Patty Melts with Special Sauce Recipe

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

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

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

Onion: Caramelized to add sweetness and depth to the sandwich.

Butter: Used for caramelizing the onions and toasting the bread.

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

Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness to the special sauce.

Dill pickle relish: Provides a tangy crunch to the special sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory depth to the special sauce.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the special sauce.

Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color to the special sauce.

To achieve perfectly caramelized onions, cook them low and slow. Start by melting the butter in the skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced onions. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The process can take up to 30 minutes, but the result is sweet, golden-brown onions that add a rich 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 bread has a tangy flavor that complements the savory elements of the patty melt.

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

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

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can be used to sauté the onions and toast the bread.

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

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

• dill pickle relish - Substitute with chopped pickles: Chopped pickles provide a similar tangy flavor and crunch.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a similar umami flavor and depth to the sauce.

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

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• 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 the bread from drying out.

• 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 the sandwiches from absorbing any unwanted odors from the freezer.

• Label the container or bag with the date. This ensures you keep track of how long the patty melts have been stored.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, place them in the freezer where they can be stored for up to 2 months.

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melts on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• For reheating from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melts on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully heated through.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the patty melts in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly and heat the patty thoroughly.

• If you prefer a crispier texture, unwrap the patty melts and toast them in a toaster oven or under a broiler for a few minutes after reheating.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each patty melt in aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the patty melt in the skillet and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is gooey.

• Microwave Method: This method is quicker but may result in a less crispy bread. Place the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier finish, you can then toast the bread in a skillet for a minute on each side.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melt on the toaster oven rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melt in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the bread doesn't get too crispy. This method will give you a nice, crispy finish.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine all the ingredients for the special sauce.

• Skillet: This is essential for cooking both the caramelized onions and the beef patties.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties and the assembled sandwiches.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the onion.

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

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the ingredients for the special sauce.

• Measuring cup: Needed for measuring the mayonnaise.

• Plate: Use this to set aside the caramelized onions and to assemble the sandwiches.

• Butter knife: Useful for spreading the special sauce on the bread slices.

• Stovetop: Required for heating the skillet and cooking the ingredients.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the hot patties and sandwiches.

Prepare the special sauce ahead: Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and paprika in advance and store in the fridge.

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

Pre-form patties: Shape the ground beef into patties and store them in the fridge, ready to cook.

Use a large skillet: Cook multiple patties and sandwiches at once to save time.

Pre-slice bread and cheese: Have your rye bread and swiss cheese slices ready to go.