Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

Introduction

If you love the rich, cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese and the juicy satisfaction of a burger, then a patty melt is the best of both worlds! This diner-style classic features a perfectly seasoned beef patty, caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and crispy, buttery rye bread, all tied together with an irresistible secret sauce.

The Patty Melt is savory, crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors—a step up from your regular cheeseburger. Serve it with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort meal.

Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients (in Grams)

For the Patty Melt:

500g ground beef (80/20 blend for the best juiciness)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking patties)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 slices rye bread (or sourdough for a twist)
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for grilling sandwiches)

For the Secret Sauce:

60g mayonnaise
30g ketchup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon pickle relish
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Secret Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally.
Cook for 15-20 minutes until the onions become soft, golden brown, and caramelized.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into oval patties, slightly larger than your bread (they will shrink).
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melt

Spread a thin layer of secret sauce on one side of each bread slice.
On 4 slices of bread, place one slice of Swiss cheese, one beef patty, caramelized onions, one slice of cheddar cheese, and the top bread slice.
Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich.

Step 5: Grill the Patty Melt

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Slice the patty melts in half and serve warm with extra secret sauce on the side.
Pair with fries, a side salad, or crispy onion rings for the full diner experience.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: 650 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 42g
Fat: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient choices.)

Tips and Tricks

1. Best Bread for Patty Melts?

Rye bread is the classic choice, but you can also use sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche.

2. How to Get the Perfect Golden Crust?

Butter the outside of the bread generously for the crispiest, most golden crust.

3. Can I Use Different Cheeses?

Yes! Swiss, cheddar, provolone, American, or pepper jack all work well.

4. Want a Thicker Patty?

Use ⅓ pound of beef per patty and cook a bit longer to ensure doneness.

5. How to Make a Spicy Version?

Add sriracha or hot sauce to the secret sauce.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss.

6. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! Cook the beef patties and caramelized onions in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Assemble and grill just before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Classic diner-style patty melt
✅ Juicy, cheesy, crispy, and full of flavor
✅ Homemade secret sauce for the perfect bite
✅ Quick and easy – ready in 30 minutes
✅ Customizable with different cheeses and toppings