Description
This classic Patty Melt recipe features juicy seasoned beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, and melty Swiss or cheddar cheese nestled between buttery grilled rye or sourdough bread. Enhanced by a tangy secret sauce combining mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, and mustard, these diner-style sandwich melts are rich and flavorful, perfect for a comforting main course anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Onions:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles or relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Melts:
- 8 slices rye bread or sourdough
- 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- Butter for grilling
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Patties: While the onions cook, divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a thin oval patty slightly larger than your bread slices. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until fully cooked. Set the cooked patties aside.
- Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, finely chopped pickles or relish, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, evenly spread the secret sauce. Then layer each with one slice of cheese, a cooked beef patty, a generous amount of caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese. Top each with a second bread slice, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the Patty Melts: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Slice the patty melts in half and serve them warm alongside fries, pickles, or coleslaw for a classic diner-style meal.
Notes
- Use a blend of Swiss and cheddar cheese for a rich, melty, and bold flavor.
- You can prepare the caramelized onions and secret sauce ahead of time to save on cooking day.
- Serve with your favorite sides such as fries, pickles, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
