A classic diner favorite, these patty melts combine juicy ground beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss and cheddar cheeses, all grilled between slices of buttery rye bread. The accompanying secret sauce adds a tangy sweetness that elevates this comforting sandwich to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food – A nostalgic, satisfying sandwich with rich flavors.
- Perfectly melty cheese – A mix of Swiss and cheddar for the ultimate cheesy bite.
- Caramelized onions – Sweet, golden onions add incredible depth of flavor.
- Crispy, buttery bread – Rye bread grilled to perfection for the perfect crunch.
- Easy homemade secret sauce – A tangy, creamy sauce that takes it to the next level.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Patty Melts:
- Ground beef
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Rye bread
- Swiss cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Butter, for grilling
- Salt and pepper
For the Secret Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Sweet pickle relish
- Worcestershire sauce
Directions
1. Make the Secret Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 15-20 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into thin patties.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat until fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place four slices, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- On each slice, layer:
- A slice of Swiss cheese
- A cooked beef patty
- Caramelized onions
- A slice of cheddar cheese
- Another slice of rye bread, butter-side up
5. Grill the Sandwiches:
- Cook each sandwich for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the skillet and let the patty melts rest for a minute.
- Slice in half and serve with the secret sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the secret sauce for extra heat.
- Mushroom Lover’s Version: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for added flavor.
- Texas Toast Swap: Use thick slices of Texas toast instead of rye bread for a different twist.
- Garlic Butter Upgrade: Mix minced garlic into the butter before spreading it on the bread.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the bread may become soggy when thawed.
FAQs
1. What kind of bread is best for a patty melt?
Rye bread is the classic choice, but sourdough or Texas toast also work well.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
3. How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Make sure to cook the onions until caramelized and let the beef patties rest before assembling.
4. Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors will meld and improve over time.
5. What’s the best cheese for a patty melt?
Swiss and cheddar are the classic combination, but provolone or pepper jack also work well.
6. Can I cook this on a griddle instead of a skillet?
Yes! A flat-top griddle works perfectly for making multiple patty melts at once.
7. Do I have to caramelize the onions?
Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet flavor, but you can sauté them for a quicker version.
8. Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the patties and onions ahead and assemble when ready to cook.
9. What sides go well with patty melts?
Try fries, coleslaw, pickles, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
10. Can I add extra toppings inside the sandwich?
Absolutely! Avocado, tomato, or pickles can add extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Patty melts with secret sauce are the ultimate diner-style comfort food, combining juicy beef, melty cheese, and crispy rye bread with a tangy, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this easy-to-make sandwich is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this crispy, cheesy, and savory masterpiece!
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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce
These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce bring classic diner-style comfort food to your kitchen! Juicy ground beef patties, caramelized onions, and Swiss and cheddar cheeses are grilled between buttery rye bread for the ultimate crispy, melty sandwich. Paired with a tangy secret sauce, this homemade patty melt is an irresistible meal perfect for any occasion!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp butter, for grilling
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Secret Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Make the Secret Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir well and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the Beef Patties:
- Divide ground beef into four thin patties, slightly larger than the bread slices (they will shrink when cooked).
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet, cook patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Assemble the Patty Melts:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place four slices, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- On each slice, layer:
- 1 slice Swiss cheese
- 1 beef patty
- Caramelized onions
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- Another slice of rye bread, butter-side up
Grill the Sandwiches:
- Cook each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
- Remove from skillet and let rest for 1 minute.
- Slice in half and serve with the secret sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
Notes
- Bread Swap: Use sourdough or Texas toast instead of rye for a different flavor.
- Add Extra Flavor: Mix minced garlic into the butter before spreading it on the bread.
- Make Ahead: Caramelize onions and prepare patties in advance for faster assembly.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days and reheat in a skillet to keep crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
