Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly grilled patty melt. Growing up, my grandmother would make these sizzling sandwiches on her cast-iron skillet, filling the kitchen with the aroma of caramelized onions and buttery rye bread. This version of Patty Melts with Secret Sauce is inspired by her timeless comfort cooking but with a little modern flair—like a rich, tangy homemade sauce that makes all the difference.

Whether you’re whipping these up for a cozy weekend lunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this patty melt recipe is an American classic worth mastering.

Ingredients

For the Patty Melts:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy texture)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 8 slices rye bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Butter, for grilling (about 2–3 tbsp)

For the Secret Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Make the Secret Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Mix thoroughly until well blended. Set aside in the fridge so the flavors can develop while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat:

• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Add the thinly sliced onions and stir occasionally.

Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes until the onions become soft, golden, and sweet. Set aside once they’re caramelized.

3. Prepare the Burger Patties

• Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
• Form into thin, wide patties to match the shape of your bread.
• Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Using the same skillet:

• Cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side or until fully cooked and nicely browned.
• Set the patties aside on a plate.

4. Assemble the Patty Melts

On a clean surface:

• Lay out 4 slices of rye bread.
• Spread a generous layer of secret sauce on each slice.
• Layer each with 1 slice of Swiss cheese, 1 beef patty, caramelized onions, 1 slice of cheddar cheese, and then top with another slice of rye bread.

Butter the outsides of each sandwich generously.

5. Grill the Patty Melts

In a skillet or griddle over medium heat:

• Cook each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted through.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the patty melts from the skillet and let them rest for 1 minute before slicing in half. Serve with extra secret sauce for dipping or drizzle it directly over the top.

Tips for the Best Patty Melts

• Use room temperature cheese: Helps it melt more evenly and quickly.
• Don’t skip the caramelized onions: Their sweet depth contrasts beautifully with the richness of the meat and cheese.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your secret sauce and tweak to your preference—add a dash of hot sauce or a touch more relish for extra zip.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these patty melts with:

• Crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges
• A side of tangy coleslaw
• Pickles for crunch
• Or a green salad to balance the richness

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make, but packed with flavor
• Customizable—try it with turkey or plant-based patties
• The sauce is addictive (you’ll want to put it on everything!)

Make-Ahead Tips

• Sauce: Prepare the secret sauce up to 3 days in advance.
• Onions: Caramelize the onions the day before and store in the fridge.
• Patties: Form and season the patties ahead of time—just grill when ready to eat.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Use a skillet over low heat to crisp up the bread and re-melt the cheese.

The Goods

Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

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Juicy patty melts with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and tangy secret sauce. So good!

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine American

Recipes

For the Patty Melts:

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for juicy texture
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
• 8 slices rye bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Butter for grilling (about 2–3 tbsp)

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, combine:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Mix thoroughly until well blended. Set aside in the fridge so the flavors can develop while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Caramelize the Onions

• In a large skillet over medium heat:
• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Add the thinly sliced onions and stir occasionally.
• Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes until the onions become soft, golden, and sweet. Set aside once they’re caramelized.

Prepare the Burger Patties

• Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
• Form into thin, wide patties to match the shape of your bread.
• Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Using the same skillet:
• Cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side or until fully cooked and nicely browned.
• Set the patties aside on a plate.

Assemble the Patty Melts

• On a clean surface:
• Lay out 4 slices of rye bread.
• Spread a generous layer of secret sauce on each slice.
• Layer each with 1 slice of Swiss cheese, 1 beef patty, caramelized onions, 1 slice of cheddar cheese, and then top with another slice of rye bread.
• Butter the outsides of each sandwich generously.

Grill the Patty Melts

• In a skillet or griddle over medium heat:
• Cook each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted through.

Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the patty melts from the skillet and let them rest for 1 minute before slicing in half. Serve with extra secret sauce for dipping or drizzle it directly over the top.