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Craving the ultimate comfort food? Nothing satisfies quite like an indulgent patty melt sandwich. Loaded with a juicy beef patty, sweet caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and a tangy secret sauce, this diner classic is both decadent and delicious. Making patty melts at home is easy and rewarding. This recipe will guide you through making sweet caramelized onions and a secret sauce that takes the sandwich to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Sweet, melty caramelized onions Slow cooking sliced onions until they are golden takes the flavor up a notch.
• Two kinds of cheese Using both Swiss and cheddar makes it extra decadent.
• Special secret sauce A homemade blend of zesty mayo, ketchup, mustard, and spices makes for next-level flavor.
• Satisfying yet easy to make All the indulgent comfort with very little effort.
• Flavor Profile The perfect mix of tender beef, grilled bread, and a secret sauce creates a unique flavor that’s hard to resist.

Origin

The patty melt emerged from American diner culture in the mid-20th century. It is essentially a hybrid of a hamburger and grilled cheese.

Interesting Facts

• The key to an amazing patty melt lies in the caramelized onions. Slow cooking them brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
• The secret sauce is a creamy, tangy mixture of mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Using a combination of cheeses, like Swiss and cheddar, adds complexity.

Ingredients

For the Secret Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon pickle juice
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Patty Melts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 12 ounces 85/15 lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8 slices rye bread
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 Swiss cheese slices
• 4 cheddar cheese slices

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

• Onions: Offer antioxidants and may support heart health.

Method of Preparation

1. Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder. Whisk until fully blended and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. If the onions start to stick, add a splash of water.
3. Prepare the Patties: In a bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into four thin, oval-shaped patties.
4. Cook the Patties: Cook the patties in the same skillet over medium heat until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
5. Assemble the Patty Melts: Spread one side of each bread slice with softened butter. Layer the bottom bread slices buttered-side down with Swiss cheese, beef patty, caramelized onions, secret sauce, cheddar cheese, and top bread slice buttered-side up.
6. Cook the Sandwiches: Cook in batches in the skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, about 1-2 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to help melt the cheese.
7. Serve: Transfer the patty melts to a cutting board, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.

Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

• Caramelizing Onions: Don’t rush the caramelization process. Low and slow is the key to bringing out the onions’ natural sweetness.
• Don’t Overcook the Patties: Cook the patties until browned but still juicy. They will continue to cook as the sandwich is assembled and grilled.
• Use Real Butter: Buttering the bread adds flavor and helps it brown evenly.
• Temperature Control: Maintain a medium heat to ensure the bread toasts without burning and the cheese melts completely.

Serving Tips

• Serve with your favorite side dishes.

Summarized Recipe

Description: A diner-style sandwich featuring a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and a tangy secret sauce.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Rye bread
• Swiss and cheddar cheese
• Onion
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Spices

Instructions:

1. Make the secret sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Caramelize sliced onions in olive oil over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes.
3. Form ground beef into thin patties and cook in a skillet until browned.
4. Butter rye bread and layer with cheese, patty, onions, and secret sauce.
5. Grill the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Slice and serve hot.

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