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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce: A Classic Comfort Food with a Flavor Twist

There are few things in the world of comfort food as satisfying as a well-made patty melt. It’s the perfect marriage between a cheeseburger and a grilled cheese sandwich, with caramelized onions and a crispy golden crust. But what truly elevates this dish from “good” to “unforgettable” is the addition of a secret sauce—a tangy, creamy spread that ties all the flavors together.

In this article, we’ll walk through how to make Patty Melts with Secret Sauce step by step, ensuring that every layer—from the onions to the beef patty to the sauce—is executed perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Patty Melt:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
8 slices rye bread (or sourdough for a milder flavor)
8 slices Swiss cheese (or American/cheddar if preferred)
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter (for onions)
4 tbsp butter (for bread toasting)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Secret Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
1 tbsp pickle relish (optional, for tang and crunch)

Step 1: Make the Secret Sauce

Start with the star of the recipe—the sauce that pulls everything together.

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and pickle relish.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust: add more ketchup for sweetness, mustard for tang, or paprika for smokiness.
Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the dish to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

The onions are what make a patty melt special, giving it a sweet depth that complements the beef.

Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt.
Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Beef Patties

Unlike regular burgers, patty melt patties are shaped to fit the bread.

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a rectangle or oval, slightly larger than the bread slices (they will shrink while cooking).
Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked through.
Set aside on a plate.