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Patty melt with secret sauce recipe featuring melted cheese, grilled beef patties, and toasted bread on a white plate

Patty Melt with Secret Sauce


  • Author: Emma Hart
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

Description

The Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is a quintessential American comfort food that marries the juicy allure of a hamburger with the crispy, cheesy satisfaction of a grilled cheese sandwich. Featuring savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a blend of Swiss and cheddar cheeses, all nestled between slices of buttery rye bread, this sandwich is elevated by a tangy, creamy secret sauce. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, it’s a nostalgic nod to classic diner fare that’s easy to recreate at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Secret Sauce

¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon pickle juice
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Patty Melts

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
12 ounces 85/15 ground beef
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
8 slices rye bread
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices cheddar cheese


Instructions

Prepare the Secret Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Caramelize the Onions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 20–25 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Cook the Beef Patties
In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Divide into four equal portions and shape into thin patties. In the same skillet over medium heat, cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Assemble the Sandwiches
Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the non-buttered side of four slices, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, a slice of cheddar cheese, and a generous spoonful of secret sauce. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.

Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches on the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling.

Serve
Remove sandwiches from skillet, slice in half if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Bread Choice: Rye bread adds a traditional flavor, but sourdough or Texas toast can be used for a different twist.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for added flavor.

Make-Ahead Tip: The secret sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 899
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 53g
  • Saturated Fat: 27g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 26g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 49g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: patty melt, secret sauce, grilled sandwich, cheeseburger, comfort food, American diner, caramelized onions