Name: Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 4 slices rye bread; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 4 slices Swiss or American cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1 tablespoon pickle relish; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika

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Introduction

The patty melt is a classic comfort food that combines a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, and melted cheese between crispy rye bread. This version features a flavorful secret sauce that takes the sandwich to the next level, delivering a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet in every bite.

A close-up image of a sandwich with four distinct layers: at the bottom is a toasted slice of golden brown bread with a crusty texture, followed by a layer of cooked caramelized onions that look soft and shiny. Above the onions are two thick grilled beef patties, each melted with a smooth, bright yellow cheese that slightly drips over the edges, layered between the patties. On the very top is another toasted slice of golden brown bread with a nicely charred surface. The sandwich is sitting on a dark surface with a plain blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20) for a juicy and flavorful patty
4 slices rye bread for tang and crisp texture
1 large yellow onion, sliced
4 slices Swiss or American cheese for a gooey bite
2 tbsp butter for toasting bread and caramelizing onions
3 tbsp mayonnaise as the base for the secret sauce
1 tbsp ketchup for sweet and tangy notes
1 tsp mustard to sharpen the sauce flavor
1 tbsp pickle relish for crunch and acidity
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika for savory balance
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and soft, about 20-25 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and shape each into patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the patties in a preheated skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and just cooked through. Remove from heat.
Step 4: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well and adjust seasoning to your taste.
Step 5: Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, spread a generous layer of the secret sauce. Then layer cheese, caramelized onions, and a cooked beef patty. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
Step 6: Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 7: Slice the patty melt in half and serve hot. It pairs well with fries or coleslaw for a classic meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, try using a mix of Swiss and cheddar cheese.
To deepen onion flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar while caramelizing.
Substitute rye bread with sourdough or Texas toast if preferred.
Make the secret sauce ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld.

Storage

Store any leftover patty melts wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melty, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sandwich cut in half showing three main layers inside two slices of golden brown toasted bread with a slightly charred top texture. The bottom layer consists of caramelized onions with a glossy, soft appearance, layered thickly beneath the first melted yellow cheddar cheese slice that covers the first cooked beef patty with a slightly rough, well-grilled texture. Above that is another thick layer of melted cheddar cheese that drapes over a second beef patty, followed by more caramelized onions peeking from the edges, all held together by the top toasted bread slice. The sandwich sits on a dark surface with a minimalistic look, and the background is out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in the patty melt?

Yes, cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Gruyère work well and offer different flavor profiles. Just choose cheeses that melt smoothly for the best texture.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Be sure to butter the outside of the bread before grilling and cook on medium heat to achieve a golden, crispy crust that seals in moisture and prevents sogginess.