There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic patty melt—that perfect combination of crispy rye bread, juicy beef patty, melty cheese, and caramelized onions. It’s the kind of diner-style meal that brings on instant nostalgia, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home! And the real game-changer? The homemade secret sauce that adds an irresistible tangy kick to every bite.
Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner or treating yourself to a cozy weekend meal, this patty melt recipe is sure to hit the spot! Pair it with crispy fries, sweet potato fries, a fresh side salad, or crunchy coleslaw for the ultimate experience. And don’t forget the pickle spear for that classic tangy crunch!
Patty Melts with Secret Sauce
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Butter, for grilling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Secret Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Make the Secret Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized—about 15-20 minutes. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Patties
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties slightly larger than the bread slices (they’ll shrink as they cook). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Using the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place 4 slices, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Layer each with:
- 1 slice of Swiss cheese
- A cooked beef patty
- Caramelized onions
- 1 slice of cheddar cheese
- Another slice of rye bread, butter-side up
5. Grill to Perfection
Cook each patty melt for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Let the sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing them in half. Serve immediately with the secret sauce on the side—or drizzle it over the top for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Patty Melts:
✅ Use good-quality rye bread—it adds the perfect crunch and flavor!
✅ For extra juiciness, use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat).
✅ Don’t rush the onions! Slow-cooked caramelized onions add incredible depth of flavor.
✅ Want a spicy kick? Add a few dashes of hot sauce or sriracha to the secret sauce.
✅ Make it your own by swapping Swiss or cheddar with pepper jack, provolone, or Gouda!
This homemade patty melt is a diner favorite made easy! It’s crispy, cheesy, juicy, and packed with bold, savory flavors—everything you love in a comfort food classic. 😋
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