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 classic comfort food that combine juicy seasoned beef patties with sweet caramelized onions and melted cheese, all nestled between buttery grilled rye bread. This version features a flavorful secret sauce that takes the sandwich to the next level. Perfect for an indulgent lunch or casual dinner.

A close-up view of a grilled sandwich cut in half, showing two toasted bread slices with a golden brown, slightly charred crust on top and bottom. Inside, there are two layers of melted yellow cheddar cheese and a thick layer of browned ground beef mixed with sautéed caramelized onions, which look glossy and soft. The sandwich is placed on a wooden board with blurred golden fries and a white bowl in the background, all 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 bread)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the caramelized onions by melting butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, then cook, stirring often, until golden brown and caramelized about 12–15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into 4 thin patties roughly the shape of your bread slices.
Step 3: Cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer the patties to a plate.
Step 4: Prepare the secret sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, diced pickles, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
Step 5: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer in this order: bread slice, one slice of cheese, a cooked beef patty, a spoonful of caramelized onions, a spoonful of secret sauce, another slice of cheese, and top with the second slice of bread (buttered side out).
Step 6: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each assembled sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Press gently with a spatula to help the sandwich meld together.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a slice of crispy bacon inside the sandwich before grilling.
Use sourdough instead of rye if you prefer a milder bread flavor.
To save time, caramelize the onions the day before and store them refrigerated.
Substitute cheddar cheese for Swiss to switch up the taste.

Storage

Store leftover patty melts wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to restore crispness and melt the cheese, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent soggy bread.

How to Serve

The image shows a sandwich cut in half, stacked with two layers of toasted brown bread with a crisp, golden-brown surface. Inside each half, there are two layers of cooked ground beef with a slightly crumbly texture, separated by thick melted cheddar cheese that is bright orange and creamy white cheese that is smooth and soft, oozing out from the edges. Below the beef and cheese layers, there are caramelized onions that are brown and glossy. The sandwich is placed on a white plate with golden French fries scattered around it. Behind the sandwich, a small white bowl holds a creamy white dipping sauce topped with a green pickle slice. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but be aware that the patties may be less juicy. Adding a little extra fat or moisture, like some finely chopped onions or a teaspoon of olive oil, can help maintain flavor and texture.

What type of bread works best for patty melts?

Traditional patty melts use rye bread for its robust flavor, but sourdough or even a sturdy white sandwich bread also work well. Choose a bread that toasts nicely and holds up to grilling without becoming soggy.