There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly crafted patty melt – that magical combination of juicy beef, gooey cheese, and caramelized onions, all embraced by crispy, buttery bread. My Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce takes this classic diner favorite to new heights with a secret sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re planning a casual weekend lunch or a quick weeknight dinner, these patty melts deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The combination of savory beef, sweet onions, and tangy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s both nostalgic and exciting.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something substantial
- The special sauce adds a unique twist to a classic comfort food
- Customizable with different cheeses and bread options to suit your preferences
- Great for meal prep – you can prepare the patties and sauce ahead of time
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy too
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices rye bread
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened and unsalted
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped bacon pieces
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon relish
Instructions
- Divide ground beef into three equal portions and shape into patties that match the size of your bread slices. Season both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, chopped bacon, ketchup, sugar, and relish until well combined.
- Wipe down the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place three bread slices buttered-side down in the skillet. Layer each with 2 slices provolone, a beef patty, 2 slices cheddar, and spread special sauce on the inside of the remaining bread slices. Top with remaining bread, sauce-side down.
- Cook until the bottom bread is golden and cheese starts melting. Carefully flip and cook until the second side is toasted and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from skillet, slice if desired, and serve immediately while the cheese is still melty.
Tips & Variations
- Try different cheese varieties like American, cheddar, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles
- Substitute sourdough or Texas toast if rye bread isn’t your favorite
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Add sautéed mushrooms along with the caramelized onions for an earthy twist
- Make mini versions using slider buns for a fun party appetizer
- For extra flavor, add a splash of beef broth when caramelizing the onions
Serving Suggestions
These hearty patty melts pair perfectly with crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad to balance the richness. For a classic diner experience, serve with dill pickle spears and coleslaw on the side.
If you’re feeling indulgent, a creamy tomato soup makes an excellent companion for dipping those crispy, cheesy sandwich edges!
Notes
- Store any leftover special sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator
- For the best texture, don’t overwork the ground beef when forming patties
- The patties should be slightly thinner than regular hamburgers since they’ll continue cooking in the sandwich
- If the sandwiches are browning too quickly, lower the heat to ensure the cheese melts completely
FAQs
Can I make these patty melts ahead of time?
You can prepare the components (patties, onions, and sauce) ahead of time, but assemble and grill the sandwiches just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover patty melts?
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid to help the cheese re-melt without burning the bread. Alternatively, wrap in foil and heat in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Can I freeze these sandwiches?
While you can freeze the cooked patties, I don’t recommend freezing the assembled sandwiches as the bread and toppings won’t maintain their texture when thawed.
What makes this a patty melt instead of a burger?
A patty melt is traditionally served on rye bread rather than a bun, includes caramelized onions, and is grilled like a grilled cheese sandwich until crispy on both sides.
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