Description
This Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is a delicious and indulgent twist on the classic sandwich, featuring juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and perfectly melted Swiss cheese. Sandwiched between crispy toasted rye bread, the real star is the tangy, creamy secret sauce that takes the flavor to the next level. Whether you’re a fan of diner-style sandwiches or looking for a comforting, homemade meal, this recipe is easy to customize with different meats, cheeses, or even plant-based alternatives. Serve with your favorite sides like fries or onion rings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 6 slices rye bread
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 6 tbsp. butter softened and unsalted
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp. chopped bacon pieces
- 3 tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. relish
Instructions
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Form the Patties: Divide 1 lb. of ground beef into three equal portions, shape into flattened patties that match the size of your rye bread slices.
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Season the Patties: Season both sides of each patty with ½ tsp. onion powder, ½ tsp. garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through, then set aside.
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Mix the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp. chopped bacon pieces, 3 tbsp. ketchup, 1 tsp. sugar, and 1 tsp. relish. Stir until well mixed.
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Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each of the 6 slices of rye bread.
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Assemble the Patty Melts: Place 3 slices of buttered bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Layer 2 slices of provolone cheese, a cooked patty, 2 slices of cheddar cheese, and spread secret sauce on the non-buttered side of the remaining bread slices, then place sauce-side down on the cheddar.
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Toast the Bread: Cook over medium heat until the bottom is golden brown and the provolone is melted, about 3-4 minutes.
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Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip each patty melt, cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheddar is melted, another 3-4 minutes.
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Serve: Let cool slightly on a cutting board before slicing in half, then serve hot with extra secret sauce on the side.
Notes
- Bread Selection:
Rye bread is the classic choice for a patty melt due to its texture and flavor, but sourdough or brioche can be substituted for a different spin. Be sure to butter both sides of the bread for a crispy, golden exterior. - Meat Choices:
Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy patties, but feel free to substitute with turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties like Beyond Meat for dietary preferences. Shape the patties slightly larger than the bread to account for shrinkage during cooking. - Cheese Melting Tips:
Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can also use cheddar or Gruyère for different flavor profiles. If you’re having trouble getting the cheese to melt fully, cover the skillet with a lid after flipping the patty to trap heat. - Caramelized Onions:
Caramelizing onions takes time—about 30-40 minutes over low heat—but the result is worth it. The slow cooking process brings out their natural sweetness, adding a deep, rich flavor to your sandwich. - Secret Sauce:
The secret sauce adds tang and creaminess, making the sandwich more flavorful. It’s a simple combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and optional add-ins like Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce. Mix the sauce in advance and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. - Assembling the Patty Melt:
Spread the secret sauce generously on both slices of bread, layer the cheese and caramelized onions over the beef patty, and grill the sandwich in a buttered skillet until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. - Customizations:
Get creative with your patty melt by adding bacon for extra crunch, jalapeños for heat, or even swapping the secret sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist. Vegetarian and vegan options are also easy to make with plant-based patties and vegan cheese. - Serving Suggestions:
Serve your patty melts with classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. For drinks, a creamy milkshake or a crisp craft beer pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the sandwich.