Indulge in the classic comfort of patty melts with a twist, featuring a delectable special sauce. This recipe combines the savory goodness of ground beef, the rich flavor of swiss cheese, and the sweetness of caramelized onions all nestled between slices of buttery rye bread. Perfect for a cozy meal, these patty melts are sure to satisfy your cravings and elevate your sandwich game.
When preparing this recipe, you might find that rye bread and swiss cheese are not as commonly stocked in every household as other types of bread and cheese. These ingredients can be found in the bakery and dairy sections of most supermarkets. Additionally, worcestershire sauce is a key component of the special sauce, adding a unique umami flavor, and is typically located in the condiment aisle.
Ingredients For Patty Melts With Special Sauce
Ground beef: The main protein component, providing a juicy and flavorful base for the patty melts.
Sliced onion: Caramelized to add sweetness and depth of flavor to the sandwich.
Rye bread: A hearty and flavorful bread that complements the savory ingredients.
Swiss cheese: A mild, nutty cheese that melts beautifully over the beef patties.
Butter: Used to toast the bread to a golden brown, adding richness and flavor.
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.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex, savory depth to the special sauce.
Technique Tip for Perfect Patty Melts
Achieving perfectly caramelized onions requires patience and attention. Start by slicing the onions evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Use a wide skillet over medium heat and add a touch of butter or oil. Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to develop a deep golden color. This process can take 20-30 minutes, but the sweet, rich flavor is worth the wait. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat and add a splash of water to prevent burning.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.
ground beef - Substitute with black bean patty: For a vegetarian option, black bean patties offer a hearty texture and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of beef.
sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the richness of the patty melt.
sliced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a subtle onion flavor and a softer texture when cooked, making them a good alternative.
rye bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough has a tangy flavor and sturdy texture that holds up well to the ingredients.
rye bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread provides a nutty flavor and is a healthier alternative with more fiber.
swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild, creamy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
swiss cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar offers a sharper flavor and melts nicely, adding a different dimension to the patty melt.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can be used to toast the bread and cook the onions.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the taste of the patty melt.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture with less fat and more protein.
mayonnaise - Substitute with avocado: Mashed avocado offers a creamy texture and healthy fats, adding a fresh flavor to the sauce.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste is thicker and more concentrated, providing a rich tomato flavor without added sugars.
ketchup - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha adds a spicy kick and a touch of sweetness, enhancing the sauce's flavor profile.
dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard is milder and more tangy, offering a classic mustard flavor.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard provides a similar flavor with added texture from the mustard seeds.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce offers a similar umami flavor and saltiness, making it a good alternative.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor, providing depth to the sauce.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Patty Melts
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each patty melt in aluminum foil to keep them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method ensures the bread stays crispy while the cheese melts perfectly.
For a quick fix, use a skillet over medium heat. Place the patty melt in the skillet, cover it with a lid, and heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side. This will give you a nice, crispy exterior while warming the inside thoroughly.
If you’re in a rush, the microwave can be your friend. Place the patty melt on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Be cautious, as the bread might not stay as crispy.
For those with an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the patty melt in the basket and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method will keep the bread crispy and the cheese gooey.
If you have a toaster oven, it’s a great option. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the patty melt on the rack. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring the bread remains crunchy and the cheese melts evenly.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the onions and beef patties, ensuring even heat distribution for caramelization and browning.
Spatula: A tool used to flip the patties and sandwiches, helping to achieve a golden brown crust on the bread.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine the ingredients for the special sauce, allowing for easy mixing and blending.
Knife: Used for slicing the onion and spreading butter on the bread, ensuring precise cuts and even distribution.
Cutting board: A surface used to safely slice the onion and prepare other ingredients, protecting countertops from damage.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the mayonnaise, ketchup, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce accurately for the special sauce.
Spreader: A small tool used to evenly spread butter on the slices of rye bread, ensuring a consistent layer for grilling.
Plate: Used to set aside the caramelized onions and to assemble the patty melts before serving.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Pre-caramelize onions: Caramelize onions in advance and store them in the fridge. This saves time when assembling the patty melts.
Batch cook patties: Form and cook ground beef patties ahead of time. Reheat them when ready to assemble.
Make sauce ahead: Prepare the special sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge. This allows for quick assembly.
Use a large skillet: Cook multiple sandwiches at once by using a large skillet or griddle, reducing overall cooking time.
Pre-butter bread: Butter the rye bread slices ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Patty Melts with Special Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 unit Onion sliced
- 8 slices Rye Bread
- 4 slices Swiss Cheese
- 2 tablespoon Butter
Special Sauce
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- 1. In a skillet, cook the onions over medium heat until caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- 2. In the same skillet, cook the ground beef, forming into 4 patties. Cook until desired doneness.
- 3. Mix all the special sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- 4. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place 4 slices, buttered side down, on the skillet.
- 5. Add a slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and some special sauce on each slice of bread. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
- 6. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping once.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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