Patty Melts with Secret Sauce – Recipe
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There’s something timeless about a patty melt. It’s the perfect union of a juicy burger, gooey cheese, and buttery golden bread. My first taste wasn’t at a fancy restaurant, but at a little highway diner. The griddle sizzled, the waitress smiled, and the aroma of caramelized onions and toasted rye hit me before the plate even touched the table. One bite, and I was hooked for life.
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Over the years, I’ve perfected my own version at home. The secret isn’t just the sauce (though it’s irresistible). It’s crisping the bread evenly, caramelizing the onions until sweet and golden, and letting the cheese melt into every corner. Once you master it, you’ll never crave the diner version again—you’ll be bragging about yours.
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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce – Recipe
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| For the Patties | Ground beef (80/20) | 1 lb / 450 g | Juicy and flavorful |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp | Adds depth | |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Savory kick | |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp | Enhances flavor | |
| Smoked paprika | ½ tsp | Subtle smokiness | |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Season to taste | |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground | |
| For the Onions | Yellow onions, thinly sliced | 2 medium | Sweet and tender |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp | For richness | |
| Olive oil | 1 tsp | Helps prevent burning | |
| Salt | Pinch | Draws out moisture | |
| For the Secret Sauce | Mayonnaise | ½ cup | Creamy base |
| Ketchup | 2 tbsp | Tangy sweetness | |
| Yellow mustard | 1 tbsp | Sharp bite | |
| Pickles or relish, finely diced | 1 tbsp | Crunch and tang | |
| Smoked paprika | ½ tsp | Flavor boost | |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | Savory note | |
| For Assembly | Rye bread (or sourdough) | 8 slices | Classic choice |
| Swiss cheese (or cheddar) | 8 slices | Melty goodness | |
| Butter, softened | 2 tbsp | For spreading |
Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
- Melt butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until golden and caramelized (12–15 minutes). Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the Patties
- Mix ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into 4 thin patties, roughly the size of your bread slices.
- Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat, 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Make the Secret Sauce
- Stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickles, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Patty Melts
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- On the unbuttered side, layer: bread → cheese → beef patty → caramelized onions → sauce → cheese → bread.
5. Grill the Sandwiches
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula to help everything meld together.
✨ Tip: Serve with fries or a pickle spear for the full diner experience.
