Patty Melts with Special Sauce Recipe

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

Onion: Thinly sliced and caramelized to add sweetness and depth of flavor.

Rye bread: Adds a unique flavor and texture to the sandwich.

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

Butter: Used to toast the bread to a golden brown.

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

Ketchup: Adds a tangy and sweet element to the special sauce.

Sweet pickle relish: Provides sweetness and a bit of crunch to the special sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the special sauce.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the special sauce with a hint of garlic.

When caramelizing onions, make sure to 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 ensure even cooking.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste, which can complement the other flavors in the patty melt.

• rye bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough has a tangy flavor and sturdy texture that works well for grilling and holding the patty melt together.

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

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can be used to achieve a similar crispiness when grilling the bread.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a lower-fat alternative that still provides a creamy texture for the special sauce.

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

• sweet pickle relish - Substitute with dill pickle relish: Dill pickle relish offers a tangy, less sweet flavor that can add a different dimension to the special sauce.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami depth and saltiness, making it a good alternative.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• 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 maintain freshness and prevents them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long they have been stored.
• Store the patty melts in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2 months.
• To reheat, unwrap the patty melts and place them on a baking sheet. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the bread.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the patty melts heat evenly and the cheese to melt properly.
• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• If you have leftover special sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week and can be used as a dip for other sandwiches or burgers.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the bread from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the patties are warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the patty melts in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melts in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.

• For a microwave option, place the patty melts on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the bread from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that this method may result in a less crispy bread.

• To reheat using a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melts on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are warmed through.

• Skillet: Used for cooking the onions until caramelized and for cooking the beef patties to the desired doneness.

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

• Mixing bowl: Needed to mix all the special sauce ingredients together.

• Knife: Used for slicing the onion thinly.

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

• Measuring spoons: Required for measuring out the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder for the special sauce.

• Butter knife: Used to spread butter on the slices of rye bread.

• Plate: Handy for setting aside the caramelized onions and cooked patties.

• Tongs: Useful for assembling the sandwiches and placing them in the skillet.

• Cheese slicer: Optional, but can be used to slice the Swiss cheese if it’s not pre-sliced.

Pre-caramelize the onions: Cook the onions in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add them to your patty melts without waiting for them to caramelize.

Make the sauce ahead: Mix the special sauce ingredients and keep it in the refrigerator. This saves time when assembling the sandwiches.

Pre-butter the bread: Butter the rye bread slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. This makes the assembly process faster.

Form patties in advance: Shape the ground beef into patties and season them. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.