Dive into the world of comfort food with these irresistible Petty Melts! This recipe combines juicy, perfectly seasoned patties, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy secret sauce—all sandwiched between golden, buttery slices of bread. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or an indulgent snack, these melts are a sure crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or treating yourself to a quick, hearty meal, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients:
For the patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juicy patties)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the caramelized onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
For the secret sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- Dash of smoked paprika
For assembly:
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough or rye works great)
- 8 slices of cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions:
- Prepare the patties:
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into four thin patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked. Set aside.
- Caramelize the onions:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and caramelized. Add sugar if desired. Remove from heat.
- Make the secret sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, and smoked paprika. Mix well and set aside.
- Assemble the melts:
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, spread a layer of secret sauce.
- Layer a slice of cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top with another bread slice, buttered side out.
- Cook the melts:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Slice each melt in half and serve warm. Pair with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a crisp salad.
Calories:
Approximately 550-600 calories per melt (varies based on ingredients used).
Healthy or Non-Healthy:
This dish is indulgent and falls on the non-healthy side due to its high calorie and fat content. However, you can make healthier tweaks, such as using whole-grain bread, low-fat cheese, or a plant-based patty.
Enjoy your delicious Petty Melts with a kick of flavor from the secret sauce!