When you're craving the perfect comfort food that combines the best of a juicy burger and a gooey grilled cheese, look no further than the Skillet Sourdough Patty Melt with Special Sauce. This recipe brings together the tangy flavor of sourdough, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all topped off with a creamy special sauce.
What is a Patty Melt? A patty melt is a classic American sandwich that combines the best of both worlds: a juicy hamburger and a gooey grilled cheese. Traditionally served on rye bread, this recipe uses sourdough for a unique variation, paired with caramelized onions and a special sauce that adds to the overall flavor.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Delicious Sourdough: Adds a unique flavor.
- Juicy Beef Patties: Cooked to perfection for maximum flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory, perfectly balanced.
- Special Sauce: A tangy and creamy addition that makes every bite irresistible.
If you like this beef recipe, you may also love our Classic Cheeseburger or Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup.
Jump to:
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Ground Beef: Choose high-quality beef for juicy patties.
- Onions: Caramelize to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder and your favorite spice blend.
- Butter: Adds richness to the grilled bread.
- Sourdough Bread: Provides a tangy and sturdy base.
- Swiss or American Cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey texture.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the patties and onions.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami flavor to the beef.
- Jalapeno (optional): For a spicy kick.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Skillet Sourdough Patty Melt with Special Sauce
STEP ONE: Prepare the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon pickle relish (optional), ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
STEP TWO: Caramelize the Onions
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
STEP THREE: Cook the Patties
Mix the ground beef with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Form the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties.
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the patties over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
STEP FOUR: Assemble and Grill the Patty Melts
Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, spread a thin layer of the special sauce. Place a cooked patty on top of the sauce, add a slice of cheese, caramelized onions, a few raw jalapeno slices (optional), another slice of cheese, and top with another slice of bread, butter side out.
In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter over medium heat. Grill the assembled sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Sourdough Bread: Rye or whole wheat bread can be used for a different flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: Use cheddar, provolone, or any melting cheese you prefer.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.
- Spice: Increase the jalapenos or add hot sauce for more heat.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
How Should You Store This?
Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Toasting the bread before assembling prevents sogginess.
Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use extra sourdough for our Sourdough French Toast.
- Caramelized onions are perfect on Mushroom Swish Burgers.
- Leftover special sauce is great for dipping fries.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve with a side Crispy Onion Strings (Straws) for a crunch.
- Pair with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges.
- Enjoy with a cold beer or iced tea.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Classic Cheeseburger
- Tuna Melt
- Philly Cheesesteak
- Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
Related
More beef recipes you will love:
FAQ
A patty melt differs from a cheeseburger in its bread choice and preparation. While a cheeseburger typically uses a hamburger bun, a patty melt is made with slices of bread, often rye, and is grilled like a sandwich. Patty melts usually include caramelized onions and a special sauce for a distinct flavor.
Yes, you can make a patty melt without a skillet. An alternative method is to use a griddle or a grill pan. If you don't have these, you can use a regular frying pan or even cook the patties and assemble the sandwich in an oven or toaster oven.
To make a patty melt healthier, consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey instead of regular ground beef. Opt for whole grain or gluten-free bread instead of traditional sourdough or rye. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or choose a lower-fat cheese.
📖 Recipe
Skillet Sourdough Patty Melt with Special Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon seasoning garlic powder or favorite seasoning blend
- 2 tablespoon butter plus more for grilling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 8 slices Swiss or American cheese
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 jalapeno thinly sliced (optional)
Special Sauce Ingreedients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish optional
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together all the special sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish (optional), smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Form the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the patties over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, spread a thin layer of the special sauce. Place a cooked patty on top of the sauce, add a slice of cheese, caramelized onions, a few raw jalapeno slices (optional), another slice of cheese, and top with another slice of bread, butter side out.
- In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter over medium heat. Grill the assembled sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Cut each patty melt in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Sourdough Bread: Rye or whole wheat bread can be used for a different flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: Use cheddar, provolone, or any melting cheese you prefer
Nutrition
Try this Skillet Sourdough Patty Melt with Special Sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Share your results and explore related posts for more tasty recipes!
Important Food Safety Tips
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to eliminate harmful bacteria. Store leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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