Patty Melts with Special Sauce Recipe

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

Rye bread: Adds a distinctive flavor and texture, perfect for patty melts.

Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and offers a mild, nutty taste.

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

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

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the patties and onions.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the patties.

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

Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness to the special sauce.

Pickle relish: Provides a tangy crunch in the special sauce.

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

When caramelizing onions, ensure you cook them slowly over medium heat. This allows the natural sugars in the onions to break down and develop a rich, sweet flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and achieve an even caramelization.

• 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 similar tangy flavor and sturdy texture, making it a good alternative for holding the patty melt together.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients in the patty melt.

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots offer a sweeter and more delicate flavor, which can add a gourmet touch to the patty melt.

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

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile but can still provide the necessary heat and spice.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that offers a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste is thicker and more concentrated, providing a rich tomato flavor without the added sugars found in ketchup.

• pickle relish - Substitute with chopped dill pickles: Chopped dill pickles offer a similar tangy and crunchy texture, making them a good alternative to pickle relish.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and a dash of lemon juice: This combination can mimic the savory and slightly tangy flavor of Worcestershire sauce.

• Allow the patty melts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each patty melt individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped patty melts in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long they've been stored.
• Store the patty melts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, where they can last for up to 2 months.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, unwrap the patty melt and place it on a baking sheet. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• For reheating from frozen, unwrap the patty melt and place it on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the bread.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the patty melt heat evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side if refrigerated, or 10-12 minutes per side if frozen, until heated through and the cheese is melted.

• 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 evenly. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is gooey.

• Microwave Method: While not the best for maintaining the bread's texture, this method is quick. Place the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melt directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-12 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, making sure not to overcrowd. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• Skillet: Used for cooking the onions, patties, and toasting the assembled sandwiches.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties and sandwiches in the skillet.

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the ingredients for the special sauce.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the onion.

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

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the butter, salt, pepper, ketchup, pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the mayonnaise.

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

• Spreader knife: Useful for spreading the special sauce on the rye bread.

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

Pre-caramelize the onions: Caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the fridge. This saves time when assembling the patty melts.

Pre-make the sauce: Mix the special sauce ingredients ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. This allows for quick assembly.

Use a grill pan: Cook multiple patties at once using a grill pan to speed up the cooking process.

Pre-slice the cheese: Have the Swiss cheese slices ready to go, so you can quickly add them to the sandwiches.

Assemble in batches: Prepare multiple sandwiches at once to streamline the cooking process.