Description
Take your sandwich game to the next level with Patty Melts with Secret Sauce! This diner classic features juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, gooey Swiss cheese, and perfectly crisp rye bread. The tangy, creamy secret sauce ties it all together for a bite that’s bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe will hit the spot every time.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of rye bread
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for onions)
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine (for grilling sandwiches)
For the Secret Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Make the Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently and form into four oval-shaped patties slightly larger than the bread slices. - Caramelize the Onions:
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. Set aside. - Cook the Patties:
In the same skillet, cook the beef patties over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and set aside. - Prepare the Secret Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir until well combined and set aside. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Lay out the bread slices. Spread a thin layer of secret sauce on each slice. Place one slice of Swiss cheese on four slices of bread. Top with a beef patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, and a final piece of bread. - Grill the Patty Melts:
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, two at a time. Press down gently with a spatula and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the sandwiches in half and serve warm with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Bread Choices: Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough or whole wheat also works well.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick or extra pickle relish for a tangy punch.
- Reheating Tip: Reheat leftover sandwiches in a skillet to maintain the crispy bread.
- Storage: Store the components (patties, onions, sauce) separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble fresh when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying