Ultimate Cheesy Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

If you’re looking for a meal that’s the perfect blend of comfort and excitement, look no further than these Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce. Picture this: a juicy seasoned beef patty nestled between two types of melted cheese, all slathered with a bacon-infused special sauce and grilled between slices of buttery rye bread. It’s like a gourmet burger and a grilled cheese had a delicious love child.

I stumbled upon this recipe on a night when I couldn’t choose between a classic burger and a cozy grilled cheese. Little did I know that combining the two would result in a sandwich that even my picky teenage son dubbed “the best ever made.” The fact that he’s now requesting these patty melts for his birthday dinner speaks volumes about their deliciousness.

Cooking these patty melts just right is key to achieving that perfect golden crust and ooey-gooey melted cheese. Keeping the heat at a medium setting allows everything to come together harmoniously. Serve these up with some crispy fries, a pickle on the side, and a cold beverage, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s sure to bring smiles to the table. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience a culinary delight with these Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce.

Quick Benefits

• Gourmet twist on classic comfort food
• Perfect combination of seasoned beef patty, melted cheeses, and bacon-studded special sauce
• Customizable with different bread types, cheese combinations, and special sauce variations
• Substantial and satisfying meal, perfect with a side of crispy fries or onion rings

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Cheesy Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe

• Gourmet Twist: Combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich into one delicious meal, offering a gourmet experience at home.
• Flavorful Patty: Perfectly seasoned beef patty paired with two types of melted cheese creates a flavorful and indulgent bite.
• Bacon-Studded Special Sauce: The special sauce with bacon adds a savory and rich element that takes these patty melts to the next level of deliciousness.
• Golden Crust: Cooking at medium heat ensures a golden crust while allowing the cheeses to melt properly, resulting in a perfectly crispy and gooey texture.
• Customizable: Easily customizable with different bread types, cheese combinations, and sauce variations to suit personal preferences and experiment with new flavors.
• Complete Meal: A substantial meal on its own, but also pairs well with crispy fries, onion rings, and a dill pickle for a satisfying and well-rounded dinner.
• Family Favorite: Has received high praise, even from picky eaters, making it a hit for family dinners or special occasions.
• Nostalgic Comfort: Provides the comforting flavors of familiar foods in an elevated and exciting way, creating a nostalgic yet special dining experience.
• Perfect Pairings: Goes well with cold beer or classic cola, enhancing the overall dining experience with complementary flavors.

Ingredients for Ultimate Cheesy Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

For the patty melts

• 6 slices rye bread
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened and unsalted
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound ground beef

For the special sauce

• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped bacon pieces
• 1 teaspoon relish
• 1 teaspoon sugar

How to Make Ultimate Cheesy Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

Step 1: Shape and season patties

Separate ground beef into three equal parts and form into patties to match the size of bread slices. Season both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the beef patties

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the special sauce

Combine mayonnaise, chopped bacon, ketchup, sugar, and relish in a small bowl, mixing until evenly combined.

Step 4: Prepare for grilling

After wiping down the skillet, reduce heat to medium. Spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.

Step 5: Assemble the sandwiches

In a skillet, arrange three bread slices with buttered-side down. 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 the remaining bread, sauce-side down.

Step 6: Grill until golden

Cook until the bottom bread is golden and the cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip and continue cooking until the second side is toasted and the cheese is completely melted.

Step 7: Serve hot

Take out of the skillet, slice if preferred, and serve right away while the cheese is still melted.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the cheesy patty melts with special sauce, it is best to serve and enjoy them fresh and hot. However, if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps restore some of the crispy texture of the bread that may have been lost in the refrigerator. Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it can make the bread soft instead of crispy.

To maintain the quality and flavors of the cheesy patty melts, it is recommended not to freeze them as the texture may become soggy once thawed. Feel free to customize this dish by trying different bread types, cheese combinations, or adding extra ingredients like sautéed onions to the patties. The special sauce can also be personalized by experimenting with different relishes or a touch of hot sauce. These versatile and delicious patty melts are a great meal option that can be enjoyed with crispy fries, onion rings, a dill pickle, and your favorite beverage for a satisfying dining experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

For ingredient substitutions in this recipe, you can swap the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. You can also try using plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version of the patty melts. When it comes to the cheese, feel free to experiment with different varieties like Swiss, American, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles. If you prefer a different type of bread, sourdough or pumpernickel can be excellent substitutes for the rye bread, adding their own distinct taste and texture to the dish.

To make the special sauce your own, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative. You could also add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a spicy kick. If you don’t have relish on hand, finely chopped pickles can be used as a substitute. Feel free to adjust the sugar and seasonings in the sauce to suit your personal taste preferences. These simple ingredient swaps and customizations can help tailor the dish to your liking and dietary needs while still maintaining the delicious and comforting essence of the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a DIY patty melt bar for a casual dinner party. Lay out all the components – seasoned beef patties, cheddar and provolone cheese slices, rye bread slices, and the special sauce with bacon bits. Let your guests assemble their own custom patty melts with their choice of cheese, sauce, and any additional toppings like sautéed onions or pickles. This hands-on approach adds a playful element to the meal and allows everyone to tailor their patty melt to their specific tastes.

For a twist on traditional burger night, serve these cheesy patty melts with a side of homemade sweet potato fries. The natural sweetness of the fries complements the savory and cheesy flavors of the patty melts perfectly. Drizzle the fries with a bit of honey and sprinkle with sea salt before serving for a delightful contrast of flavors. The combination of the crispy fries, gooey melted cheese, and tangy special sauce will create a meal that’s sure to satisfy any comfort food craving.

FAQs for Ultimate Cheesy Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can customize these patty melts by using different bread types such as sourdough or pumpernickel, which work great too. Feel free to experiment with different bread varieties to suit your taste preferences.

How can I reheat leftovers of these patty melts?

To reheat leftovers, it is recommended to use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps restore some of the crispy texture of the bread. While the microwave can be used, it may make the bread soft instead of crispy, so the skillet method is preferred for better results.

Can I make any modifications to the special sauce?

Yes, the special sauce is flexible and can be customized to your liking. You can try adding different relishes or even a touch of hot sauce to the sauce for added flavor variations. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique twist on the special sauce.

What can I serve as side dishes with these cheesy patty melts?

These patty melts are substantial enough to be a complete meal, but they pair well with side dishes like crispy fries or onion rings. Additionally, a dill pickle can be served on the side for a tangy crunch that complements the richness of the patty melts. Cold beer or a classic cola are recommended beverage choices to complement the flavors of this dish.

Conclusion

As you embark on making these delightful Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce, I hope you find the process as rewarding as the end result. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious flavors but also in the memories and moments it creates around the dining table. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters like my son or simply looking to elevate your weeknight meals, these patty melts are sure to become a family favorite.

Remember, cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. So take your time, savor each step, and relish in the joy of creating something truly special. Let the aromas wafting from your kitchen and the anticipation of that first gooey, cheesy bite bring a smile to your face. And when you finally sit down to enjoy your Cheesy Patty Melts with Special Sauce, may you feel the warmth and satisfaction that comes from sharing a homemade meal made with love. Cheers to good food, good company, and good times around the table!

Ultimate Cheesy Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Cheesy Patty Melts featuring a special bacon-studded sauce – a gourmet burger meets grilled cheese perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings3 Servings (3 patty melts)

Ingredients

For the patty melts

• 6 slices rye bread
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened and unsalted
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound ground beef

For the special sauce

• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped bacon pieces
• 1 teaspoon relish
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. Shape and season patties: Separate ground beef into three equal parts and form into patties to match the size of bread slices. Season both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the beef patties: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the special sauce: Combine mayonnaise, chopped bacon, ketchup, sugar, and relish in a small bowl, mixing until evenly combined.
4. Prepare for grilling: After wiping down the skillet, reduce heat to medium. Spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
5. Assemble the sandwiches: In a skillet, arrange three bread slices with buttered-side down. 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 the remaining bread, sauce-side down.
6. Grill until golden: Cook until the bottom bread is golden and the cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip and continue cooking until the second side is toasted and the cheese is completely melted.
7. Serve hot: Take out of the skillet, slice if preferred, and serve right away while the cheese is still melted.