Introduction

If you’re a fan of juicy burgers and melty cheese sandwiches, you’ll love this Patty Melts with Secret Sauce recipe. The classic patty melt is a combination of flavorful beef patties, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese, all grilled to perfection between two slices of crispy, golden bread. This savory sandwich is then elevated with a tangy, creamy secret sauce that ties all the flavors together.

Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight meal or hosting friends, these patty melts are bound to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality sandwich at home in no time.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
Salt and pepper to taste
8 slices Swiss cheese
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 slices rye bread (or sourdough for a twist)
2 tablespoons butter (for grilling the bread)

For the Secret Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon pickle relish (optional, for extra tang)

Preparation:

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by caramelizing the onions, as this process takes the longest. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized. Reduce the heat if they begin to brown too quickly. Once caramelized, set the onions aside.

Step 2: Make the Secret Sauce

While the onions are cooking, prepare the secret sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and pickle relish (if using). Stir until well combined, then set aside for later.

Step 3: Shape and Season the Patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each portion into a thin patty. The patties should be about the size of your bread slices, as they will shrink slightly when cooked. Season both sides of each patty generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Beef Patties

In the same skillet used for the onions, cook the patties over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness (medium or medium-well works well for patty melts). Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Patty Melts

To assemble the melts, start by placing a slice of Swiss cheese on one side of each slice of rye bread. Place one cooked beef patty on top of the cheese, then add a generous portion of the caramelized onions. Spread a spoonful of the secret sauce on the onions, then top with another slice of Swiss cheese and a second slice of rye bread.

Step 6: Grill the Patty Melts

Wipe out the skillet if necessary, then melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place the assembled patty melts in the skillet (you may need to do this in batches) and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted. Add more butter to the skillet as needed to grill the remaining sandwiches.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the patty melts are grilled to perfection, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Cut them in half and serve with your favorite side dishes like fries, chips, or a simple salad.

Cooking Note:

Cheese variety: Swiss cheese is traditional for patty melts, but you can substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or American cheese if you prefer.
Bread options: Rye bread gives an authentic flavor to the patty melt, but sourdough or even Texas toast can be great alternatives if you’re looking for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions:

French fries: Classic patty melts pair perfectly with crispy fries on the side.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can balance the richness of the patty melt and add a refreshing crunch.
Pickles: Serve with a side of dill pickles or pickled jalapeños for a bit of brightness and heat.

Tips:

Keep the heat moderate: When grilling the patty melts, use medium heat to ensure that the bread becomes crispy without burning, while giving the cheese enough time to melt.
Customize the sauce: Adjust the ingredients in the secret sauce to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha.
Meal prep: You can make the caramelized onions and the secret sauce ahead of time to save time when assembling the melts.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 620 kcal
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 850 mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 38g

Conclusion:

This Patty Melts with Secret Sauce recipe takes a classic diner favorite and brings it right to your kitchen. The combination of juicy beef patties, gooey Swiss cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and crispy grilled bread creates a comforting, flavorful sandwich that’s hard to resist. Topped with a delicious homemade secret sauce, this dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this recipe is a keeper!