Patty Melts with Special Sauce Recipe

Ground beef: The base of the patty, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Rye bread: Adds a unique, slightly tangy taste and firm texture to the sandwich.

Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and offers a mild, nutty flavor that complements the beef.

Onion: Caramelized to bring out its natural sweetness, adding depth to the sandwich.

Butter: Used for cooking the onions and grilling the sandwiches, adding richness.

Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the special sauce, providing creaminess.

Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang to the special sauce.

Dill pickle relish: Gives the special sauce a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex, savory depth to the special sauce.

When caramelizing onions, make sure to cook them slowly over medium heat. This allows the natural sugars in the onions to break down and develop a deep, rich flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. If the onions start to stick, you can add a splash of water to deglaze the pan and help them cook evenly.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• ground beef - Substitute with black bean patties: For a vegetarian option, black bean patties offer a hearty texture and can be flavored to mimic the savory taste of beef.

• rye bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough has a similar tangy flavor and sturdy texture, making it a good alternative for holding the patty melt together.

• rye bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread provides a nutty flavor and is a healthier option with more fiber.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar offers a sharper flavor and melts nicely, adding a different but delicious twist to the patty melt.

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots provide a sweeter and more delicate onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• sliced onion - Substitute with bell peppers: Sautéed bell peppers add a sweet and slightly crunchy texture, offering a different but enjoyable flavor profile.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can be used to sauté the onions and toast the bread.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct replacement for butter, providing a similar texture and flavor.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with avocado: Mashed avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, adding a unique flavor to the special sauce.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste offers a concentrated tomato flavor and can be sweetened slightly to mimic ketchup.

• ketchup - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha adds a spicy kick and a similar tangy sweetness, giving the sauce a different but exciting flavor.

• dill pickle relish - Substitute with chopped pickles: Chopped pickles provide the same tangy crunch and can be easily mixed into the sauce.

• dill pickle relish - Substitute with capers: Capers offer a briny, tangy flavor that can add a unique twist to the special sauce.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor and can be used in equal amounts.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy depth of flavor, offering a different but complementary taste.

• Allow the patty melts to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

• Wrap each patty melt individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.

• Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.

• Store the special sauce separately in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in ice cube trays and then transferring the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the patty melts in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and prevents the bread from becoming too hard.

• Reheat the patty melts in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly. Heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until warmed through.

• Alternatively, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps to keep the bread crispy.

• If reheating from frozen, extend the oven time to 20-25 minutes or until the patty melts are heated through and the cheese is melted.

• Add the special sauce just before serving to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the patty melts on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• For a quicker method, use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the patty melts in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the patty melts on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the cheese is melted and the patty is heated through.

• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F. Place the patty melts in the basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• To reheat on a grill, preheat the grill to medium heat. Wrap the patty melts in aluminum foil and place them on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning once, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ground beef with salt and pepper to form the patties.

• Skillet: Essential for cooking both the caramelized onions and the beef patties.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties and the assembled sandwiches in the skillet.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the large onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the onion.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the butter, mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce.

• Measuring cup: Needed to measure the ¼ cup of mayonnaise.

• Bowl: Used to mix the special sauce ingredients.

• Plate: Useful for assembling the patty melts before grilling them.

• Grill pan: Ideal for grilling the assembled sandwiches to achieve a perfectly toasted bread and melted cheese.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the hot sandwiches while grilling.

• Cheese slicer: Optional, but can be used to slice the Swiss cheese if it isn't pre-sliced.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and mix the special sauce ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-sliced cheese: Save time by using pre-sliced swiss cheese instead of slicing it yourself.

Form patties ahead: Shape the ground beef patties and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

Caramelize onions in bulk: Cook a larger batch of caramelized onions and store leftovers for future recipes.

Preheat skillet: Preheat your skillet while preparing other ingredients to reduce waiting time.