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Patty-Melt-with-Secret-Sauce Recipe

Patty-Melt-with-Secret-Sauce Recipe

5.2 from 30 reviews

Learn how to make the ultimate Patty Melt with a flavorful secret sauce that takes this classic diner dish to the next level. Juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce come together between slices of toasted bread for a mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Patty:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped

For the Secret Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles

For Assembly:

  • 4 slices sourdough bread (or marble rye for authenticity)
  • 1 cup sliced yellow onions
  • 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce
    In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the secret sauce. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the meal. Letting it chill enhances the flavors.

    Pro Tip: Make the sauce ahead of time and let it sit for 30 minutes before serving for deeper flavor development.

  2. Step 2: Cook the Patties
    In a bowl, mix ground beef, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped onion.
    Form into 4 equal patties.
    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
    In the same skillet (lower the heat to medium), add a splash of olive oil.
    Add sliced onions and cook slowly for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and sweet.
    Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Step 4: Assemble the Patty Melts
    Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty while still hot so it begins to melt.
    Spread a generous amount of secret sauce on one side of each bread slice.
    Layer the patty with melted cheese onto two slices of bread, top with caramelized onions, then close with the other slice.
  5. Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches
    Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium-low heat.
    Butter the outside of each sandwich.
    Grill each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, pressing gently with a spatula.
    Serve immediately and enjoy your ultimate patty melt with secret sauce!

Nutrition

Keywords: patty melt, secret sauce, sandwich, comfort food