Here’s a killer Patty Melt recipe with a crave-worthy secret sauce—grilled to golden perfection with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and juicy beef between buttery rye bread. A diner classic, made even better!
Patty Melt with Secret Sauce 🍔🧅🔥
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Servings: 2
Ingredients:
For the Secret Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayo
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
For the Patty Melt:
- ½ lb (225g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt & black pepper
- 4 slices rye bread (or sourdough)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or American)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Make the Secret Sauce
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Chill until ready to use.
2. Caramelize the Onions
- Cook sliced onions in a skillet with 1 tbsp butter over low heat for 15-20 mins, stirring occasionally, until golden and sweet. Set aside.
3. Cook the Patties
- Shape beef into 2 thin oval patties (to match the bread). Season with salt & pepper.
- Cook in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 mins per side (medium doneness). Top each patty with 1 slice cheese and let melt.
4. Assemble & Grill
- Spread secret sauce on one side of each bread slice. Layer:
- Bread (sauce-side up) → Cheese → Patty → Onions → More cheese → Bread (sauce-side down).
- Butter the outer sides of the sandwiches.
5. Grill to Perfection
- Cook in the skillet over medium heat for 3-4 mins per side, pressing gently, until golden and crispy.
6. Slice & Serve
- Cut diagonally and serve with extra sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Patty Melt:
🔥 Cheese Pull: Use extra cheese (or a mix of Swiss + American).
🍞 Bread Hack: Lightly toast the bread first for extra crunch.
🧄 Garlic Butter: Add 1 tsp minced garlic to the softened butter for grilling.
🥓 Upgrade: Add crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
This is the ultimate comfort sandwich—crispy, gooey, and packed with umami flavor!
Want a turkey or veggie version? Let me know! 😊