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Secret Sauce Patty Melt Bliss

This elevated patty melt combines perfectly seasoned beef with two types of cheese, slow-caramelized onions, and a special sauce, all on toasted rye bread.
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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:38:34 GMT
A close-up of a toasted sandwich filled with layers of melted cheese, ground beef, and caramelized onions, served on a black plate.
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A close-up of a toasted sandwich filled with layers of melted cheese, ground beef, and caramelized onions, served on a black plate. Pin it
A close-up of a toasted sandwich filled with layers of melted cheese, ground beef, and caramelized onions, served on a black plate. | quickierecipe.com

Let me share my ultimate comfort food recipe: Secret Sauce Patty Melt Bliss! This isn't your average sandwich it's a labor of love that I perfected during countless weekend cooking sessions. Picture this: juicy beef patties nestled between perfectly toasted rye bread, draped with melty cheese, topped with sweet caramelized onions, and slathered with a sauce so good you'll want to put it on everything. Trust me, this sandwich will make you forget all about regular burgers!

Why This Recipe is Pure Gold

This isn't just another patty melt it's a game-changer! That secret sauce? It's the result of countless taste tests and tweaking (my family didn't mind being guinea pigs!). And those caramelized onions? They're worth every minute of stirring. When all these elements come together with that perfectly crispy rye bread, it's pure sandwich magic!

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • The Amazing Sauce: This is our secret weapon mayo, ketchup, Dijon, and a splash of pickle juice trust me on this one!
  • Those Onions: Patience is key here they'll transform into sweet, golden goodness.
  • The Beef: 85/15 is my sweet spot for juicy but not greasy patties.
  • The Bread: Good rye bread makes all the difference.
  • Cheese Dream Team: Swiss AND cheddar because why choose just one?

Let's Make Some Magic

Secret Sauce Time
Mix up that magical sauce first this gives the flavors time to get friendly with each other.
Onion Meditation
This is your zen moment slow and steady wins the race with caramelized onions.
Patty Perfection
Season that beef like you mean it! A little Worcestershire sauce is my secret weapon here.
The Grand Assembly
Layer everything with love it's like building the world's best sandwich puzzle!

My Best Tips

After making these countless times, I've learned a few tricks! Give that rye bread a quick toast before assembly it's a game-changer for texture. And here's a pro tip: put a lid on your skillet while grilling those cheese rivers need to flow! If your onions start looking dry, a splash of water works miracles.

Make It a Meal

These melts are begging to be served with something crispy on the side! My family loves them with seasoned fries, but a tangy coleslaw is amazing too. And don't forget the pickle spear that extra crunch and tang just makes everything better. Sometimes I'll even serve them with tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Common Questions Answered

Yes, you can definitely make that secret sauce ahead it actually gets better after a day in the fridge! Those onions giving you trouble? Keep the heat low and be patient they're worth the wait. And if you're wondering about the cheese melting, remember: the lid is your friend!

Mix It Up

Feel free to play around with this recipe! Sometimes I'll use pepper jack for a spicy kick, or add some crispy bacon because... well, bacon! Mushrooms sautéed in butter are another amazing addition. And if you're feeling fancy, try it on sourdough it's a whole different experience!

Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These melts are best reheated in a skillet to keep that crispy exterior. Skip the microwave it'll just make everything soggy. And if you're meal prepping, the secret sauce and onions can be made ahead just assemble everything fresh when you're ready to eat.

A close-up of a grilled sandwich filled with melted cheese and ground beef between two slices of toasted bread. Pin it
A close-up of a grilled sandwich filled with melted cheese and ground beef between two slices of toasted bread. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why caramelize onions for so long?
The 30-minute caramelization develops deep, sweet flavors in the onions. This slow process breaks down the onions' natural sugars, creating rich caramel notes that complement the beef.
→ Why use two types of cheese?
Swiss cheese provides a nutty flavor and smooth melt, while cheddar adds sharp flavor and different melting characteristics. Together they create perfect cheese coverage and flavor.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free rye bread or another sturdy gluten-free bread. Verify Worcestershire sauce and mustard are gluten-free versions, as some contain gluten.
→ Why make thin patties?
Thin patties cook quickly and evenly, and fit better in the sandwich. They also provide better meat-to-bread ratio and allow cheese to melt properly.
→ Can I make the secret sauce ahead?
Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld together for even better taste.

Patty Melt

A comforting sandwich featuring seasoned beef patties, Swiss and cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and tangy secret sauce on toasted rye bread.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Mayonnaise (1/4 cup).
02 Ketchup (2 tablespoons).
03 Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon).
04 Pickle juice (1 teaspoon).
05 Paprika (1/4 teaspoon).
06 Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon).
07 Olive oil (2 tablespoons).
08 Large onions, thinly sliced (2).
09 85/15 ground beef (12 ounces).
10 Salt (1/2 teaspoon).
11 Pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
12 Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon).
13 Rye bread (8 slices).
14 Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons).
15 Swiss cheese slices (4).
16 Cheddar cheese slices (4).

Instructions

Step 01

Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.

Step 02

Cook sliced onions in olive oil over medium-low heat for 30 minutes until golden brown. Add water if needed to prevent burning.

Step 03

Mix beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Shape into four thin patties matching bread size.

Step 04

Cook patties over medium heat until browned on both sides. Set aside.

Step 05

Butter bread slices. Layer bread (butter side down), Swiss cheese, patty, onions, sauce, cheddar, and top bread (butter side up).

Step 06

Cook sandwiches until golden brown and cheese melts, flipping once.

Notes

  1. Can make sauce ahead of time.
  2. Can be made gluten-free with appropriate bread.
  3. Check Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free version if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs (in mayo).
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 32 g