Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Ingredients:

For the patty melts:

1 lb. Ground beef

6 Slices rye bread

½ tsp. Onion powder

½ tsp. Garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

6 Slices cheddar cheese

6 Sliced provolone cheese

6 Tbsp. Butter softened and unsalted

For the secret sauce:

¼ C. Mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. Chopped bacon pieces

3 Tbsp. Ketchup

1 tsp. Sugar

1 tsp. Relish

Instructions:

Form the meat into 3 flattened patties with roughly the same shape as your bread slices.

Season the meat on both sides with the onion powder, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the patties over medium high heat on the stove until cooked through. Remove from the pan.

While the meat is cooking, mix together the ingredients for the sauce until well incorporated.

Wipe the skillet used to cook the meat clean and reduce the heat to medium.

Butter one side of each piece of bread well.

Place three pieces of bread buttered side down in the skillet.

Top each slice of bread with 2 slices of provolone cheese, a meat patty and 2 slices of cheddar cheese.

Put a little bit of the sauce on the non-buttered side of the remaining slices of bread, and place them sauce side down on top of the patty melts in the skillet.

Flip the patty melts over once the provolone has melted and the one side of the bread is well toasted.

Toast the other side of the bread well, and then serve.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1 patty melt

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bread for the patty melts?

Yes, you can certainly use a different type of bread if you prefer. While rye bread adds a distinctive flavor, you can try other options like sourdough, whole wheat, or even buns for a twist.

Is there a substitute for the secret sauce ingredients?

If you’d like to customize the sauce, you can experiment with different ingredients. For instance, you might use mustard instead of ketchup or skip the bacon for a vegetarian version.

Can I make these patty melts without the butter?

While butter adds flavor and helps with toasting, you can use a cooking spray or a small amount of oil instead if you’re looking to reduce the butter content.

How can I ensure the meat patties are cooked perfectly?

Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the patties and your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.

Can I make the secret sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the secret sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the patty melts. This can save time when you’re cooking.

Can I use a leaner ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can opt for lean ground beef if you’re looking to reduce the fat content. Just keep in mind that leaner beef might be slightly less juicy, so be cautious not to overcook the patties.

Can I use a grill instead of a skillet to cook the meat patties?

Certainly! You can grill the meat patties instead of cooking them in a skillet. Just make sure to preheat the grill and cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Is there a substitute for the bacon in the secret sauce?

If you prefer a vegetarian version or don’t have bacon on hand, you can omit it or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative, or even with finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the patty melts?

Absolutely! While cheddar and provolone are recommended in the recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese like Swiss, American, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with these patty melts?

Patty melts pair well with various side dishes such as French fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, a simple green salad, or even a bowl of soup for a well-rounded meal.