Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with “Gourmet Griddle: Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce,” a mouthwatering creation that combines juicy burgers with melted cheese, all sandwiched between buttery, toasted bread. This dish elevates the classic patty melt with a special sauce that adds an irresistible zing, making it a perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or any meal where you crave something satisfyingly savory.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce:
- Rich and Satisfying: The combination of melted cheese, succulent beef, and a flavorful sauce guarantees a deeply satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a casual family dinner, a comforting weekend meal, or a friendly get-together.
- Easy and Quick: Simple to prepare, delivering gourmet flavors in a classic diner-style sandwich.
Ingredients Notes For Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce:
- Ground Beef: Use a higher fat content for juicier patties, such as 80/20 beef to lean/fat ratio.
- Cheese: Swiss or cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides a nice flavor contrast to the beef.
- Onions: Thinly sliced onions, caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Bread: Rye or sourdough bread provides the best flavor and sturdiness to hold up to the fillings.
- Butter: For toasting the bread to golden perfection.
- Special Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce mixed together for a tangy and sweet flavor.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Special Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Adjust the proportions to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Patties:
- Form the ground beef into oval-shaped patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties until they are well browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, add a bit more butter if necessary, and add the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and sweet.
- Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Spread the special sauce on the non-buttered side of half the bread slices.
- Place a slice of cheese on each sauced bread slice, add a cooked patty, top with caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Cover with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet, pressing them slightly. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve:
- Cut the patty melts in half and serve hot with extra special sauce or your favorite side dish.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for assembled sandwiches as the bread may become soggy when thawed.
INGREDIENTS
For the Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon relish (sweet or dill, based on preference)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Hot sauce, to taste (optional)
For the Patty Melts:
- 8 slices rye or sourdough bread
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices of cheese (such as Swiss, cheddar, or American)
- Butter, for spreading on bread
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Patties:
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 oval-shaped patties to fit the bread slices.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach the desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Special Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, onion powder, garlic powder, and hot sauce (if using). Mix well until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Onions:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a bit more butter or oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Spread the special sauce on the non-buttered side of four slices.
- On each of these slices, place a slice of cheese, a cooked patty, a portion of the caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and finally top with another slice of bread (buttered side out).
- Grill the Patty Melts:
- Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet, pressing them down slightly with a spatula. Cook until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove from the skillet, cut diagonally, and serve immediately.
