Patty Melts with Secret Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Patty melts are a comforting classic, combining juicy beef patties with melted Swiss and cheddar cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and toasted rye bread. This version features a tangy secret sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for a hearty lunch or casual dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 8 slices rye bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Butter, for grilling
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the secret sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove onions and set aside.
3. Step 3: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, cook patties over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
5. Step 5: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place 4 slices, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Step 6: Layer each bread slice with Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
7. Step 7: Grill the assembled sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Step 8: Remove the patty melts from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Slice in half and serve immediately with secret sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use Swiss and cheddar for a rich cheese blend, or swap cheddar for provolone for a milder flavor.
• For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the ground beef before cooking.
• Caramelize the onions slowly on low heat to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Try serving with a crisp pickle or a side of fries to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the crispy bread and melted cheese. The secret sauce will keep well in the fridge for up to a week.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, while rye bread is traditional and adds great flavor, you can substitute with sourdough or a sturdy white bread if preferred.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Butter the bread slices before grilling and cook over medium heat to ensure they toast evenly and remain crispy. Avoid adding too much sauce inside the sandwich.

Patty Melts with Secret Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 101 reviews

These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, featuring juicy ground beef patties, caramelized onions, melted Swiss and cheddar cheese, all grilled between buttery rye bread slices. The homemade secret sauce, made with mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce, adds a tangy and savory flavor that perfectly complements the rich and hearty sandwich. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Patty Melts

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 8 slices rye bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Butter, for grilling
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Secret Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until smooth and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft, golden, and caramelized. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Shape and Season the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form each into thin patties. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
4. Cook the Patties: Using the same skillet, cook the beef patties over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and nicely browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. Assemble the Patty Melts: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place 4 slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle heated to medium. On each slice, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, and a slice of cheddar cheese. Top each with another slice of rye bread, butter-side up.
6. Grill the Sandwiches: Cook the assembled sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheeses melt thoroughly.
7. Serve: Remove the patty melts from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Slice in half and serve immediately with the secret sauce either on the side for dipping or drizzled over the top.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture before shaping the patties.
• If you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the secret sauce.
• Caramelizing onions takes time but adds deep sweetness; do not rush this step.
• Use fresh rye bread for the best texture and flavor; avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread for authenticity.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the sandwich while it’s warm and melty.

Keywords: Patty melts, secret sauce, caramelized onions, rye bread sandwich, ground beef sandwich, Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, grilled sandwich