If you’re craving a delicious twist on a classic sandwich, these Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are guaranteed to hit the spot! A cross between a burger and a grilled cheese, the patty melt brings together juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and a perfectly crispy bread exterior. What really takes this recipe to the next level is the tangy, creamy secret sauce that ties everything together. This easy-to-make, restaurant-style sandwich is a great choice for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want to indulge in comfort food heaven.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices of rye or sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of pickle relish, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to use it.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan and season lightly with salt. Cook the onions for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized. If the onions begin to stick or cook too fast, reduce the heat slightly and add a tablespoon of water to prevent burning. Once done, set the onions aside.
Step 3: Shape and Cook the Beef Patties
While the onions are caramelizing, divide the 1 lb of ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into thin, square-shaped patties (to match the bread shape) and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through. Once cooked, set the patties aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts
To assemble the patty melts, butter one side of each slice of rye or sourdough bread. Place one slice of Swiss cheese on the unbuttered side of four slices of bread. Top the cheese with one cooked beef patty, followed by some of the caramelized onions. Add another slice of Swiss cheese on top of the onions. Finish by spreading a generous spoonful of the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of the remaining bread slices, and place them sauce-side down to complete the sandwich.
Step 5: Grill the Patty Melts
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese has melted. Be careful not to burn the bread, and lower the heat if necessary.
Step 6: Serve
Once the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is oozing, remove them from the skillet. Slice each sandwich in half and serve hot. Don’t forget to drizzle a little extra secret sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping!
Cooking Notes:
- Bread Choice: Rye bread is the classic choice for patty melts, but sourdough or any sturdy bread works just as well.
- Cheese Options: Swiss cheese adds a creamy, nutty flavor, but you can also substitute it with cheddar, provolone, or American cheese if you prefer.
- Caramelizing Onions: Take your time when caramelizing the onions. They should be soft, sweet, and deeply golden brown for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Patty melts are a meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with some simple sides:
- French Fries: Serve with a side of crispy fries for a true diner experience.
- Pickles: A few crunchy pickles on the side help cut through the richness of the melt.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy sandwich.
Tips:
- Press for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier patty melt, press the sandwich gently with a spatula while grilling it on the pan. This creates that iconic flat, crispy exterior.
- Sauce Ahead: Make the secret sauce a few hours or even a day ahead to let the flavors meld. It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Bacon Addition: If you want to kick it up a notch, add a slice or two of crispy bacon to each patty melt before grilling.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 620 per serving
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion:
These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are everything you love about a burger and a grilled cheese combined into one sandwich! The juicy beef, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and that mouth-watering secret sauce come together for an irresistible treat. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Once you try it, you’ll understand why you can’t lose this recipe!
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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce Recipe 🍔🧅
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices of rye or sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of pickle relish, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to use it.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan and season lightly with salt. Cook the onions for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized. If the onions begin to stick or cook too fast, reduce the heat slightly and add a tablespoon of water to prevent burning. Once done, set the onions aside.
Step 3: Shape and Cook the Beef Patties
While the onions are caramelizing, divide the 1 lb of ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into thin, square-shaped patties (to match the bread shape) and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through. Once cooked, set the patties aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts
To assemble the patty melts, butter one side of each slice of rye or sourdough bread. Place one slice of Swiss cheese on the unbuttered side of four slices of bread. Top the cheese with one cooked beef patty, followed by some of the caramelized onions. Add another slice of Swiss cheese on top of the onions. Finish by spreading a generous spoonful of the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of the remaining bread slices, and place them sauce-side down to complete the sandwich.
Step 5: Grill the Patty Melts
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese has melted. Be careful not to burn the bread, and lower the heat if necessary.
Step 6: Serve
Once the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is oozing, remove them from the skillet. Slice each sandwich in half and serve hot. Don’t forget to drizzle a little extra secret sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 per serving
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 38g