The ultimate patty melt is a diner classic reimagined for your home kitchen. With juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and a secret sauce, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery rye bread, this recipe will take your taste buds on a nostalgic journey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best of a burger and a grilled cheese.
- The secret sauce adds an irresistible tangy and savory flavor.
- Perfectly caramelized onions elevate the flavor to gourmet status.
- Crispy rye bread holds it all together with a satisfying crunch.
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and sauces.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- Rye bread
- Butter
- Yellow onion
- Swiss cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Onions: Slice the onion thinly and sauté in butter over medium-low heat until caramelized, about 20–25 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and refrigerate until needed.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the ground beef into portions slightly larger than your bread slices and flatten into thin patties. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: In a hot skillet, cook the patties for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Assemble the Patty Melt: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place a slice of bread butter-side down in a skillet. Add a layer of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of secret sauce. Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Grill the Patty Melt: Cook over medium heat until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Slice the patty melts diagonally and serve hot with extra secret sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 patty melts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap Swiss and cheddar for provolone, American, or pepper jack cheese.
- Bread Choice: Use sourdough or whole-grain bread if rye isn’t your favorite.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef patties with plant-based alternatives.
- Spice it Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the secret sauce.
- Add Bacon: Crisp up some bacon slices and add them to your patty melt for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftover patty melts tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm and crispy. Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make the patty melts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and caramelized onions in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the patty melts when ready to cook.
2. What type of bread works best for patty melts?
Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough or whole-grain bread works well too.
3. How do I get perfectly caramelized onions?
Cook the onions low and slow, stirring occasionally, to bring out their natural sweetness.
4. Can I freeze patty melts?
It’s best to freeze the cooked patties and caramelized onions separately. Assemble and cook the patty melt fresh for the best texture.
5. Can I use a grill instead of a skillet?
Yes, a grill works well for cooking the patties and toasting the bread.
6. What can I serve with patty melts?
Pair them with French fries, onion rings, or a side salad.
7. Is the secret sauce necessary?
The sauce adds a lot of flavor, but you can substitute with your favorite condiments if preferred.
8. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
9. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce for the secret sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce or omit it entirely.
10. Can I use pre-cooked patties?
Yes, but fresh-cooked patties offer better flavor and texture.
Conclusion
The ultimate patty melt with secret sauce is a hearty, indulgent meal perfect for any occasion. With its balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re recreating a diner experience or enjoying a quick weeknight dinner, this patty melt will never disappoint.
PrintUltimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce
This classic patty melt features a juicy ground beef patty layered with sweet caramelized onions, melted Swiss and cheddar cheeses, and a tangy secret sauce, all grilled between slices of buttery rye bread. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Patty Melts:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices rye bread
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Secret Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and golden brown, about 30 minutes. If onions begin to dry out or stick, add a splash of water and reduce heat slightly. Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Patties:
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently to combine, then form into four thin, oblong patties, slightly larger than your bread slices to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Cook the Beef Patties:
- In the same skillet over medium heat, cook the patties until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside. Wipe excess grease from the pan.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side, spread a layer of the secret sauce. Layer as follows: a slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, a slice of cheddar cheese, and top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling.
- Serve:
- Slice the patty melts in half and serve hot. They pair well with French fries, onion rings, or a side salad.
Notes
- For the best flavor, take your time caramelizing the onions over low heat.
- Feel free to customize the cheese selection to your preference; Swiss and cheddar provide a nice balance of flavors.
- The secret sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.