Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce: A Diner-Style Classic at Home
When you’re craving a comforting, indulgent meal, the patty melt is your answer. A juicy beef patty topped with sweet, caramelized onions, gooey Swiss and cheddar cheeses, and a zesty secret sauce, all sandwiched between buttery rye bread—it’s pure bliss in every bite. Here’s how to make this diner favorite at home with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Patty Melts:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces 85/15 lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices rye bread
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 Swiss cheese slices
- 4 cheddar cheese slices
Instructions
1. Make the Secret Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Whisk until well-blended and set aside.
2. Cook the Onion and Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and caramelized. If the onions begin to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze.
- While the onions cook, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Form the mixture into four thin, oval-shaped patties.
- Cook the patties in the same skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Assemble and Cook the Sandwiches:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Layer the bottom slice (buttered-side down) with Swiss cheese, beef patty, caramelized onions, secret sauce, cheddar cheese, and top with the second slice of bread (buttered-side up).
- Cook in batches in the skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted (about 1-2 minutes per side).
Storage:
- Leftover secret sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
These patty melts are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings with their rich, savory flavors and crispy, buttery bread. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering, these sandwiches are sure to impress!