Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Secret Sauce**:
– In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Stir well to combine, and set aside.

2. **Cook the Onions**:
– Heat a little butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized (about 15 minutes). Set aside.

3. **Form the Beef Patties**:
– While the onions are caramelizing, form the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties. Season each patty with salt and pepper on both sides.

4. **Cook the Patties**:
– Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium, or adjust cooking time depending on your preferred doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and allow it to melt.

5. **Prepare the Bread**:
– Butter one side of each slice of bread. In a separate skillet, toast the buttered side of the bread until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

6. **Assemble the Patty Melt**:
– Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice of toasted bread. Place a patty on one slice of bread, followed by a spoonful of caramelized onions. Top with the other slice of bread, sauce side down, to complete the sandwich.

7. **Grill the Patty Melt**:
– Heat the same skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled patty melt in the skillet and grill, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until both sides are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

8. **Serve**:
– Remove from the skillet, slice the patty melt in half, and serve immediately. Enjoy your indulgent, gooey, and flavorful creation!

### Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt:

– **Ground Beef**: For the juiciest patty, use ground beef with a higher fat content (about 80/20). The fat helps keep the patty tender and flavorful.
– **Cheese Options**: While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a patty melt, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like **cheddar** or **American cheese** for a different flavor profile.
– **Caramelizing Onions**: Take your time when caramelizing the onions. Slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and adds a deeper flavor to the sandwich.
– **Bread Choices**: Rye bread is the classic choice for a patty melt, but you can also try other types of bread, like sourdough or even a soft sandwich bun, for a variation.

### Why You’ll Love This Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

The combination of **savory beef**, **melted cheese**, **sweet caramelized onions**, and the **creamy, tangy secret sauce** makes every bite of this patty melt a comforting delight. Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch or looking to impress guests at your next casual gathering, this dish will not disappoint.

The secret sauce adds an unexpected and delightful twist that perfectly balances the richness of the beef and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate a classic to new heights.

So fire up your skillet and get ready to indulge in the ultimate patty melt experience—your taste buds will thank you!