Smashing Patty Melts with Signature Sauce

Ingredients

For the Signature Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For Assembly:

• 8 slices rye bread (or Texas toast)

• 8 slices Swiss cheese (or American cheese)

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

1. Make the Signature Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Patties:

   • In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 equal portions.

   • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add oil.

   • Place each portion of meat in the skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula to create thin patties (about 1/4-inch thick).

   • Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges brown, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes more. Remove and set aside.

3. Caramelize the Onions:

   • In the same skillet, add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (about 15 minutes).

4. Assemble the Melts:

   • Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, spread signature sauce.

   • Top each with a cooked patty, caramelized onions, 2 cheese slices, then another bread slice (buttered side out).

5. Cook the Melts:

   • Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place assembled melts in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

   • Press down lightly with a spatula while cooking.

6. Serve:

   • Cut in half and serve immediately with extra signature sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious, gooey, flavor-packed Smashing Patty Melts!