🥪 BEST PATTY MELT with SECRET SAUCE

🧾 Ingredients (2 large melts)

For the Patties

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)

• Salt & black pepper

• Garlic powder (optional)

For the Onions

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp butter

• Pinch of sugar

• Pinch of salt

For the Secret Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Pinch of cayenne (optional but 🔥)

For Assembly

• 8 slices rye bread

• 4 tbsp softened butter

• 4 slices Swiss cheese

• 4 slices American cheese

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🔥 Step-By-Step

1️⃣ Caramelize the Onions (the soul of the melt)

In a skillet:

• Melt butter over medium-low heat

• Add onions + salt + sugar

• Cook 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden and jammy
  Set aside.

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2️⃣ Make the Secret Sauce

Mix everything together.
Refrigerate at least 10 minutes (flavor magic happens here).

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3️⃣ Cook the Patties

• Form 2 wide thin patties

• Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder

• Sear in a hot skillet 3–4 minutes per side

• Remove and rest

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4️⃣ Assemble the Patty Melts

Spread butter on outside of bread.

Inside each sandwich:

1. Swiss cheese

2. Beef patty

3. Pile of caramelized onions

4. Drizzle of secret sauce

5. American cheese

6. Rye bread

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5️⃣ Grill to Perfection

Cook in skillet on medium-low:

• 3–4 minutes per side

• Press gently

• Flip when golden & crispy

• Cheese should be lava-melted

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🧠 Pro Tips

• Low & slow heat = perfect crust without burning

• Rest 1 minute before slicing

• Serve with fries or onion rings for full diner experience