Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

Here’s a delicious, diner-style Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce recipe that’ll give you that perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, savory goodness.

🧀 Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

🍔 Ingredients:

For the Patty:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is best for flavor)

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra umami)

• 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese

• 4 slices of Swiss or American cheese

For the Onions:

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt

For the Bread:

• 4 slices of rye bread (marbled rye is classic)

• Butter for toasting

🔥 Secret Sauce:

Mix together the following:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles)

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp onion powder

• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Refrigerate for 10+ minutes to let the flavors meld.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:

   • Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Add sliced onions, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring often, until golden and soft (about 20–25 minutes). Set aside.

2. Make the Patties:

   • Divide ground beef into 2 equal portions and form into oval-shaped patties to roughly match the bread shape.

   • Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire.

   • Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through (3–4 minutes per side). Add cheese on each patty (1 slice cheddar + 1 slice Swiss) to melt.

3. Toast the Bread:

   • Butter one side of each rye slice.

   • In a clean skillet or griddle, place bread butter-side down, and toast until golden and crisp.

4. Assemble the Patty Melt:

   • Spread secret sauce on the unbuttered side of the bread slices.

   • Layer as follows: toasted bread + secret sauce + cheese-covered patty + caramelized onions + more sauce (if desired) + top bread slice.

   • Return to skillet and grill on both sides until crispy, melty, and golden brown.

🍟 Tips & Serving Ideas:

• Serve with crinkle-cut fries or onion rings.

• A dill pickle spear on the side adds a classic crunch.

• Add a slice of tomato or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.