Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe

Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering treat with this irresistible patty melt! Featuring crispy, buttery bread, a juicy beef patty, gooey melted cheese, and a special secret sauce, this dish is the definition of comfort food. Every bite bursts with rich, savory goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This patty melt brings together the best of both worlds—a classic burger and a grilled cheese. The perfectly seasoned beef patty pairs beautifully with crispy, golden-brown bread and melty cheese. And the secret sauce? It adds a tangy twist that elevates this sandwich from simple to spectacular, making it impossible to resist!

Ingredients

For the Patty Melt:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best juiciness)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 slices rye bread (or sourdough for a twist)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting)
• ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup caramelized onions (see recipe below)

For the Special Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp finely chopped pickles or pickle relish
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ⅛ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Make the Caramelized Onions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and stir occasionally.
2. Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions turn deep golden brown and soft. Set aside.

Prepare the Special Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, chopped pickles, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and refrigerate until needed.

Cook the Patties:

1. Divide ground beef into four equal portions and shape into thin patties slightly larger than the bread slices.
2. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they reach desired doneness. Transfer to a plate.

Assemble the Patty Melts:

1. Butter one side of each rye bread slice.
2. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a generous amount of special sauce.
3. Place a cooked patty on each, followed by a mix of Swiss and cheddar cheese.
4. Add a layer of caramelized onions and top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

Toast the Sandwiches:

1. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place assembled sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula.
2. Flip carefully and continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

Serve & Enjoy:

• Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as fries or a simple salad.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

For the juiciest patties, use fresh ground beef. Enhance the flavor by mixing in a bit of Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder before shaping.

When caramelizing onions, be patient—low and slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness.

To achieve a perfectly crispy crust on your sandwich, ensure the butter is fully melted and the pan is nice and hot before grilling.

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