Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe

Introduction

The patty melt is a classic comfort food that combines a juicy beef patty with melted cheese and caramelized onions, all nestled between crispy rye bread. With a tangy secret sauce to elevate every bite, this sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 4 slices rye bread
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 4 slices Swiss or American cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet, melt butter over low heat and add the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and soft, about 20 minutes.
2. Step 2: Shape the ground beef into patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season with salt and pepper, then cook them in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until browned on both sides and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well and taste, adjusting seasoning as desired to create your secret sauce.
4. Step 4: Butter the outside of each slice of rye bread. On the inside, spread a generous amount of secret sauce on both slices. Layer cheese, caramelized onions, and the cooked beef patty on one slice, then top with the other slice, buttered side out.
5. Step 5: Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted, about 3-5 minutes per side if using a skillet.
6. Step 6: Remove the sandwich from heat and let it rest for a minute. Slice in half and serve hot, optionally with fries or coleslaw.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky twist, add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to the beef patties before cooking.
• Swap Swiss or American cheese for sharp cheddar or Gruyère for different flavors.
• Use sourdough bread instead of rye if you prefer a less intense flavor but keep the butter for crispiness.
• Make extra secret sauce to serve on the side for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leaner ground beef for the patty?

While leaner beef can be used, 80/20 ground beef provides the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner meat may result in a drier patty.

Is it necessary to caramelize the onions?

Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth to the sandwich, but you can use raw or sautéed onions if short on time. The flavor will be less rich without caramelization.

Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

A delicious and juicy Patty Melt featuring a flavorful ground beef patty, caramelized onions, melted Swiss or American cheese, and a tangy secret sauce, all sandwiched between crispy buttered rye bread and grilled to golden perfection.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Patty Melt:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• 4 slices rye bread
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 slices Swiss or American cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (for caramelizing and toasting)

For the Secret Sauce:

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tbsp pickle relish
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:

   In a skillet over low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the sliced yellow onions. Cook slowly until they are golden brown and soft, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

2. Prepare and Cook the Patties:

   Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each into patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the patties in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Secret Sauce:

   In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Sandwich:

   Butter the outside of each slice of rye bread with remaining butter. On the inside of each slice, spread a generous layer of the secret sauce. Add a slice of cheese, a portion of caramelized onions, and top with a cooked beef patty. Close the sandwich with another bread slice, buttered side out.

5. Grill the Patty Melt:

   Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet or press and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side if using a skillet or 4-5 minutes in a panini press.

6. Serve:

   Slice the sandwiches in half and serve hot, optionally accompanied by fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Notes

• Using 80/20 ground beef ensures the patty is juicy and flavorful.
• Caramelizing onions slowly enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
• You can substitute Swiss cheese with American cheese for a milder, creamier melt.
• If you don’t have rye bread, a sturdy white or sourdough bread can also be used.
• Adjust the seasoning of the secret sauce according to your taste preference for spiciness or tanginess.
• For crispier bread, cook the sandwich over medium heat and press gently to ensure even toasting.

Keywords: Patty Melt, Ground Beef Sandwich, Caramelized Onions, Secret Sauce, Rye Bread Sandwich, Grilled Sandwich