Name: Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon pickle juice; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 12 ounces 85/15 ground beef; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 8 slices rye bread; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 Swiss cheese slices; 4 cheddar cheese slices

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Introduction

The patty melt is a classic comfort food that merges a juicy beef burger with melted cheese and caramelized onions, all nestled between slices of toasted rye bread. This version features a flavorful secret sauce that adds a tangy, creamy twist to every bite. It’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner.

A sandwich cut in half sits on a white round plate placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has three layers of golden-brown toasted bread. Between the slices, there are two thick layers of cooked ground beef with a slightly browned crust. Between the beef layers, there are melted white cheese layers. On top of the cheese and beef, there are caramelized onions with a soft, glossy texture. Creamy orange sauce with a smooth texture is oozing out from the sides near the onions and beef. In the background, a glass jar with a spoon inside contains more of the same creamy orange sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon pickle juice
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
12 ounces 85/15 ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
8 slices rye bread
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 Swiss cheese slices
4 cheddar cheese slices

Instructions

Step 1: Make the secret sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and deep golden brown, about 30 minutes. If the onions begin to dry or burn, add a splash of water and lower the heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Shape the mixture into four thin, oblong patties that fit the shape of your bread.
Step 4: Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove from heat and wipe any excess grease from the pan.
Step 5: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Heat the skillet over medium heat and assemble each sandwich as follows: place one slice of bread buttered-side down, add a slice of Swiss cheese, one beef patty, a generous layer of caramelized onions, a spoonful of secret sauce, a slice of cheddar cheese, then top with a second slice of bread buttered-side up.
Step 6: Cook the sandwich until the bottom is golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side until it is golden and the cheese is melted. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For an extra smoky flavor, add a small pinch of smoked paprika to the ground beef before cooking.
Substitute Swiss or cheddar cheese with gruyere or provolone for a different melty experience.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, mix in a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the secret sauce.
Use caramelized shallots or red onions instead of yellow onions for a sweeter, more delicate taste.
To make the sandwiches crispier, toast the bread slightly before assembling.

Storage

Patty melts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the bread’s crispness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a sandwich on a white plate with a white marbled background. The sandwich has three visible layers of filling between two slices of toasted bread that are golden brown with some darker, almost burnt spots on top. The bottom layer inside the sandwich is a smooth, light-colored melted cheese that drapes over the edges. Above that is a cooked, browned burger patty with juicy, slightly textured surface. On top of the patty, there is a layer of caramelized onions, golden and translucent. The top filling layer is a melted, gooey bright orange cheese that looks soft and stringy near the edges. The sandwich is pressed slightly to hold the layers together snugly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for the patty melt?

Yes, while rye bread is traditional for patty melts, you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or even a sturdy white bread. Just make sure it holds up well to toasting and contains the fillings without becoming soggy.

How do I know when the caramelized onions are done?

The onions should be deeply golden brown, soft, and sweet in flavor. This typically takes around 30 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. If they start to burn, reduce the heat and add a splash of water to prevent drying out.