Patty Melts with Special Sauce Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the patties, providing a rich and juicy base.

Rye bread: Adds a unique flavor and texture that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, nutty flavor.

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

Butter: Used for caramelizing 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 savory, umami depth to the special sauce.

When caramelizing onions, ensure you cook them low and slow. This allows the natural sugars in the onions to break down and develop a deep, rich flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and achieve an even caramelization.

• 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 taste of beef.

• rye bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough has a tangy flavor that complements the savory elements of the patty melt.

• rye bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread is a healthier alternative and provides a nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor that works nicely in a patty melt.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar offers a sharper flavor and melts beautifully, adding a different but delicious twist.

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor and caramelize well, adding depth to the dish.

• sliced onion - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers provide 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 ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor, making it a great alternative for cooking.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier option with a tangy flavor that works well in sauces.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with avocado: Mashed avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, making it a nutritious alternative.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste offers a richer, more concentrated tomato flavor and can be sweetened to taste.

• ketchup - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha adds a spicy kick and a touch of sweetness, providing a different but exciting flavor.

• dill pickle relish - Substitute with chopped pickles: Chopped pickles provide the same tangy flavor and crunchy texture as relish.

• dill pickle relish - Substitute with capers: Capers offer a briny, tangy flavor that can mimic the taste of pickle relish.

• 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 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 to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to keep out any unwanted odors and maintains the integrity of the flavors.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the patty melts within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• If freezing, label the container or bag with the date to keep track of their freshness. Patty melts can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To reheat refrigerated patty melts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melts on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• For frozen patty melts, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from frozen by increasing the oven time to 20-25 minutes.
• If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the patty melts in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese and heat the patty evenly. Flip occasionally until heated through.
• Avoid microwaving the patty melts as it can make the bread chewy and the meat unevenly heated.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each patty melt in aluminum foil to keep the bread from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the beef is warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a skillet over medium heat. Place the patty melt in the skillet and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the beef is hot.

• If you prefer using a microwave, wrap the patty melt in a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from becoming too tough. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F. Place the patty melt in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method will keep the bread crispy while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.

• To reheat using a toaster oven, set it to 350°F. Place the patty melt on the rack or a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the beef is warmed through.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the onions and grilling the sandwiches.

• Spatula: A tool used for flipping the patties and sandwiches in the skillet.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to mix the special sauce ingredients.

• Knife: A tool used to slice the onion.

• Cutting board: A surface used to slice the onion.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the ketchup, dill pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce.

• Measuring cup: A tool used to measure the mayonnaise.

• Butter knife: A knife used to spread the special sauce on the bread slices.

• Plate: A surface to assemble the patty melts before grilling.

• Tongs: A tool used to handle the patties and sandwiches while cooking.

Prep ingredients in advance: Slice the onion and mix the special sauce ingredients ahead of time.

Use pre-made patties: Purchase pre-formed beef patties to save time on shaping them yourself.

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

Assemble sandwiches ahead: Prepare the patty melts and keep them in the fridge, ready to grill when needed.

Use a griddle: Cook multiple sandwiches at once on a large griddle to save time.