Craving something juicy, cheesy, and full of flavor? Look no further than this delicious Patty Melt with Secret Sauce recipe! This all-American classic brings together the best of both burgers and sandwiches—tender, seasoned beef patties, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a rich secret sauce that ties it all together. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Keep reading to learn how to make this mouthwatering meal step-by-step and discover tips to make your Patty Melts irresistible!

What is a Patty Melt?
A patty melt is a flavorful sandwich that combines the elements of a traditional burger with toasted bread instead of a bun. The typical ingredients include a beef patty, melted cheese, sautéed onions, and, sometimes, a special sauce. The sandwich is cooked on a griddle until crispy and golden brown, giving it a perfect balance of textures—crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The dish is typically made with rye bread, but you can use any bread of your choice for your own version.
Ingredients List for Patty Melts
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 8 slices of rye bread (or your favorite bread)
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon butter, for grilling the sandwiches
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking the onions
Ingredients List for Secret Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Substitutions and Variations
Patty melts are highly customizable, and you can easily modify them to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:
- Cheese Options: Instead of Swiss cheese, you can use cheddar, American, or provolone for a different flavor. Vegan cheese is a great alternative if you're making a dairy-free version.
- Bread Substitutes: Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough, whole wheat, or even Texas toast work well. Gluten-free bread can also be used.
- Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based burger patties can be substituted for ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of protein.
- Onion Alternatives: If you're not a fan of caramelized onions, raw onions or grilled mushrooms make great substitutes. You can also add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a patty melt with secret sauce is easy once you gather all your ingredients. Let’s dive into the details of how to bring this classic sandwich to life!

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized.
- Remove the onions from the pan and set them aside.
Step 2: Form the Beef Patties
- Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into thin, square or round patties. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
- Make the patties slightly larger than the bread, as they will shrink while cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
- In the same skillet you used for the onions, cook the beef patties over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. You want a nice sear on the outside.
- Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Step 4: Prepare the Secret Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, then set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Patty Melts
- Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of four slices, spread a generous amount of the secret sauce.
- Place one beef patty on top of the sauce, followed by a slice of cheese and a handful of caramelized onions. Add another slice of cheese, then top with the remaining bread slices (buttered side out).
Step 6: Grill the Sandwiches
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the griddle and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Press down slightly on each sandwich with a spatula to help everything meld together as it cooks.
How to Cook a Patty Melt: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Caramelize the onions: Slowly cook onions until they are deeply browned.
- Form and season the beef patties: Shape the patties slightly larger than the bread slices.
- Cook the patties: Sear them to your preferred level of doneness.
- Mix the secret sauce: Combine all the ingredients for the sauce until smooth.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Layer the sauce, beef patty, cheese, and onions between buttered slices of bread.
- Grill the sandwiches: Toast the assembled sandwiches until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Patties: Be careful not to overcook your beef patties. A dry patty will ruin the sandwich's juicy texture.
- Skipping the Caramelization Process: Don’t rush the onions! Properly caramelized onions add a sweet, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the patty melt.
- Too Much Sauce: While the secret sauce is delicious, avoid adding too much or your sandwich might become soggy.
- Inconsistent Bread Cooking: Make sure to cook both sides of the sandwich evenly to avoid one side being burnt while the other is undercooked.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve your patty melts can elevate the entire experience. Pairing the sandwich with the right sides, garnishes, and a little attention to presentation can turn this simple dish into something special.
How to Serve a Patty Melt
- Serve with a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or a simple salad to balance the richness of the sandwich.
- Offer a side of pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch and acidity.
- If you’re serving a crowd, cut the patty melts into halves or quarters to make them easier to eat.
Presentation Ideas for a Patty Melt
- Arrange the sandwich halves on a plate with a small ramekin of extra secret sauce for dipping.
- Garnish the plate with fresh herbs or pickles to add a pop of color.
- Consider using a wooden board or slate plate for a rustic, bistro-style presentation.
Patty Melt Recipe Tips
- Rest the Beef Patties: Let the cooked patties rest for a few minutes before assembling the sandwiches to help retain their juices.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Spreading butter on the bread will be much easier if the butter is soft.
- Press the Sandwiches: Press the sandwiches lightly with a spatula while grilling to ensure they are evenly toasted.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the secret sauce and caramelize the onions in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! You can substitute the beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based patty for a vegetarian option.
2. Can I make a gluten-free patty melt? Absolutely. Simply swap the rye bread for your favorite gluten-free bread.
3. How do I store leftovers? Wrap any leftover patty melts in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best results.
4. What can I use instead of Swiss cheese? Cheddar, American, or provolone are great alternatives if you don’t have Swiss cheese on hand.
5. Can I freeze the cooked patties? Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the steps, tips, and tricks to make a perfect Patty Melt with Secret Sauce, it's time to hit the kitchen and start cooking! This classic sandwich is packed with flavor, and the secret sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!
PrintPatty Melts With Secret Sauce Recipe
This patty melts with secret sauce recipe brings together juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a tangy, flavorful sauce. Satisfy your craving with this irresistible combination on perfectly toasted bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 8 slices rye bread
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Secret Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Caramelize onions: Heat a skillet on medium, add butter, and cook onions until soft and golden brown.
- Cook the patties: Form beef into patties, season with salt and pepper, and cook until desired doneness.
- Assemble the melt: Place a slice of Swiss and cheddar cheese on each patty, then transfer to bread slices. Add caramelized onions.
- Grill the sandwich: Grill the sandwich on both sides until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- Make the sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients and spread onto the inside of the bread before grilling.
Notes
- You can substitute rye bread with sourdough or your preferred bread.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the bread before assembling the sandwich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
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