Here’s a Patty Melt with Secret Sauce recipe — a diner classic that combines a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and toasted rye bread, all brought together with a creamy, tangy sauce that takes it over the top.
🧀🍔 Classic Patty Melts with Secret Sauce
🍽️ Servings: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough if you prefer)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (or American or cheddar)
- 2–3 tbsp butter (for grilling)
- 1 tbsp oil (for onions)
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp finely chopped pickles (or relish)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of paprika or cayenne (optional)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Make the Secret Sauce:
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the melts.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and sliced onions.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until soft, golden, and sweet.
- Season with a little salt near the end.
3. Form and Cook the Patties:
- Divide ground beef into 4 thin, wide patties (roughly the size of your bread slices).
- Season with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side or until cooked through and browned. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Lay out the bread and spread secret sauce on the insides of each slice.
- Layer: bread slice → cheese → cooked patty → caramelized onions → cheese → bread slice.
- Butter the outsides of the bread.
5. Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook each sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
6. Serve:
- Slice in half and serve hot with fries, chips, or pickles.
✅ Tips:
- Don’t rush the onions — they bring sweet depth to every bite.
- Rye bread is classic, but Texas toast or sourdough works too.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños for a twist.
Would you like a printable recipe card or side dish suggestions (like diner-style fries or coleslaw)?