Patty Melts with Special Sauce Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the patties, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Rye bread: Adds a unique, slightly tangy taste and sturdy texture to the sandwich.

Onion: Caramelized to bring out natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

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

Butter: Used to cook the onions and toast the bread to a golden brown.

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

Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang to the special sauce.

Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor to the special sauce.

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

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

When caramelizing onions, ensure you cook them slowly over medium heat to bring out their natural sweetness. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and achieve a deep, rich color. This process can take a bit longer than 10 minutes, so be patient. The result will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your patty melts.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

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

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots offer a sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to regular onions.

• 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 cook the onions and toast the bread.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with added protein and less fat.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste has a richer, more concentrated flavor and less sugar than ketchup.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor with added texture from the mustard seeds.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor and can be used in equal amounts.

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

• Allow the patties and caramelized onions 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 their shape and prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn and keeps them fresh.

• Label the container or bag with the date. This ensures you know how long they’ve been stored and helps you use them within the recommended time frame.

• Store the special sauce separately in a small airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents the bread from becoming soggy during storage.

• For freezing, place the wrapped patty melts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the patty melts to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. This saves space and keeps them organized.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the patty melts in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture.

• Reheat the patty melts in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. This brings back the delicious, freshly-made taste.

• Serve with the special sauce on the side or spread it on the patty melts after reheating. This keeps the sauce fresh and flavorful.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each patty melt in aluminum foil to keep it moist. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• For a quicker method, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the patty melt in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the patty melt in the basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

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

• Toaster ovens are also a great option. Preheat to 350°F and place the patty melt on the rack. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• Skillet: Used for cooking the onions, patties, and sandwiches. It ensures even heat distribution for caramelizing onions and browning patties.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine ground beef with salt and pepper, and to mix the ingredients for the special sauce.

• Spatula: Essential for flipping the patties and sandwiches in the skillet without breaking them apart.

• Knife: Used for slicing the onion and spreading butter and special sauce on the bread.

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

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like butter, mayonnaise, ketchup, dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.

• Plate: Used to set aside the caramelized onions and cooked patties before assembling the sandwiches.

• Butter knife: Used for spreading butter on the bread slices.

• Spatula: Used for flipping the sandwiches in the skillet to ensure they are evenly browned and the cheese is melted.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Slice the onion and mix the special sauce ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

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

Caramelize onions in bulk: Cook a large batch of caramelized onions and store them in the fridge for quick use in multiple recipes.

Pre-butter the bread: Butter all slices of rye bread before starting to cook, so you can assemble the sandwiches quickly.

Multitask: While the patties are cooking, prepare the special sauce and butter the bread to save time.