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Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 59 reviews

A classic Patty Melt recipe featuring juicy ground beef patties, caramelized onions, melted Swiss or American cheese, and a tangy secret sauce, all grilled to golden perfection on rye bread. This comforting sandwich combines savory flavors and gooey textures, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Patty Melt

  • 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

For the Secret Sauce

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Heat butter in a skillet over low heat and add the sliced yellow onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions become golden brown and soft, releasing their natural sweetness, about 20-25 minutes.
  2. Cook Beef Patties: Form ground beef into patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the patties in a hot skillet over medium heat until nicely browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  3. Prepare Secret Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Assemble Sandwiches: Butter the outsides of rye bread slices. On the inside, spread a generous layer of secret sauce, add a slice of cheese, a good amount of caramelized onions, and top with the cooked beef patty.
  5. Grill Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat. Grill the assembled sandwiches until the bread is toasted golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side in a skillet or until nicely crisped in a panini press.
  6. Serve: Slice the patty melts in half and serve hot. Optional sides like fries or coleslaw make a great accompaniment.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness and flavor balance.
  • Caramelizing onions requires patience but is key to the sandwich’s rich flavor.
  • Rye bread provides a distinctive tang; substitute with sourdough if preferred.
  • Adjust secret sauce spice levels to your liking by modifying mustard or relish quantities.
  • Can be made in a panini press or skillet depending on available equipment.

Keywords: patty melt, burger sandwich, caramelized onions, secret sauce, rye bread, American cheese