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Homemade Patty Melt with Secret Sauce: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Juicy beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, melted cheese, and crispy rye bread come together in this classic comfort food recipe. Add a creamy, tangy secret sauce, and you’ve got the ultimate Homemade Patty Melt that rivals any diner favorite. Perfect for a hearty lunch, dinner, or indulgent treat!  
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Patty Melt:
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • Butter as needed, for grilling
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Secret Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Method
 

Prepare the Secret Sauce:
  1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. Stir until smooth and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Caramelize the Onions:
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter.
  2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and caramelized.
  3. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Patties:
  1. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape into thin patties.
  2. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
Cook the Patties:
  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
  3. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Assemble the Patty Melts:
  1. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
  2. Place four slices, butter-side down, in the skillet over medium heat.
  3. Layer each slice with one slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, a generous portion of caramelized onions, one slice of cheddar cheese, and a second slice of bread, butter-side up.
Grill the Patty Melts:
  1. Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
  1. Let the sandwiches rest for 1 minute before cutting in half.
  2. Serve with the secret sauce on the side or spread inside the sandwiches.

Notes

  • Take your time caramelizing the onions for the best flavor.
  • Use high-quality rye bread for its nutty, distinctive taste.
  • Customize with your favorite cheeses or bread varieties if preferred.