Name: Patty Melts With Secret Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend); 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 8 slices rye bread; 8 slices Swiss cheese; 4 tbsp butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp pickle relish; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Craving something deliciously nostalgic, with the perfect blend of crispy, buttery bread, savory beef patties, melted cheese, and a tangy, flavorful sauce? Patty melts are the answer! A perfect cross between a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich, these tasty sandwiches are made with juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and the secret sauce that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner or as a comforting weekend treat, this patty melt recipe is sure to become a favorite. Follow along to discover how to make the perfect patty melts with a special secret sauce that’ll keep everyone coming back for more!

What Are Patty Melts?

A patty melt is a classic American sandwich that combines the best elements of a burger and a grilled cheese. The sandwich features a beef patty, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled between slices of crispy, buttered rye bread (though other types of bread can be used). It’s a diner staple, known for its rich, satisfying flavors and textures. What makes this patty melt recipe even more irresistible is the addition of a secret sauce, which adds a tangy, savory kick that perfectly complements the richness of the sandwich.

Ingredients List for Patty Melts

To make the perfect patty melts, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. This simple recipe yields maximum flavor with minimal effort:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
4 slices of Swiss cheese (or cheddar cheese, if preferred)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 slices of rye bread (or sourdough for a variation)
2 tablespoons butter (for grilling the bread)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for the beef patties)

Ingredients List for the Secret Sauce

The "secret sauce" is what truly sets this patty melt apart from the rest. It’s creamy, tangy, and a little sweet—perfect for complementing the richness of the sandwich. Here’s what you’ll need:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
A pinch of smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

Patty melts are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to your liking. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

Cheese options: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can use cheddar, American cheese, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Bread alternatives: If you don’t have rye bread, sourdough or even regular white sandwich bread will work. For a heartier sandwich, try a thicker bread like Texas toast.
Meat variations: While ground beef is the classic choice, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based burger patties for a vegetarian version.
Add bacon: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, add crispy bacon to your patty melt.
Onion jam: Swap out the caramelized onions for a homemade onion jam or bacon-onion jam for a sweet-savory twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. If the onions start to stick, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to deglaze the pan. Once done, set the onions aside.

2. Form and cook the beef patties:
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each portion into a thin patty, roughly the size of your bread slices. Season the patties with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce (if using). In the same skillet you used for the onions, cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the patties and set them aside.

3. Prepare the secret sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set the sauce aside for assembling the sandwiches.

4. Assemble the patty melts:
Lay out your slices of rye bread. Spread a layer of secret sauce on one side of each slice. On four of the slices, place a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a beef patty, a generous portion of caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, sauce-side down.

5. Grill the patty melts:
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. If necessary, add more butter to the pan when flipping the sandwiches to ensure both sides get evenly toasted.

6. Serve and enjoy:
Once the patty melts are golden and crispy on both sides, remove them from the skillet. Slice them in half and serve immediately with any extra secret sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Cook Patty Melts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process to ensure your patty melts turn out perfect every time:

Caramelize the onions slowly: The key to perfect caramelized onions is low and slow cooking. This allows the onions’ natural sugars to release and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
Thin patties for even cooking: Make sure your beef patties are thin and roughly the size of your bread slices. This ensures the meat cooks quickly and evenly, without overpowering the other ingredients.
Grill the sandwich slowly: To achieve that crispy, golden crust without burning the bread, cook the patty melts over medium heat. This also ensures that the cheese inside melts perfectly.
Use plenty of butter: Don’t skimp on the butter when grilling the sandwiches! It adds rich flavor and helps create that crispy, golden exterior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using bread that’s too thick: Thick slices of bread can overwhelm the sandwich, making it difficult for the cheese to melt properly. Stick with a moderately thick bread, like rye or sourdough.
Overcooking the beef patties: Because the patties are thin, they cook quickly. Keep an eye on them and cook just until they’re browned and juicy.
Not caramelizing the onions enough: Caramelized onions add a sweet, savory flavor that elevates the entire sandwich. Don’t rush this step—cooking the onions slowly allows them to develop their rich flavor.
Cooking over too high heat: If the heat is too high when grilling the sandwiches, the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt. Keep the heat at medium for best results.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Patty melts are indulgent, satisfying sandwiches that deserve a little attention to detail when serving. Here are some ways to present them:

Slice diagonally: Cutting the sandwich diagonally gives it that classic diner presentation and makes it easier to handle.
Serve with fries: Patty melts pair beautifully with crispy fries or even sweet potato fries for a touch of sweetness.
Pickle on the side: A crunchy dill pickle spear is the perfect accompaniment to the richness of the patty melt.
Offer extra sauce: Serve the extra secret sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping. Your guests will love having a little extra to enjoy.

How to Serve Patty Melts

Patty melts are a hearty, all-in-one meal, but you can round out the plate with a few classic sides for a complete meal:

French fries or tater tots: These crispy sides are a perfect pairing.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw balances the richness of the patty melt.
Onion rings: For a diner-style meal, serve with a side of crispy onion rings.
Potato salad: A creamy potato salad can be a great accompaniment to the sandwich.

Presentation Ideas for Patty Melts

Elevate the presentation of your patty melts with these ideas:

Serve on a wooden board: Arrange the patty melts on a rustic wooden board, with fries or chips piled high on the side.
Basket with parchment paper: Serve the sandwich in a lined basket, diner-style, with fries or onion rings on the side.
Classic diner plate: For a vintage vibe, serve the patty melts on classic diner plates with a pickle spear and fries.

Patty Melt Recipe Tips

Make ahead: Caramelize the onions and prepare the secret sauce in advance to save time when assembling the sandwiches.
Customize the sauce: Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the secret sauce to your liking. If you like more spice, add extra paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When grilling the sandwiches, cook them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures each patty melt grills evenly and gets that crispy crust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make patty melts ahead of time?
You can prepare the caramelized onions and the secret sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook and assemble the sandwiches just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! Rye bread is traditional, but you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or any sturdy bread that toasts well.
Can I freeze patty melts?
It’s not recommended to freeze the fully assembled patty melt as the texture of the bread may become soggy. However, you can freeze cooked patties and caramelized onions separately, then thaw and assemble when ready.
What’s the best cheese for patty melts?
Swiss cheese is traditional, but cheddar, American, or provolone also work well depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Patty melts are the ultimate comfort food, combining the best elements of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich into one delicious package. The secret sauce adds a tangy, creamy layer of flavor that elevates this classic sandwich to new heights. With caramelized onions, juicy beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, and perfectly toasted rye bread, every bite is a delight. Whether you're making this for a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this patty melt recipe is sure to become a household favorite!