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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 patty melts 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This classic diner-style patty melt features a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery rye bread. The secret sauce takes it to the next levelโ€”donโ€™t lose this recipe!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Patty Melts:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 8 slices rye or sourdough bread
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (for toasting bread)

For the Secret Sauce:

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  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp finely diced pickles or pickle relish

Instructions

1๏ธโƒฃ Make the Secret Sauce:

  • In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and diced pickles.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2๏ธโƒฃ Caramelize the Onions:

  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
  • Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until golden and caramelized. Remove from heat.

3๏ธโƒฃ Cook the Beef Patties:

  • Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into oval patties (slightly larger than the bread, as they shrink while cooking).
  • Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Set aside.

4๏ธโƒฃ Assemble the Patty Melts:

  • Spread secret sauce on one side of each bread slice.
  • Layer Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese.
  • Top with another slice of bread, sauce side down.

5๏ธโƒฃ Toast the Sandwiches:

  • Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread (for extra crispiness).
  • Cook on a griddle or skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

6๏ธโƒฃ Serve & Enjoy!

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  • Slice in half and serve warm with extra secret sauce for dipping.

Notes

โœ” Bread Options: Swap rye bread for sourdough or Texas toast.
โœ” Cheese Variations: Try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a twist.
โœ” Make it Spicy: Add hot sauce or sriracha to the secret sauce.
โœ” Air Fryer Option: Air fry assembled sandwiches at 375ยฐF for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 patty melt
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg