Description: A classic diner favorite elevated with a homemade secret sauce and perfectly caramelized onions, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. This Patty Melt recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 slices sourdough bread or seeded rye bread (for a more authentic deli experience)
- ½ cup Secret Sauce (recipe follows)
- 3 medium Vidalia onions, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
- 6 slices Cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, your preference)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Secret Sauce:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco or sriracha, adjust to taste)
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce until well combined. Taste and adjust the hot sauce if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Step 2: Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough patties.
Step 3: Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty, about ½ inch thick. Making them oval will help them fit on the bread better.
Step 4: Caramelize the Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced Vidalia onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden brown, and deeply caramelized. This process will take approximately 25-30 minutes, and is crucial for the flavor of the Patty Melt. Be patient and don’t rush the caramelization process. If the onions start to stick or burn, reduce the heat slightly and add a tablespoon of water or beef broth to deglaze the pan. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Patties: In a large cast-iron skillet (or the same skillet after wiping it clean), cook the patties over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. This will take approximately 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the patties and your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and set aside. Wipe out the skillet to remove any excess grease.
Step 6: Assemble the Patty Melts: Lay out 6 slices of bread on a clean work surface. Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of Secret Sauce on each slice. Top each slice with 2 to 3 tablespoons of caramelized onions, 1 slice of Cheddar cheese, and 1 cooked patty. Spread another 1 tablespoon of Secret Sauce on the remaining 6 slices of bread and place them on top of the patties, sauce-side down.
Step 7: Cook the Patty Melts: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. Working in batches (usually 2-3 at a time, depending on the size of your skillet), cook the sandwiches, flipping once, until golden brown and heated through. This will take approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Press down gently on the sandwiches with a spatula to ensure even browning and melting of the cheese. Add the remaining butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Serve Immediately: Remove the cooked Patty Melts from the skillet and cut them in half diagonally. Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Patty Melt recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, tangy Secret Sauce, and sharp Cheddar cheese creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Comfort Food Classic: Patty Melts are a beloved diner staple that evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. This recipe captures the essence of the classic while adding a homemade touch.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home. The steps are straightforward and require minimal cooking skills.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Use different types of cheese, add other toppings, or adjust the level of heat in the Secret Sauce.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a comforting weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party snack, Patty Melts are a versatile option that will always be a hit.
Serving Suggestions:
- French Fries: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly healthier and sweeter alternative to traditional fries.
- Onion Rings: Crispy and flavorful, onion rings complement the flavors of the Patty Melt perfectly.
- Coleslaw: A cool and creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Patty Melt.
- Pickles: Dill or bread and butter pickles add a tangy and acidic element that cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
- Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup is a comforting and satisfying accompaniment to a Patty Melt.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lighter and more refreshing option.
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Ground Beef: The quality of the ground beef will significantly impact the flavor of the Patty Melts. Choose a ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Patty Mixture: Overmixing the ground beef mixture will result in tough patties. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
- Caramelize the Onions Properly: Don’t rush the caramelization process. Low and slow cooking is key to achieving the desired sweet and golden-brown color.
- Use Real Butter: Butter adds a richness and flavor that margarine simply can’t replicate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the Patty Melts in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking.
- Press Down on the Sandwiches: Gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning and melting of the cheese.
- Serve Immediately: Patty Melts are best served immediately while hot and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 750-850 per serving
- Protein: 40-50 grams per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Patty Melt recipe is a delicious and satisfying take on a classic diner favorite. The combination of juicy ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, tangy Secret Sauce, and melted Cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate Patty Melt experience!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese besides Cheddar?
A: Absolutely! While Cheddar is a classic choice for Patty Melts, you can definitely experiment with other types of cheese. Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would all be delicious alternatives. Consider the flavor profile you’re going for and choose a cheese that complements the other ingredients.
Q2: Can I make the Secret Sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! In fact, making the Secret Sauce a day or two in advance will allow the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a more complex and delicious sauce. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q3: What’s the best way to caramelize the onions?
A: The key to caramelizing onions is to cook them low and slow. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron, and cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden brown, and deeply caramelized. This process can take anywhere from 25 to 30 minutes, so be patient. If the onions start to stick or burn, reduce the heat slightly and add a tablespoon of water or beef broth to deglaze the pan.
Q4: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer. However, keep in mind that ground turkey is typically leaner than ground beef, so you may need to add a little extra fat (such as butter or olive oil) to the skillet to prevent the patties from drying out. Also, be sure to cook the turkey patties to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q5: Can I add other toppings to my Patty Melt?
A: Of course! Feel free to get creative and add other toppings to your Patty Melt to customize it to your liking. Some popular additions include bacon, avocado, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or even a fried egg.
