Description
This Patty Melt recipe combines juicy, seasoned beef patties with caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between buttery rye bread slices and grilled to perfection. Enhanced by a flavorful secret sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickles, this classic American diner favorite is elevated for an irresistible, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patty Melts:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened (for spreading)
- 8 slices Swiss or American cheese
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely diced pickles or relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, diced pickles, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Patties: Form the ground beef into 4 thin, oval-shaped patties approximately the size of your bread slices. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Place the bread, buttered side down, on a skillet or griddle. On each slice, layer one slice of cheese, a cooked beef patty, a generous amount of caramelized onions, a spoonful of the secret sauce, and another slice of cheese. Top with a second slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Grill the Patty Melts: Cook the assembled sandwiches over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve immediately with additional secret sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Rye bread is traditional for patty melts; however, sourdough or Texas toast make excellent alternatives.
- Substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- The secret sauce doubles as a delicious dip for fries, onion rings, or other sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
