Get ready for a flavor-packed experience with this delicious patty melt! The crispy, buttery bread, juicy beef patty, melty cheese, and our secret sauce come together to create the ultimate comfort food. This patty melt isn’t just a sandwich—it’s an explosion of savory flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This patty melt combines everything you love about a classic burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. The rich, flavorful beef patty pairs perfectly with the crispy, buttery bread and melty cheese. And that secret sauce? It’s what takes this patty melt from ordinary to extraordinary, giving it a tangy kick that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
You’ll need ground beef, rye bread, Swiss cheese, butter, onion, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder. Full list of ingredients is at the bottom of the recipe!
Directions
- Start by caramelizing the onions. In a skillet, melt a bit of butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, until they’re soft and golden brown. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the secret sauce: ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir well and set aside.
- Shape the ground beef into patties and season with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty to melt.
- While the patties cook, butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- To assemble the patty melts, spread a generous amount of secret sauce on the unbuttered side of two slices of rye bread.
- Place the cooked patty with melted cheese on one slice of bread, then top with the caramelized onions. Place the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately, cutting the patty melt in half to reveal the gooey, cheesy goodness inside.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh ground beef for the juiciest patties. For added flavor, mix in a little Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder into the beef before shaping the patties.
- Don’t rush the onion caramelization process—slow and low heat brings out the best flavor in the onions.
- Make sure the butter is melted and the pan is hot when grilling the sandwich to get that perfect crispy crust.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Cheese: While Swiss is classic, you can swap it for cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Add Bacon: For extra richness, add crispy bacon strips to the patty melt.
- Make it Veggie: Use a veggie patty or portobello mushroom in place of the beef patty for a vegetarian option.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this patty melt with a side of crispy fries, a crunchy pickle, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You could also pair it with a cold beer or a creamy milkshake for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This patty melt is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat and grill until the bread is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this patty melt ahead of time?
While the patty melt is best served fresh, you can cook the beef patties and caramelize the onions in advance. Assemble and grill the sandwich just before serving.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While rye bread is traditional, you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or even white bread for the sandwich.
What makes the secret sauce so special?
The combination of tangy mustard, creamy mayo, and Worcestershire sauce adds an unexpected depth of flavor that perfectly complements the rich beef and cheese.
Can I freeze these?
You can freeze the beef patties and the caramelized onions separately. Assemble and grill the patty melts when ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
This patty melt with secret sauce is the ultimate comfort food for burger lovers. The crispy, buttery bread, savory beef, melty cheese, and flavorful sauce come together to create a deliciously unforgettable meal. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a special treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and satisfying.
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The Best Patty Melt Recipe with Secret Sauce – A Flavor Explosion
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 patty melts 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Patty Melt is a mouthwatering combination of juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and caramelized onions, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery toasted bread. What makes it extra special is the secret sauce—a perfect blend of creamy and tangy that takes this classic to the next level. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Patty Melt:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the juiciest burgers)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices rye bread
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting the bread)
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded American cheese
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions (recipe below)
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the caramelized onions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Add sugar, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Set aside.
- Make the secret sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare the patties:
- Shape the ground beef into 4 equal patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Assemble the patty melts:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- On the non-buttered side of 2 slices, spread a generous amount of secret sauce.
- Place a cooked patty on top of each slice, followed by a mix of Swiss and American cheese, and a layer of caramelized onions.
- Top with the other slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Toast the sandwiches:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and cut the sandwiches in half. Serve immediately with your favorite side!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can grill the patties with a little garlic powder or onion powder.
- You can also substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer, you can use other types of bread, but rye is the classic choice for a Patty Melt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty melt (half sandwich)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg