📝 Ingredients (Makes 2 Patty Melts)

For the patties

• ½ lb ground beef (80/20 is best)

• Salt & pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

For the onions

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1–2 tbsp butter

• Pinch of salt

• ½ tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelize)

For the secret sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish

• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Pinch of paprika

• Pinch of sugar (optional)

For assembly

• 4 slices rye bread (or sourdough)

• 4 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar/Colby Jack)

• 2 tbsp softened butter

🍳 Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and optional sugar.

3. Cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, golden, and sweet.

4. Set aside.

2. Make the secret sauce

Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Taste and adjust: more ketchup for sweetness, more mustard for tang, more relish for crunch.

3. Shape and cook the patties

1. Form ground beef into two oval patties roughly the size of your bread slices.

2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Sear in a hot skillet or griddle 3–4 minutes per side, until cooked to desired doneness.

4. Remove and set aside.

4. Assemble the melts

1. Spread softened butter on the outside of each bread slice.

2. On the inside of the bottom slice, spread secret sauce.

3. Add:

   • 1 slice of Swiss

   • Patty

   • Caramelized onions

   • Another slice of Swiss

4. Top with the second slice of bread (butter side out).

5. Griddle the melts

Cook in a skillet on medium heat 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.