Here’s a classic diner-style Patty Melt recipe — crispy, cheesy, juicy — leveled up with a creamy, tangy secret sauce that’ll blow your burger cravings wide open. 🧅🍔🧀
🍔 Patty Melts with Secret Sauce
📝 Ingredients (Makes 2 sandwiches)
For the Patty Melts:
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1/2 lb (225g) ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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4 slices rye bread (or sourdough if you prefer)
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4 slices Swiss cheese (or try American, provolone, or cheddar)
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1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp butter + extra for bread
For the Secret Sauce:
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3 tbsp mayo
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1 tbsp ketchup
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1 tsp yellow mustard
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1 tsp finely chopped pickles or relish
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1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Dash of hot sauce or pickle juice (optional)
🔥 Instructions
1. Make the secret sauce:
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Stir together all sauce ingredients. Taste and tweak (add more mustard or hot sauce if you like it zippy).
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Set aside or chill until ready to use.
2. Caramelize the onions:
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In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
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Add sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and cook low and slow for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and sweet.
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Set aside.
3. Form and cook the patties:
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Divide ground beef into 2 thin, wide patties (slightly larger than your bread slices, as they shrink).
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Season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Sear in a hot skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.
4. Assemble the melts:
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Spread secret sauce on each slice of bread.
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Layer one slice of cheese, the patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and top with another bread slice (sauce side down).
5. Grill the melts:
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Butter the outsides of the sandwiches.
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook each side 3–4 minutes, pressing down slightly, until golden brown and melty inside.
🧄 Tips & Twists:
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Add garlic powder or a dash of Worcestershire to the patties for extra flavor.
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Mix up the cheese — try pepper jack for a spicy version.
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Rye is classic, but Texas toast or brioche makes a luxe twist.
🍟 Serve with:
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Crispy fries or sweet potato wedges
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Pickles and extra sauce on the side
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A cold cola or milkshake for diner vibes