Patty Melts with Caramelized Onions and Secret Sauce Recipe
This classic Patty Melt recipe features juicy, seasoned ground beef patties topped with sweet caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and a tangy secret sauce, all sandwiched between toasted rye bread. Perfectly grilled until golden and melty, this comforting sandwich is a delicious twist on a traditional burger.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patties:
- 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
For the Onions:
- 2 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Secret Sauce:
- 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
For Assembly:
- 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)
Instructions
- Make the Caramelized Onions: In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized, which takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix and Cook the Patties: In a bowl, combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined. Divide the mixture into four thin patties roughly shaped to match the bread slices. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through. Transfer patties to a plate and keep warm.
- Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, finely diced pickles (or relish), smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Patty Melts: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer the sandwich in this order: bread slice, slice of Swiss cheese, cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, a spoonful of secret sauce, another slice of cheese, then top with the second slice of bread (buttered side out).
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches onto the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula to help meld the sandwich layers together. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures juicy and flavorful patties.
- Rye bread provides a traditional flavor but sourdough is a great substitute for a milder taste.
- Caramelizing onions takes patience but adds a rich, sweet depth to the sandwich.
- The secret sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Pressing the sandwich gently while grilling helps the cheese melt evenly and sandwiches to hold together.
- For variation, cheddar cheese can be used instead of Swiss.
Keywords: Patty Melt, caramelized onions, secret sauce, rye bread sandwich, beef sandwich, grilled sandwich, American comfort food
