Name: The Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon pickle juice; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 12 ounces ground beef (85/15); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 8 slices rye bread; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 4 slices Swiss cheese; 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

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Introduction

The Ultimate Patty Melt is a rich, satisfying sandwich combining juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melted Swiss and cheddar cheeses, and a flavorful secret sauce. This classic diner favorite gets an upgrade with homemade touches that make every bite unforgettable.

A sandwich cut in half stacked on a white plate with green herb bits scattered around, showing three main layers: the outside is golden-brown toasted bread with a crispy texture; inside is a brown cooked ground meat layer topped with a thick layer of caramelized onions with a shiny, soft texture; above the onions is melted yellow cheese mixing with a creamy white sauce that drips gently over the sides, making the sandwich look rich and juicy, all set on a white marbled surface with blurred background items including fries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon pickle juice
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
12 ounces ground beef (85/15)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
8 slices rye bread
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder to make the secret sauce. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
Step 3: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties slightly larger than the bread slices. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 4: Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and keep aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the beef patties for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Step 5: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread generously; this will be the outside of the sandwich for a crispy crust.
Step 6: Spread the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices. Layer with Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and then top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
Step 7: Cook the assembled sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted. Cover the pan during the last minute to help the cheese melt fully.
Step 8: Let the patty melts rest for 2 minutes before cutting diagonally. This helps the cheese set and keeps the sandwich together when eaten.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the onions while caramelizing.
Use sourdough or white bread if rye isn’t available for a different taste profile.
Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Cook patties to your preferred doneness but be sure not to overcook to keep them juicy.

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 medium-low heat or in a toaster oven to retain the crispy bread and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white plate, showing three main layers in each half: a top layer of toasted brown bread with a crispy texture, a middle layer of melted white cheese oozing and stretching over a thick, juicy, well-cooked ground beef patty, and a bottom layer of toasted brown bread matching the top. The melted cheese runs slightly down the sides, blending with the browned beef for a rich look. The background features a blurred white marbled texture, a bowl with crispy golden fried onions, and a jar of creamy mayonnaise. 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 the refrigerator. This actually enhances the flavors as they meld together.

What beef blend is best for the patties?

Using an 85/15 ground beef blend provides a good balance of flavor and moisture, ensuring juicy patties without excessive fat.