Patty Melts with Special Sauce Recipe

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

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.

Rye bread: Offers a distinctive taste and texture that pairs well with the other ingredients.

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

Butter: Used for cooking the onions and toasting the bread, adding richness.

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.

Pickle relish: Adds a sweet and tangy crunch to the special sauce.

When caramelizing onions, patience is key. Cook them slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to achieve a deep, rich color and sweet flavor. This process can take up to 30 minutes, but the result is well worth the wait.

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

• sliced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the other ingredients nicely.

• rye bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough has a tangy flavor and sturdy texture that works well for patty melts.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor similar to Swiss cheese.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to cook the onions and toast the bread, offering a healthier fat alternative.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture with fewer calories and added protein.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste is thicker and more concentrated, providing a rich tomato flavor.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard is more common and has a tangy flavor that can work well in the sauce.

• pickle relish - Substitute with chopped dill pickles: Chopped dill pickles provide a similar tangy and crunchy element to the sauce.

• 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 to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to keep them fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Store the special sauce separately in a small airtight container. This ensures that the sauce stays fresh and doesn't make the bread soggy.
• For freezing, place the individually 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. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the patty melts in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and prevents the bread from becoming too soggy.
• Reheat the patty melts in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Add the special sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each patty melt in aluminum foil to keep it moist. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the patty melt in the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melt in the basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ground beef with salt and pepper before forming into patties.

• Skillet: Essential for cooking both the caramelized onions and the beef patties.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties and the assembled patty melts in the skillet.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the onion.

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

• Small bowl: Used to mix the special sauce ingredients together.

• Measuring spoons: Helps measure out the butter, mayonnaise, ketchup, dijon mustard, and pickle relish accurately.

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

• Plate: For setting aside the cooked patties and caramelized onions.

• Tongs: Can be used to handle the bread slices and patties while cooking.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Slice the onion and mix the special sauce the night before to save time.

Use pre-made patties: Buy pre-formed ground beef patties to skip the step of forming them yourself.

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

Pre-butter the bread: Butter the rye bread slices in advance and store them in an airtight container.

Multi-task: While the patties are cooking, prepare the special sauce to maximize efficiency.