A patty melt is the ultimate comfort food, combining the juicy goodness of a burger with the golden crispiness of grilled cheese. When paired with a flavorful secret sauce, this dish transforms into an unforgettable meal. With its rich, melty cheese, caramelized onions, and crispy rye bread, patty melts are perfect for dinner, lunch, or a special treat.
Below, you’ll find a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make irresistible patty melts and the mouthwatering secret sauce to take it to the next level.
Ingredients
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices rye bread (or your favorite sandwich bread)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling the bread)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking the onions)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle relish, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Whisk Together: Stir until smooth and well-blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the patty melts. This helps the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat Oil: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Onions: Add the sliced onions, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. If the onions begin to stick, add a splash of water.
- Set Aside: Once caramelized, remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Shape and Cook the Patties
- Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into thin, rectangular patties slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread a thin layer of the secret sauce on one side of each bread slice.
- Place one slice of Swiss cheese on four of the bread slices, followed by a cooked patty, a generous portion of caramelized onions, a slice of cheddar cheese, and then top with the remaining bread slices (sauce side down).
- Butter the Bread: Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of each bread slice.
Step 5: Grill the Patty Melts
- Heat the Skillet: Wipe out the skillet and heat it over medium heat.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve Hot: Remove from the skillet and let cool for a minute before slicing in half.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve with crispy French fries, potato chips, or a simple side salad.
- Extra Sauce: Offer additional secret sauce for dipping—it’s too good not to share!
- Beverages: Pair your patty melt with a cold soda, milkshake, or iced tea for a true diner experience.
