Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and irresistibly indulgent, this Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is your new go-to. Juicy beef patties, golden caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and a creamy tangy sauce come together between slices of perfectly grilled bread. It’s the ultimate comfort food classic—with a flavor-packed twist.
⭐️ “Just made this recipe and it was delicious! The sauce goes perfectly with the patty melt. This meal will be a regular dinner at my house!” – Erin
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make the perfect patty melt:
For the Secret Sauce:
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon pickle juice (or apple cider vinegar)
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Patty Melts:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 large onions, thinly sliced
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12 ounces ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 preferred)
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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8 slices rye bread (or Texas toast/white bread)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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4 slices Swiss cheese
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4 slices cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Secret Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Caramelize the Onions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Form and Cook the Patties
In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Shape into four thin, oblong patties to match your bread. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and wipe out excess grease.
4. Assemble and Grill the Sandwiches
Butter one side of each slice of bread. On a clean skillet over medium heat, layer in this order:
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Bread (buttered side down)
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Swiss cheese
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Beef patty
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Caramelized onions
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Secret sauce
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Cheddar cheese
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Top bread slice (buttered side up)
Grill until golden and crispy on both sides, about 1–2 minutes per side.
You Must Know
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Caramelized onions take time—don’t rush them. They add deep, sweet flavor that’s key to the dish.
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Patties will shrink while cooking, so shape them slightly larger than the bread.
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Secret sauce is similar to Thousand Island dressing—but way better! It’s also amazing on burgers and fries.
Make Ahead and Storage
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Make Ahead: Caramelized onions and secret sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
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Leftovers: Store any assembled (but ungrilled) sandwiches in the fridge, wrapped tightly, for up to 24 hours.
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Reheating: Reheat patty melts in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy again.
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Secret Sauce: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Seasonal Variations
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Summer Twist: Add fresh tomato slices and arugula for a bright, peppery bite.
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Fall Comfort: Swap cheddar for sharp provolone and mix in sautéed mushrooms with the onions.
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Winter Warm-Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle to the secret sauce for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your patty melt with:
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Oven-Roasted Potatoes
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Sweet Potato Fries
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Southern Coleslaw
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Pickles or Pepperoncini
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Crispy Onion Rings
For drinks, think cold beer, classic cola, or a creamy vanilla milkshake.
No-Bake Alternative
Craving the flavor without the stove? Try a Patty Melt Salad Bowl:
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Skip the bread, layer grilled beef patties over greens, top with caramelized onions, shredded cheese, and drizzle with secret sauce.
Low-carb, gluten-free, and just as satisfying.
Pro Tips
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Use quality bread – Rye is traditional, but thick Texas toast holds up well to the fillings.
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Don’t skip the butter – It’s what gives the bread that golden, restaurant-style crunch.
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Use room-temperature cheese for easier melting.
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Cook onions low and slow – patience makes perfect here.
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Wipe the skillet clean before grilling the sandwiches for crisp, clean searing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the secret sauce made of?
A: A simple blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and paprika.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter variation.
Q: Why did my burger patties shrink?
A: Patties shrink as fat renders during cooking. Shape them slightly larger than your bread slices.
Q: How long will the secret sauce last?
A: Up to 2 weeks in a sealed container in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze patty melts?
A: Yes. Wrap ungrilled sandwiches tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and grill when ready to eat.
🍽️ Final Thoughts
This Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is the ultimate comfort food classic, made with real ingredients and bold flavors. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.
