A Crispy, Juicy, Cheesy Sandwich with an Irresistible Sauce
If you love classic American comfort food, then a Patty Melt is a must-try! This diner-style sandwich features a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and crispy toasted bread—all brought together with a rich, tangy, and creamy secret sauce.
A Patty Melt is the perfect mix between a cheeseburger and a grilled cheese sandwich, making it a crave-worthy meal for lunch or dinner. The magic happens when the sandwich is grilled to golden perfection, creating a crispy, buttery exterior while keeping the inside cheesy and flavorful.
And let’s talk about the secret sauce—it’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, adding the perfect finishing touch to every bite. Trust me, once you try this Patty Melt with Secret Sauce, you’ll never want a regular burger again!
Ingredients
For the Patty Melts:
- 500g ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium onion (150g), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for caramelizing onions)
- 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough for a twist)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for toasting bread)
For the Secret Sauce:
- 100g mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Secret Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), pickle relish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice.
- Cover and refrigerate while preparing the sandwiches to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until the onions turn soft and golden brown. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into oval patties (about the same size as your bread slices).
- Season each patty with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts
- Spread secret sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer each sandwich as follows:
- 1 slice of Swiss cheese
- A cooked beef patty
- Caramelized onions
- 1 slice of cheddar cheese
- Top slice of bread (sauce side down)
Step 5: Toast the Patty Melts
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of each sandwich (this makes the bread extra crispy when toasted).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and let the sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Cut each sandwich in half and serve hot with extra secret sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, juicy Patty Melt!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fats: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Patty Melt
✨ Use quality beef – An 80/20 beef-to-fat ratio keeps the patties juicy and flavorful.
✨ Low and slow for the onions – Caramelizing onions takes time, but the result is sweet, golden, and deeply flavorful.
✨ Crispy bread hack – Spreading mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread makes the outside extra crispy and golden when grilled.
✨ Don’t overcook the patties – Cook them just until juicy and slightly pink in the center, as they’ll continue cooking in the sandwich.
✨ Customize your cheese – Swap Swiss for provolone, cheddar for pepper jack, or use a blend of cheeses for extra richness.
✨ Make it a meal – Serve your Patty Melt with crispy fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
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