Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce: Comfort Food Perfection in Every Bite!
Prepare your taste buds for a truly sensational experience with these Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce! This isn’t just any patty melt; it’s a symphony of savory beef, generously layered with not one, but two kinds of melty cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy, smoky special sauce, all grilled to perfection on classic rye bread. Every bite is pure comfort food, delivering a nostalgic diner feel with elevated flavors. Get ready to indulge in a truly satisfying and utterly delicious meal!
Why These Patty Melts Are a Must-Make
- Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The combination of savory beef, sweet caramelized onions, rich cheese, and tangy special sauce is incredibly addictive.
- Perfectly Melty & Gooey: Two types of cheese ensure an extra gooey, stretchy center.
- Crispy, Toasted Rye: The bread gets beautifully golden and crispy, holding up perfectly to the substantial filling.
- Signature Special Sauce: The smoky, tangy sauce ties all the flavors together and elevates the entire sandwich.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: A classic diner staple, perfected for your home kitchen.
What You’ll Need
Gather these delicious ingredients to craft your magnificent Cheesy Patty Melts:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean/fat ratio recommended for juicy patties)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking onions)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 6 slices rye bread (marble rye is fantastic)
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or extra Swiss if preferred)
- 4-6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for buttering the bread)
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (or finely minced dill pickle)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
Instructions: Layer by Layer to Patty Melt Bliss!
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Patties:
In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground beef with 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Form the mixture into 3 equal-sized oval or rectangular patties, shaped to fit your rye bread slices. They should be slightly thinner than regular burger patties, as they’ll be grilled with cheese.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-low heat, melt 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion. Cook slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden brown, very soft, and caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Patties:
In the same skillet (no need to clean it, the onion flavor is a bonus!), increase heat to medium. Cook the beef patties for 3-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached and they have a nice sear. Remove patties from skillet and set aside.
5. Assemble and Grill the Patty Melts:
Generously spread softened unsalted butter on one side of each of the 6 slices of rye bread. Place 3 slices of bread, buttered-side down, in the clean skillet over medium heat. Immediately layer one slice of Swiss cheese on each piece of bread. Top the Swiss cheese with one cooked beef patty. Divide the caramelized onions evenly over each beef patty. Layer one slice of provolone cheese over the onions on each patty. Place the remaining 3 slices of rye bread, buttered-side up, on top of the provolone cheese.
6. Grill to Golden, Melty Perfection:
Cook the patty melts for 4-6 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is beautifully melted and gooey. You may need to press down gently with a spatula during cooking to ensure good contact with the pan. Tip: You can lightly cover the skillet for the last minute or two of cooking to help the cheese melt completely.
7. Slice and Serve:
Carefully remove the hot patty melts from the skillet. Let them rest for 1-2 minutes on a cutting board to allow the cheese to set slightly. Slice diagonally and serve immediately with the prepared Special Sauce for dipping or spreading inside! These are fantastic with a side of potato chips or a dill pickle spear.
Tips for Patty Melt Perfection
- Cold Cheese: Starting with cold cheese slices helps them melt more slowly and evenly as the bread toasts.
- Rye Bread: Rye bread is traditional for patty melts and its sturdy texture holds up well to the rich filling. Marble rye adds a beautiful visual touch.
- Low and Slow Onions: Don’t rush the caramelization of the onions. Slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness, which is crucial for the classic patty melt flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning of the bread.
- Press Gently: A gentle press with a spatula helps ensure good contact between the bread and the pan for even toasting.
- Special Sauce is Key: Don’t skip the special sauce! It truly ties all the rich flavors together with its tangy, smoky notes.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these incredible Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce! They’re sure to become a cherished addition to your home cooking repertoire.