Quick Description
These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are pure comfort food — juicy beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, melty cheese, and buttery toasted bread, all brought together with a creamy, tangy secret sauce. It’s everything you love about a burger and a grilled cheese in one irresistible sandwich.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4 patty melts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Patty Melts
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) – for juicy, flavorful patties
- 1 large onion (sweet or yellow), thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, divided (for onions & bread)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough/white if preferred)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Secret Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Pinch of paprika (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until soft, golden, and caramelized.
Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Patties
Form the ground beef into 4 thin oval patties (slightly larger than bread slices).
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
In the same skillet, cook patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Secret Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Patty Melts
Butter one side of each bread slice.
On the unbuttered side, layer:
- Swiss cheese
- Beef patty
- Caramelized onions
- Cheddar cheese
Spread a spoonful of secret sauce on the inside of the top slice.
Step 6: Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Place sandwiches butter-side down and cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.
Additional Notes
- Low & Slow onions are the key to that diner-style sweetness.
- Thin patties cook evenly and fit the sandwich perfectly.
- Extra crispy bread? Toast slightly longer on lower heat.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein
- Not low-carb (but can be adapted with keto bread)
- Comfort Food Classic
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Mushroom Patty Melt: Add sautéed mushrooms with onions
- Spicy Melt: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to secret sauce
- Turkey Patty Melt: Swap beef for ground turkey
- Serve with: fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a simple salad
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Best fresh, but leftovers keep in fridge up to 2 days
- Reheat in skillet for best texture (avoid microwave)
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
Yes — provolone, American, or pepper jack all work great.
Q: Why rye bread?
Rye gives that classic diner flavor, but any sturdy bread works.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
Absolutely — secret sauce keeps up to 5 days refrigerated.
