Description

A patty melt 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)

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Instructions

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.
Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and soft.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Patties:
- In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Divide the beef into 4 equal portions 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 for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Spread a thin layer of secret sauce on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Layer each sandwich in this order: bread (sauce-side in), Swiss cheese, cooked patty, caramelized onions, American cheese, and another bread slice (sauce-side in).
Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 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.
Serve:
- Slice each patty melt in half and serve warm with extra secret sauce for dipping!

Notes

Bread Choice: Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough or Texas toast also works.
Cheese Options: Swiss and American cheese give the best melt, but feel free to swap with cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
Cooking Tip: To prevent soggy sandwiches, make sure the caramelized onions aren’t too wet before assembling.