Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

A patty melt is the perfect combination of a juicy burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. With a crispy, buttery exterior, a flavorful beef patty, melty cheese, and caramelized onions, this classic diner favorite gets an upgrade with a delicious secret sauce.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese for ultimate comfort food
  • The secret sauce adds a tangy, creamy twist that enhances every bite
  • Perfectly caramelized onions bring a sweet and savory depth of flavor
  • Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
  • A great way to elevate a classic sandwich without extra effort

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground beef
  • Salt and pepper
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Sliced onions
  • Butter
  • Rye or sourdough bread
  • Swiss cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Pickle relish
  • Garlic powder

Directions

  1. Prepare the secret sauce:ย In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and garlic powder. Set aside.
  2. Caramelize the onions:ย In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook sliced onions until soft and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the patties:ย In a bowl, mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into thin patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Cook in the same skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  4. Assemble the sandwiches:ย Spread secret sauce on one side of each bread slice. Place a slice of cheese on one side, followed by a cooked patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and the top bread slice.
  5. Grill the patty melts:ย Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwiches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  6. Serve:ย Slice in half and enjoy hot with extra sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings:ย 4
  • Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
  • Cook Time:ย 20 minutes
  • Total Time:ย 30 minutes

Variations

  • Different Cheeses:ย Swap Swiss and cheddar for American, provolone, or pepper jack for a new flavor twist.
  • Bread Options:ย Use Texas toast, sourdough, or whole wheat instead of rye for a different texture.
  • Spicy Kick:ย Add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeรฑos for a spicy version.
  • Mushroom Addition:ย Sautรฉ mushrooms with the onions for extra depth.
  • Healthier Version:ย Use ground turkey and whole wheat bread for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage:ย Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating:ย Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to keep the bread crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
  • Freezing:ย While not ideal, you can freeze assembled, uncooked sandwiches. Wrap tightly and store for up to a month. Thaw before cooking.

FAQs

How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook the sandwich over medium heat to crisp the bread without trapping too much moisture inside.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the patties and caramelized onions in advance and refrigerate them. Assemble and grill when ready to serve.

Whatโ€™s the best bread for a patty melt?

Rye bread is the classic choice, but sourdough and Texas toast also work well.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as an alternative to beef.

How do I make this sandwich healthier?

Opt for lean ground beef, whole wheat bread, and a lighter cheese to reduce calories.

What cheese melts best for patty melts?

Swiss and cheddar are great choices, but American and provolone also melt well.

Can I cook the patties on a grill instead of a skillet?

Yes, grilling the patties adds a smoky flavor and works just as well.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry the assembled sandwich at 350ยฐF for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What can I serve with patty melts?

They pair well with fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Patty melts with secret sauce are a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food that combines the best elements of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. With perfectly caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a creamy, tangy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Try out different variations and enjoy this timeless classic with your own twist!

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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Sandwiches, Diner Classics
  • Method: Stovetop, Grilled
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Aย patty meltย is the perfect combination of a juicy burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. This classic diner favorite features a flavorful beef patty, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery rye bread. The secret sauce takes it to the next level with a tangy, slightly sweet kick.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Secret Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

For the Patty Melts:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp butter (for cooking the patties)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter (for caramelizing onions)
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar)
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 4 tbsp butter (for grilling sandwiches)

Instructions

  1. Make the Secret Sauce:
    In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Caramelize the Onions:
    • Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
    • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for aboutย 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and soft.
    • Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Cook the Patties:
    • In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
    • Divide the beef intoย 4 equal portionsย and shape them into thin oval patties, slightly larger than your bread slices (they will shrink while cooking).
    • Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Cook each patty forย 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
    • Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
    • Spread a thin layer ofย secret sauceย on one side of each slice of rye bread.
    • Layer each sandwich in this order:ย bread (sauce-side in), Swiss cheese, cooked patty, caramelized onions, American cheese, and another bread slice (sauce-side in).
  5. Grill the Sandwiches:
    • Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook forย 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down slightly with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy.
    • Repeat with remaining sandwiches, adding more butter as needed.
  6. Serve:
    • Slice each patty melt in half and serve warm with extra secret sauce for dipping!

Notes

  • Bread Choice:ย Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough or Texas toast also works.
  • Cheese Options:ย Swiss and American cheese give the best melt, but feel free to swap with cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
  • Cooking Tip:ย To prevent soggy sandwiches, make sure the caramelized onions arenโ€™t too wet before assembling.

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