Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce
This classic diner favorite combines juicy beef patties, melty Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy, creamy secret sauce, all grilled to perfection between buttery rye bread.
Ingredients
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
- 8 slices rye bread (light or dark, your preference)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp butter, plus more for spreading on bread
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Secret Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp relish (sweet or dill, based on preference)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Secret Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir until smooth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the dish to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, or until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Patties
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into patties slightly larger than your bread slices (they’ll shrink as they cook).
- Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
- Using the same skillet, cook the patties over medium heat for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on your preference.
- Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the non-buttered side of 4 slices:
- Spread a generous layer of the secret sauce.
- Place 1 slice of Swiss cheese on the sauce.
- Add a cooked beef patty.
- Top with a layer of caramelized onions.
- Place another slice of Swiss cheese on top of the onions.
- Finish with another slice of rye bread, buttered side up.
Step 5: Grill the Patty Melts
- Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan.
- Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- If needed, work in batches and keep the finished sandwiches warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of French fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad.
- Offer extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Protein: ~34g
- Carbs: ~42g
- Fat: ~40g
This Ultimate Patty Melt is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleasing comfort meal for any occasion. Enjoy the rich, buttery, cheesy goodness! 🍔✨