Ah, the Ultimate Patty Melt! Let me tell you, this recipe is a delightful combination of nostalgia and indulgence that transports me straight back to those cozy diner days. Growing up, I remember visiting a little burger joint with my family that made the most amazing patty melts. You know, the kind where the cheese is gooey, the onions are perfectly caramelized, and the secret sauce is downright addictive? Well, this recipe is my little twist on that classic, and I absolutely love making it for friends and family.
What makes it truly special, besides the delicious layers of flavor, is that it always brings everyone together. I mean, who can resist a juicy burger sandwiched between crunchy, buttered bread? Plus, with my “secret sauce,” it’s like I’m in on a culinary secret that no one can resist! So grab your aprons, and let’s dive into the ingredients that will help you whip up your own Ultimate Patty Melt.
What’s in Ultimate Patty Melt?
Ground Beef: I recommend an 80/20 blend for the perfect juicy patty that’s not too lean. This ratio gives you enough fat to create a deliciously succulent burger without overwhelming it.
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential! They’ll enhance the flavor of the beef and bring everything together.
Bread: You can’t go wrong with rye or sourdough. Both have that sturdy texture and wonderful flavor that perfectly complements the beef and cheese.
American Cheese: Ah, the classic melting cheese! You could opt for your favorite cheese here, but American really is the standard and melts like a dream.
Onion: The star when it comes to caramelization! Those sweet, soft onions will add a beautiful layer of flavor to your melt.
Butter: Because who doesn’t love everything cooked in butter? It adds a richness that only makes things tastier.
Mayonnaise: The base of our secret sauce that adds creaminess and tanginess. I prefer to use a good quality mayo, like Hellmann’s.
Ketchup: A classic addition to any burger, it brings a sweet and tangy flavor.
Dijon Mustard: This gives the sauce a slight kick that elevates it from standard to stellar.
Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better! This provides an aromatic depth to our secret sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a little splash adds umami and extra flavor complexity.
Optional: Pickles: These are a fantastic garnish, adding a nice crunch and tanginess alongside the melty goodness!
Is Ultimate Patty Melt Good for You?
Oh, let’s be honest, the Ultimate Patty Melt is definitely a treat! But it does have some redeeming qualities.
Ground Beef: Packed with protein and iron, it can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation.
Onions: These little wonders are rich in antioxidants and good for heart health. And to me, the more caramelized onions, the better!
Mayonnaise and Condiments: While these can add unnecessary calories, you can control how much you use. I sometimes play around with lighter mayo options or even yogurt for a tangy twist.
The downside? Well, it’s a bit of a calorie bomb! But hey, enjoying a rich comfort food like this every now and then can absolutely fit into a balanced lifestyle, especially when paired with a crunchy side salad for some extra veggies!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of bread (rye or sourdough recommended)
– 4 slices of American cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter, divided
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Optional: Pickles for garnish
**Servings:** This recipe serves about 2-4 people, depending on how hungry you are!
How to Make Ultimate Patty Melt?
1. **Prepare the Secret Sauce**: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside – this sauce is going to be your new best friend!
2. **Caramelize the Onions**: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and delicious. Set aside; they’re like liquid gold at this point!
3. **Shape the Beef Patties**: In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form it into two patties, a bit larger than your bread so they don’t shrink too much while cooking.
4. **Cook the Beef Patties**: Heat a skillet (or grill) over medium-high heat, add the patties, and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip them over, place a slice of cheese on each, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is all stretchy and melty, and the beef reaches your desired doneness (160°F for medium).
5. **Toast the Bread**: While the patties are cooking, spread the remaining butter on one side of each bread slice. Toast the bread in a separate skillet, butter side down, until golden brown.
6. **Assemble the Patty Melt**: Lay a beef patty on the unbuttered side of two slices of bread. Top with caramelized onions and generous drizzles of your secret sauce. Finish with the other bread slices on top (butter side up).
7. **Grill the Patty Melt**: Return the assembled melts to the skillet and grill over medium heat, gently pressing down with spatula until both sides are golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes each side.
8. **Serve**: Slice these beauties in half and serve immediately with pickles and extra secret sauce for dipping, because who doesn’t love a little extra indulgence?
Take Your Patty Melt to the Next Level
If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to customize your patty melt! Experiment with different types of cheese like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for that extra zing.
Feeling adventurous? Add crispy bacon for a smoky crunch, or load it up with sautéed mushrooms for some earthiness. And if you desire a veggie-packed alternative, try swapping ground beef for a veggie patty or black bean burger.
One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is with a simple side salad or some crispy fries for dipping in the secret sauce (I think you can guess my favorite part!).
So, my dear foodie friend, I encourage you to make this Ultimate Patty Melt, relish every bite, and maybe even create your own special memories around the dinner table. Enjoy every gooey, delicious moment, and don’t forget to share your bacon-loaded creations with me! Happy cooking!
