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These cheesy patty melts with special sauce became my answer to those nights when I want something that feels like comfort food but is way more exciting than a regular grilled cheese. The combination of a perfectly seasoned beef patty, two different melted cheeses, and that incredible bacon-studded special sauce all grilled between buttery rye bread creates something that's basically a gourmet burger and grilled cheese sandwich rolled into one amazing meal. I discovered this recipe when I was craving both a burger and a grilled cheese but couldn't decide, so I combined them into something even better.
My teenage son, who's pretty particular about his food, tried one of these and immediately declared it "the best sandwich ever made." He's now specifically requested them for his birthday dinner instead of going out to a restaurant, which is basically the highest compliment a parent can get.
What Makes Them Special
- Ground beef patties: Shaped to fit the bread perfectly and seasoned just right
- Rye bread: The slight tanginess complements all the rich flavors beautifully
- Two cheese combo: Provolone for creaminess, cheddar for that classic sharp flavor
- Bacon in the sauce: Takes regular sandwich spread to a completely different level
- Sweet and tangy elements: Sugar and relish in the sauce balance all that richness
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Making Them Happen
- Preparing the patties:
- Divide your ground beef into three equal portions and shape them into patties that match the size of your bread slices. Season both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook them in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until they're browned and cooked through, then set aside.
- Creating the special sauce:
- Mix together mayonnaise, chopped bacon pieces, ketchup, sugar, and relish in a small bowl until everything's well combined. This sauce is what makes these patty melts special, the bacon adds texture and smokiness while the relish brings a tangy sweetness that balances everything.
- Assembly process:
- Clean your skillet and reduce heat to medium. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place three slices buttered-side down in the skillet, then layer each with two slices of provolone, a cooked beef patty, two slices of cheddar, and spread the special sauce on the inside of the remaining bread slices before topping the sandwiches.
- Grilling to perfection:
- Cook the sandwiches until the bottom bread is golden and toasted and the cheese starts melting. Flip carefully and cook until the second side is toasted and all the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
I learned that trying to cook these on too high heat just burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt properly. Now I keep it at medium heat and let them take their time, which creates that perfect golden crust with completely melted cheese every time.
Perfect Serving Ideas
These patty melts are substantial enough to be a complete meal, but they're great with some crispy fries or onion rings on the side. A dill pickle adds that perfect tangy crunch that cuts through all the richness. For drinks, cold beer or a classic cola work perfectly with these flavors.
Making Them Different
You can customize these by using different bread types, sourdough or pumpernickel work great too. Sometimes I add sautéed onions to the patties for extra flavor, or use different cheese combinations like Swiss and American. The special sauce is also flexible, try adding different relishes or even a touch of hot sauce.
Storage and Reheating
These are definitely best served fresh and hot, but leftovers can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat to restore some of that crispy texture. The microwave works but makes the bread soft instead of crispy, so the skillet method is worth the extra effort.
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These cheesy patty melts with special sauce have become one of those special dinner solutions that makes any night feel like a treat. The combination of all those familiar comfort food flavors presented in this elevated way creates something that feels both nostalgic and exciting at the same time. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table stop talking and just focus on enjoying every single bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes the special sauce special?
- The sauce combines mayo, ketchup, bacon pieces, relish, and a touch of sugar for a tangy-sweet flavor that perfectly complements the rich cheese and beef.
- → Can I use different types of bread?
- Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough or thick white bread work well too. Choose a sturdy bread that won't get soggy from the juices.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
- Don't overfill the sandwiches and cook on medium heat so the cheese melts gradually. Press down gently with the spatula while cooking.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread with a hearty texture, and make sure all condiments are labeled gluten-free.
- → What's the best way to flip these without losing the filling?
- Use a large spatula and flip quickly and confidently. You can also place a plate on top, flip the whole thing, then slide back into the pan.