Ultimate 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
Scale
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.