Name: Patty Melts with Secret Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 works best); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp olive oil; Pinch of salt; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp finely diced pickles (or relish); ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough if you prefer); 8 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar for variation); 2 tbsp butter (softened for spreading on bread)

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Introduction

Patty melts are a comforting classic that combine juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions between crispy toasted bread. This recipe features a flavorful secret sauce that adds a tangy twist to each bite. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner.

The image shows a thick sandwich on a white plate, with melted cheese dripping down the sides. The sandwich has two slices of golden brown toasted bread as the top and bottom layers. Inside, there are at least two layers of cooked beef patties, each covered with smooth, melted yellow cheese that looks creamy and soft. The melted cheese flows over the edges onto the plate below. The sandwich is cut in half and stacked slightly open, revealing the juicy layers inside. In the background, there is a blurry view of golden brown fries. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt (for onions)
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp finely diced pickles or relish
½ tsp smoked paprika (for sauce)
½ tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
8 slices rye bread or sourdough
8 slices Swiss cheese or cheddar
2 tbsp softened butter (for spreading on bread)

Instructions

Step 1: In a skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 12–15 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Shape the mixture into 4 thin patties roughly the size of your bread slices.
Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, diced pickles, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Set the secret sauce aside.
Step 5: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer the sandwich starting with a slice of cheese, followed by a beef patty, caramelized onions, a spoonful of secret sauce, another slice of cheese, and top with a second bread slice, buttered side out.
Step 6: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the assembled sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts. Press gently with a spatula to help the layers meld together.
Step 7: Remove sandwiches from skillet, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use sourdough bread if you prefer a tangier flavor and sturdier crust.
For extra richness, mix a little grated cheese into the beef mixture before cooking patties.
Try swapping Swiss cheese for cheddar or provolone depending on your taste.
Caramelize onions slowly on low heat if you want a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar when caramelizing onions to enhance their sweetness.

Storage

Wrap leftover patty melts tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crunchiness, or use a toaster oven until warmed through and cheese is melty.

How to Serve

Three thick, juicy beef burger patties each topped with melted yellow cheddar cheese are cooking on a black cast iron pan. The patties are browned with a slightly charred texture on top, and the gooey cheese is melting and oozing down the sides of the patties. Steam rises from the hot pan, highlighting the juicy and fresh cooking process. The surface under the pan is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the secret sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld together for a tastier result.

What can I use if I don’t have rye bread?

Sourdough makes an excellent substitute, offering a sturdy texture and slight tang that complements the fillings well. White or whole wheat bread can work too, but they may be less sturdy for grilling.