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The Best Patty Melt Recipe with Secret Sauce

A classic diner-style patty melt featuring a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a tangy secret sauce grilled between crisp slices of bread.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 780

Ingredients
  

Secret Sauce
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
Caramelized Onions
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Patty Melts
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 chuck
  • 8 slices rye or sourdough bread
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Griddle
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and paprika. Refrigerate until needed.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 20-25 minutes until caramelized and sweet. Remove and set aside.
  3. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into thin patties matching the shape of your bread. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until a crust forms and beef is cooked through. Remove and wipe the skillet clean.
  5. Spread the secret sauce on one side of all 8 slices of bread. On 4 slices, layer Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and Cheddar cheese. Top with the remaining bread, sauce side down.
  6. Spread softened butter on the top, outside-facing slice of each sandwich.
  7. Grill the sandwiches butter-side down in the skillet over medium-low heat. Butter the top side facing up while the bottom cooks.
  8. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. Slice in half and serve hot.

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, you can substitute the softened butter on the outside of the bread with a thin layer of mayonnaise.