Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Patty Melt is the perfect balance of a hearty burger and a delicious grilled cheese sandwich, and this version takes it up a notch with a secret sauce that adds incredible flavor. The combination of lean ground beef, the richness of marble rye bread, and the gooey melted cheese is pure comfort food. Add the secret sauce and you’ve got a truly crave-worthy meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special treat. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can indulge in this cheesy, savory delight whenever the craving strikes!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 2 tsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 12 slices marble rye bread

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
2. Divide the seasoned beef into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about the size of your slices of bread.
3. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. While the patties are cooking, butter one side of each slice of marble rye bread.
5. Once the patties are cooked, place the bread, buttered side down, in the skillet or griddle and toast until golden brown on both sides. This should only take about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Once the bread is toasted, place a patty on the unbuttered side of 6 slices of bread.
7. Top each patty with a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or American work perfectly) and cover it with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
8. Grill the sandwiches, pressing them gently with a spatula, for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden.
9. Remove from the skillet, cut in half, and serve hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce (optional).

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 sandwiches
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheese options: While Swiss is the traditional choice, you can use cheddar, American, provolone, or a blend of cheeses to suit your preference.
• Add toppings: For an extra burst of flavor, add caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or pickles to your patty melt.
• Spicy kick: Add a little heat by incorporating some hot sauce or jalapeños into your secret sauce or topping the sandwich with pepper jack cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the patty melts in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to keep the moisture in. Alternatively, you can wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. What is a patty melt?

A patty melt is a sandwich made with a hamburger patty, melted cheese, and often caramelized onions, all grilled between slices of bread, usually rye.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute the marble rye bread with sourdough, whole wheat, or even a hearty white bread.

3. Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef, though the flavor will be lighter. Consider adding extra seasoning to compensate.

4. What is the secret sauce made of?

The “secret sauce” is typically a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and spices like paprika or garlic powder. You can customize it to your taste.

5. Can I add other toppings to the patty melt?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or even sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.

6. Can I make these ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can cook the patties and prep the bread in advance. Simply assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.

7. What kind of cheese should I use?

Swiss cheese is the classic choice for a patty melt, but cheddar, American, or a combination of your favorite meltable cheeses works wonderfully.

8. How can I make the patty melt spicier?

To add heat, use spicy cheese like pepper jack or add a drizzle of hot sauce or pickled jalapeños inside the sandwich.

9. Can I use a grill instead of a skillet?

Yes, you can grill the patty melts on a grill or a grill pan. Just be sure to press the sandwiches down slightly to get a good crust.

10. How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy bread, be sure to toast it until golden and crispy before adding the meat and cheese. You can also use a generous amount of butter to help with the crisping process.

Conclusion

The Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of a burger and grilled cheese. It’s packed with savory beef, melty cheese, and the unforgettable flavor of secret sauce, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery marble rye bread. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this patty melt will surely become a go-to favorite. Don’t forget to serve with a side of crispy fries or a crunchy pickle for the perfect finishing touch!

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