Ultimate Patty Melts with Special Sauce: A Recipe for Deliciousness

Patty melts. Just the name conjures up images of perfectly browned rye bread, oozing melted cheese, and a juicy, flavorful beef patty. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience. And while the classic patty melt is a thing of beauty, we’re taking it to the *ultimate* level with a knockout special sauce that will have you craving this sandwich again and again. Forget dry, flavorless patty melts – this recipe delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that will redefine your sandwich game.

This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow sections, covering everything from crafting the perfect patty to whipping up the irresistible special sauce and assembling the masterpiece. Get ready to impress your friends and family (and yourself!) with this ultimate patty melt recipe.

## Why This Recipe is the *Ultimate* Patty Melt

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what sets this patty melt apart:

* **The Patty:** We’re not skimping on quality. We’ll discuss the best type of ground beef to use, how to season it perfectly, and the secrets to achieving that perfect sear and juicy interior.
* **The Special Sauce:** This isn’t just ketchup and mayo. Our special sauce is a tangy, creamy, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive concoction that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
* **The Cheese:** Forget bland cheddar. We’re using a combination of cheeses for maximum meltiness and flavor.
* **The Bread:** We’ll talk about the best type of rye bread and how to toast it to golden-brown perfection.
* **The Onions:** Caramelized onions are a must for any good patty melt, adding sweetness and depth of flavor. We’ll guide you through the process of achieving perfectly caramelized onions.
* **The Assembly:** The final step is crucial. We’ll show you the best way to assemble and cook the patty melt to ensure even melting and a perfectly crisp exterior.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to create these ultimate patty melts. Don’t be intimidated by the length – each ingredient plays a vital role in the final result.

**For the Patties:**

* 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended): The higher fat content keeps the patties juicy and flavorful. Don’t go too lean!
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor.
* 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Provides a savory base note.
* 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Complements the fresh caramelized onions.
* 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
* 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. Use kosher salt for best results.
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or other high-heat oil: For searing the patties.

**For the Special Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy sauce. Use a good quality mayo.
* 2 tablespoons Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang.
* 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard: Adds a little zip and balances the sweetness.
* 1 tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds sweetness, tang, and texture. Dill relish can be substituted if you prefer a less sweet sauce, but reduce the amount slightly as dill relish is stronger in flavor.
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor (again!).
* 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Complements the garlic in the patties.
* 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness to the sauce.
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: For a little kick.
* 1/4 teaspoon Onion powder: Adds depth
* 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional): For a touch of heat. Adjust to your preference.

**For the Caramelized Onions:**

* 2 large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced: Yellow onions are the classic choice for caramelizing.
* 2 tablespoons Butter: Adds richness and helps the onions caramelize evenly.
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Helps draw out the moisture from the onions.
* 1/4 teaspoon Sugar: Helps the onions caramelize more quickly and adds a touch of sweetness.
* 1/4 cup Beef Broth or Water: To deglaze the pan if needed.

**For the Sandwiches:**

* 8 slices Rye Bread: Look for a good quality rye bread with a slightly sour flavor. Marbled rye is a great option too.
* 8 slices Swiss Cheese: Its nutty, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the beef and onions.
* 4 slices Provolone cheese (optional): Adds extra meltiness and mild flavor
* Butter, softened: For spreading on the bread before grilling.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps carefully for patty melt perfection.

**Step 1: Prepare the Special Sauce**

This is the easiest part! Simply combine all the special sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want a tangier sauce, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch more ketchup or relish. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches. The sauce tastes even better if it has time to sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

**Step 2: Caramelize the Onions**

Caramelizing onions takes time and patience, but the results are well worth the effort. Don’t rush this step! Here’s how to do it:

1. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar to the skillet. Stir to coat the onions evenly with the butter and oil.
3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized. The onions should be very soft and sweet. Be careful not to burn them! Reduce the heat if necessary.
4. If the onions start to stick to the pan, deglaze with a splash of beef broth or water. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor to the onions. These bits are pure flavor gold.
5. Once the onions are caramelized to your liking, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Prepare the Patties**

Now it’s time to get your hands dirty and form the patties. Here’s how:

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Be careful not to overmix the meat, as this can make the patties tough. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in a dense patty.
2. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly larger than the bread slices. The patties will shrink slightly during cooking, so it’s better to make them a little larger than necessary. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking. This will help them cook evenly.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the skillet to be hot enough to sear the patties quickly, but not so hot that they burn.
4. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook to an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For medium, cook to 135-140°F. For medium-well, cook to 140-145°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. Remember that the patties will continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the heat.
5. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier patty.

**Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts**

Now for the fun part! Let’s put these babies together.

1. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. This will help the bread brown evenly and prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
2. Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, in the same skillet you used to cook the patties (you don’t need to clean it first – the leftover drippings will add flavor!).
3. Spread a generous amount of special sauce on the inside of each slice of bread.
4. Top each slice of bread with a slice of Swiss cheese and some Provolone Cheese (if using).
5. Place a cooked patty on top of the cheese on two slices of bread, then divide the caramelized onions evenly over the patties.
6. Top the onions with another slice of Swiss cheese and provolone cheese on each patty.
7. Place the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up, on top of the cheese, forming the patty melts.
8. Cook over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the patty melts while they are cooking to ensure even melting and crisping. Keep an eye on the bread to prevent it from burning. Reduce the heat if necessary.
9. Remove the patty melts from the skillet and let them cool slightly before slicing in half and serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Patty Melt Perfection

* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet:** Cook the patties in batches if necessary to ensure even searing. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and cause the patties to steam instead of sear.
* **Use a cast iron skillet:** A cast iron skillet is ideal for cooking patty melts because it heats evenly and retains heat well, resulting in perfectly browned bread and melted cheese. However, any heavy-bottomed skillet will work.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment with the cheese:** Swiss is the classic choice for patty melts, but other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would also be delicious. Get creative and find your favorite combination.
* **Add other toppings:** While caramelized onions are a must, you can also add other toppings like sauteed mushrooms, bacon, or sliced tomatoes to your patty melts.
* **Make it a vegetarian patty melt:** Substitute the beef patty with a grilled portobello mushroom cap or a vegetarian burger patty for a delicious vegetarian option. Just make sure the patties you’re using are of similar thickness as a beef patty.
* **Adjust the sauce to your taste:** Feel free to customize the special sauce to your liking. If you like a sweeter sauce, add more ketchup or relish. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. And if you like a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Use a good quality bread:** The bread is just as important as the patty and cheese. Look for a good quality rye bread with a slightly sour flavor. Marbled rye is another excellent choice. Avoid using thin, flimsy bread, as it will not hold up to the weight of the patty and cheese. Make sure your bread is relatively fresh. Stale bread might get too hard.
* **Keep a close eye on the heat**: Make sure the heat isn’t too high when cooking the patty melts. The goal is to melt the cheese and brown the bread without burning either. Medium-low heat usually does the trick, but adjust as needed. The heat on your stove may vary so stay vigilant. Too much heat may also cause the bread to burn before the cheese melts.
* **Use a good spatula:** A thin, flexible spatula is essential for flipping the patty melts without tearing the bread or losing any of the precious cheese.
* **Serve immediately:** Patty melts are best served hot and fresh, while the cheese is still melted and gooey and the bread is crispy.

## Variations and Additions

This recipe is a fantastic base, but feel free to experiment and put your own spin on it! Here are some ideas:

* **Spicy Patty Melt:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the patty mixture and the special sauce. Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss for an extra kick.
* **Bacon Patty Melt:** Add crispy bacon to the patty melt along with the cheese and onions.
* **Mushroom Patty Melt:** Saute sliced mushrooms with the onions for a delicious earthy flavor.
* **Jalapeño Patty Melt:** Add diced jalapeños to the patty mixture or top the patty melt with pickled jalapeños for a spicy and tangy twist.
* **BBQ Patty Melt:** Replace the special sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky and sweet flavor.
* **Reuben Patty Melt:** Use corned beef instead of ground beef and sauerkraut instead of caramelized onions for a Reuben-inspired patty melt.

## Serving Suggestions

Patty melts are a satisfying meal on their own, but they’re even better when served with the right sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **French Fries:** A classic pairing! Crispy french fries are the perfect complement to a juicy patty melt.
* **Onion Rings:** Another classic choice. The sweetness of onion rings pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the patty melt.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the patty melt.
* **Pickles:** Dill pickles or bread and butter pickles add a tangy and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Tomato Soup:** A warm bowl of tomato soup is the perfect accompaniment to a patty melt on a cold day.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a healthy and refreshing balance to the meal.

## Make Ahead Tips

While patty melts are best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components in advance to save time:

* **Special Sauce:** The special sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
* **Caramelized Onions:** The caramelized onions can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat them before adding them to the patty melts.
* **Patties:** The patties can be formed and seasoned up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Cook them just before assembling the patty melts.

## Leftover Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover patty melts (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can either microwave them (although the bread will be softer), or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over low heat, but be careful not to burn the bread. Reheating in the oven is the best way to retain texture.

## Conclusion

This ultimate patty melt recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its perfectly seasoned beef patty, gooey cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and irresistible special sauce, it’s a sandwich that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to experience patty melt perfection. Enjoy!