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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce Recipe

4.8 from 138 reviews

These classic Patty Melts combine juicy seasoned beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, and a melty combo of Swiss and cheddar cheeses sandwiched between buttery rye bread grilled to golden perfection. Served with a tangy secret sauce, this comforting sandwich is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Secret Sauce

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

Sandwich

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Make the secret sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and set aside to let flavors meld.
  2. Caramelize the onions: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Remove onions from skillet and set aside.
  3. Shape and season the patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a thin patty. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the beef patties: Using the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high. Cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  5. Prepare the bread for grilling: 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. Assemble the patty melts: On each buttered slice of bread in the skillet, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked beef patty, caramelized onions, a slice of cheddar cheese, then top with the other slice of bread, butter side up.
  7. Grill the sandwiches: Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Flip carefully to avoid fillings falling out.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove the patty melts from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Slice each sandwich in half and serve hot with the secret sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Notes

  • Allow onions to caramelize slowly over medium heat to bring out their natural sweetness without burning.
  • Use thin patties to ensure they cook quickly and evenly inside the sandwich.
  • Butter the bread slices generously for a crisp, golden crust when grilled.
  • Swiss and cheddar cheeses create a perfect melty balance—feel free to adjust cheese types based on preference.
  • Serve immediately for the best experience, as the bread will soften if left too long.

Keywords: patty melts, caramelized onions, secret sauce, grilled sandwiches, rye bread, beef patties, Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese