Ultimate Patty Melts with Special Sauce

5.0
(8)

This patty melt recipe is phenomenal, but is nothing remotely close to a health food. I highly suggest this for an occasional treat or to accompany some beers, peers, and sports. I've developed this recipe from a combination of other recipes over time and out of practicality based on what was in my kitchen at the time of experiment. I purposely left out Worcestershire and other burger flavorings to keep it simple and not detract from the Thousand Island-like sauce. Serve with french fries or hash browns.

Cheesy patty melts with French fries on the side
4
4
4
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
3
Yield:
3 patty melts
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 3 servings

  • 6 slices rye bread

  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon real bacon bits

  • 1 teaspoon sweet relish

  • 1 teaspoon white sugar

  • 6 slices Cheddar cheese

  • 6 slices provolone cheese

Directions

  1. Cover 1 side of each bread slice thoroughly and generously with butter; set aside.

  2. Mix ground beef, pepper, salt, and onion powder together in a bowl until thoroughly combined, but do not overmix or meat will not have the proper consistency after it is cooked. Form 3 patties to fit the shape of the bread.

  3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, making sure patties do not break, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and cook until no longer pink in the centers, about 5 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

  4. While the burgers are cooking, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, relish, and sugar for sauce in a small bowl. Stir until mayonnaise and ketchup are well binded.

  5. Heat another large skillet over medium-low heat. Place 1 slice bread in the skillet, buttered-side down. Top with 2 slices Cheddar cheese, a cooked patty, and 2 slices provolone cheese. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the unbuttered side of a second slice of bread, and place sauce-side down on top of provolone. Repeat to make remaining patty melts, working in batches if necessary.

  6. Cook until bread is lightly toasted and cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Recipe Tip

Margarine can be used instead of butter, and minced dill pickle or an unsweetened relish will work as a substitute for sweet relish. As a result, adjust the sugar accordingly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

1242 Calories
94g Fat
38g Carbs
61g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 3
Calories 1242
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 94g 121%
Saturated Fat 48g 239%
Cholesterol 260mg 87%
Sodium 2093mg 91%
Total Carbohydrate 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 61g 121%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 908mg 70%
Iron 9mg 49%
Potassium 611mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.