Delicious Patty Melts with Secret Sauce
There’s something classic about a patty melt. It’s the ultimate combo of a juicy burger, melty cheese, and golden, buttery bread. My first experience wasn’t at a fancy spot—it was at a tiny highway diner. The griddle sizzled, the waitress smiled, and the smell of caramelized onions and toasted rye hit me before my plate even arrived. One bite, and I was hooked for life.
Over time, I’ve perfected my own version at home. The magic isn’t just in the secret sauce (though it’s irresistible). It’s in crisping the bread evenly, caramelizing the onions until golden and sweet, and letting the cheese melt into every nook. Once you nail it, the diner version won’t stand a chance—you’ll be showing off yours instead.
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 | Prevents 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 frequently, until golden and caramelized (12–15 minutes). Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the Patties
- Combine ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into 4 thin patties, about 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
- Mix 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.
