheat for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with pickles, potato chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Pair with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for a hearty dinner.
This Rye Bread Patty Melt is a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let me know if you’d like more tips or variations! 😊
