Irresistible Patty Melts with Secret Sauce – The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy, Flavor-Packed Sandwich!

Patty melts are the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a secret sauce, all sandwiched between buttery grilled rye bread. This recipe takes the classic diner favorite to the next level with a flavorful secret sauce that adds a tangy, creamy twist. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these patty melts are sure to satisfy your cravings.


Recipe Preparation Equipment

  • Skillet or Griddle: For cooking the patties and grilling the sandwiches.
  • Mixing Bowls: For preparing the secret sauce and shaping the patties.
  • Spatula: For flipping the patties and assembling the sandwiches.
  • Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing onions and bread.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Ingredients

For the Patty Melts

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices rye bread
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)

For the Secret Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon relish
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

How to Make Easy Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Mix well until smooth.
  3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
  2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Patties

Print
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Irresistible Patty Melts with Secret Sauce – The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy, Flavor-Packed Sandwich!


Description

Patty melts are the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a secret sauce, all sandwiched between buttery grilled rye bread. This recipe takes the classic diner favorite to the next level with a flavorful secret sauce that adds a tangy, creamy twist. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these patty melts are sure to satisfy your cravings.

 


Ingredients

For the Patty Melts

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • 4 slices rye bread

  • 4 slices Swiss cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)

For the Secret Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon relish

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

  2. Mix well until smooth.

  3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.

  2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.

  3. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Patties

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

  2. Divide the mixture into 2 equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the bread slices.

  3. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.

  4. Remove the patties and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts

  1. Spread the secret sauce on one side of each rye bread slice.

  2. Layer Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese on top.

  3. Top with the second slice of bread, sauce side down.

Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches

  1. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add the remaining butter.

  2. Place the assembled patty melts in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted

Notes

  • Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the ground beef gently to keep the patties tender.

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly sliced onions and high-quality cheese make a big difference.

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Divide the mixture into 2 equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the bread slices.
  3. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
  4. Remove the patties and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts

  1. Spread the secret sauce on one side of each rye bread slice.
  2. Layer Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese on top.
  3. Top with the second slice of bread, sauce side down.

Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches

  1. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add the remaining butter.
  2. Place the assembled patty melts in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Variations

  • Turkey Patty Melts: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
  • Veggie Patty Melts: Substitute the beef patty with a veggie burger.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the secret sauce.

Cooking Notes

  • Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the ground beef gently to keep the patties tender.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly sliced onions and high-quality cheese make a big difference.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with pickles or coleslaw on the side.
  • Pair with sweet potato fries or a side salad for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips

  • Toast the Bread Lightly: This prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy.
  • Double the Sauce: Make extra secret sauce for dipping or future use.

Tips for the Best Patty Melts

  1. Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and a perfect sear.
  2. Let the patties rest for a few minutes before assembling to retain juices.
  3. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, Total Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

(Serving size: 1 patty melt)

  • Calories: 650
  • Protein: 35g
  • Sodium: 950mg

FAQs

1. Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the secret sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Sourdough or whole wheat bread works well too.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.


Conclusion

These patty melts with secret sauce are a delicious twist on a classic diner favorite. With juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a tangy secret sauce, every bite is a flavor explosion. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!


Let me know if you need more recipes or adjustments! 😊

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