Description
The Best Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is a classic diner-style sandwich made with juicy beef patties, melted Swiss and American cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy homemade secret sauce on toasted rye bread.
Ingredients
For the Patty Melt
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices rye bread
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting)
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded American cheese
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
For the Secret Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Caramelized Onions
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook onions over medium heat until softened.
- Add sugar, salt, and pepper, then continue cooking 10–15 minutes until golden and caramelized. Set aside.
- Mix secret sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Form ground beef into 4 patties and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until desired doneness.
- Butter one side of each rye bread slice.
- Spread secret sauce on the unbuttered side of two slices.
- Layer cooked patties, Swiss cheese, American cheese, and caramelized onions.
- Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Toast sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly until golden brown and cheese melts.
- Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest patties.
- Let onions caramelize slowly for best flavor.
- Press sandwiches lightly while cooking for crispy bread.
- Serve with fries or salad for a full meal.