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The Best Patty Melt Recipe with Secret Sauce – A Flavor Explosion

The Best Patty Melt Recipe with Secret Sauce – A Flavor Explosion

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  • Author: Jake
  • 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

Units Scale

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

  1. Prepare the caramelized onions:
    1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
    2. Add sugar, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Set aside.
  2. Make the secret sauce:
    1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  3. Prepare the patties:
    1. Shape the ground beef into 4 equal patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
    2. 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.
  4. Assemble the patty melts:
    1. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
    2. On the non-buttered side of 2 slices, spread a generous amount of secret sauce.
    3. Place a cooked patty on top of each slice, followed by a mix of Swiss and American cheese, and a layer of caramelized onions.
    4. Top with the other slices of bread, buttered side up.
  5. Toast the sandwiches:
    1. 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.
  6. Serve:
    1. 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