Description
Delicious and comforting Patty Melts featuring flavorful seasoned beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and a tangy secret sauce, all grilled between buttery rye bread slices to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patties:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Onions:
- 2 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Secret Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp finely diced pickles (or relish)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For Assembly:
- 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough if you prefer)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar for variation)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened, for spreading on bread)
Instructions
- Make the Caramelized Onions: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the onions turn golden brown and caramelize, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix and Cook the Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well but do not overwork. Divide the mixture into 4 thin, even patties roughly the size of your bread slices. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer patties to a plate.
- Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon finely diced pickles or relish, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the Patty Melts: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of a slice, layer the ingredients in this order: one slice of Swiss cheese, one beef patty, a generous amount of caramelized onions, a spoonful of secret sauce, another slice of Swiss cheese, then top with another bread slice, buttered side out.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches on the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help the sandwich meld and cheese melt. Continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted thoroughly. Remove from heat, slice if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef gives a juicy and flavorful patty; leaner meat may dry out.
- Rye bread gives an authentic flavor, but sourdough or other sturdy bread works well.
- Swiss cheese offers a classic flavor, but cheddar can be used for a sharper taste.
- For extra crispiness, press the sandwich with a spatula or use a sandwich press if available.
- The secret sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to three days.
- Caramelizing onions requires patience but adds wonderful depth of flavor.
