Patty Melts With Secret Sauce

The Ultimate Patty Melt: A Symphony of Flavor Between Two Slices

Have you ever bitten into a sandwich so incredible, it brings tears of joy to your eyes? That's the magic of this Patty Melt recipe! Bursting with juicy beef, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and a secret sauce that's anything but secret (we'll get to that in a minute), this sandwich is a symphony of flavor guaranteed to leave you wanting more.

Why You'll Love This Patty Melt:

• Secretly Simple: Don't let the name "secret sauce" fool you. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a satisfying yet manageable weeknight meal.
• Flavor Explosion: Every bite is a party in your mouth! From the savory beef to the caramelized sweetness of the onions, the creamy cheese, and the tangy secret sauce, this patty melt is a flavor sensation.
• Family-Approved: This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of classic ingredients is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
• Customizable Cravings: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, bread varieties, or even add a touch of your favorite hot sauce to the secret sauce for an extra kick.

Ingredients:

• The Savory Beef:
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef - Choose a good quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce - Adds a touch of savory umami depth.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt - Seasoning is key! Kosher salt enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper - Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth.
• The Golden Delight:
• 3 medium Vidalia onions, thinly sliced - Vidalia onions caramelize beautifully, adding a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter - Butter is essential for cooking the onions and adding richness to the sandwich.
• The Melty Goodness:
• 6 slices Cheddar cheese - Classic cheddar cheese provides a creamy and sharp flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or Gruyère.
• The Secret Weapon (Not So Secret Anymore):
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard - Adds a touch of tangy spice.
• ¼ cup mayonnaise - Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce - Smoky sweetness to balance the other flavors.
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional) - For those who like a touch of heat.
• The Foundation:
• 12 slices sourdough bread - Toasted sourdough bread provides a sturdy and slightly tangy base for the patty melt.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Crafting the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce (if using). This flavorful concoction is the secret weapon that takes this patty melt to the next level. Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Seasoning the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to distribute the seasonings evenly. Form the mixture into 6 oval patties.
3. Caramelizing the Onions: In a medium cast-iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beautifully caramelized. This takes about 35 minutes, so be patient! The reward is a sweet and flavorful topping for your patty melt.
4. Cooking the Patties: While the onions caramelize, heat another large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil (or use some of the butter from the onions) and cook the beef patties for 2 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and set aside.
5. Building the Masterpiece: Now comes the fun part – assembling the patty melts! Spread a generous tablespoon of the secret sauce on one slice of sourdough bread. Top with 2-3 tablespoons of the caramelized onions, a slice of cheddar cheese, a cooked beef patty, and another dollop of secret sauce. Finish it off with another slice of sourdough bread. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to create multiple patty melts.
6. The Golden Touch: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Carefully add a patty melt and cook for 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Repeat with the remaining patty melts, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.