If you’re craving a hearty, savory sandwich with a bit of extra flair, the Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is exactly what you need. This classic melt brings together a juicy beef patty, creamy Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and a zesty homemade sauce—all between buttery toasted rye bread. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s sure to be a hit for any meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 slices rye bread
4 slices Swiss cheese
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter (divided)
For the Secret Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon pickle relish
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Start by mixing together all the secret sauce ingredients in a small bowl. I like to set it aside to let the flavors meld together while I prepare the other components.
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until they are beautifully caramelized and golden brown. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside.
Form the ground beef into two equal patties, slightly larger than the slices of bread. Season both sides with salt and pepper to your liking.
In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. In the final minute of cooking, top each patty with two slices of Swiss cheese so it can melt. Once done, remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Then, place two slices, buttered side down, in the skillet. Spread a generous layer of the secret sauce on each slice. Top one slice with a cheese-topped patty, followed by the caramelized onions. Finally, place the other slice of bread, buttered side up, on top.
Cook the sandwiches over medium heat, pressing gently with a spatula. Flip once and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted—about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm with extra secret sauce on the side if you’re feeling indulgent.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Storage/Reheating
If you have leftovers, I recommend storing the sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, I prefer to heat them on a skillet or in a toaster oven to keep the bread crispy. A quick reheat in the microwave is an option, but it may make the bread a little soggy.
FAQs
How can I make the secret sauce spicier?
If you love a little heat, you can add some hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the secret sauce mixture. This will give it a nice spicy kick.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese works perfectly for its meltability and flavor, you can also try cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack if you want something a little more bold.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking. This makes dinner even easier when you’re ready to cook.
Is rye bread the only option for this sandwich?
While rye bread adds great flavor, you can also use other types of bread like sourdough, whole wheat, or even a hearty white bread. It’s all about your personal preference!
How can I make the onions cook faster?
To speed up the caramelization process, you can cook the onions over medium-high heat. However, they won’t become as soft and sweet as they do when cooked low and slow, so be careful not to burn them.
Conclusion
The Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is a classic comfort food that combines juicy beef, gooey cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy sauce, all nestled between buttery, crispy rye bread. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this sandwich never disappoints. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can have an incredibly satisfying meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe:
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Patty Melt with Secret Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty, savory sandwich featuring a juicy beef patty, creamy Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and a zesty homemade secret sauce, all sandwiched between buttery toasted rye bread.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 slices rye bread
4 slices Swiss cheese
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter (divided)
For the Secret Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon pickle relish
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix together all the secret sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside to let the flavors meld together.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, until they are caramelized and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Form the ground beef into two equal patties, slightly larger than the slices of bread. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness is reached. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with two slices of Swiss cheese to melt. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place two slices, buttered side down, in the skillet. Spread a generous layer of the secret sauce on each slice.
- Top one slice of bread with a cheese-topped patty, followed by the caramelized onions. Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
- Cook the sandwiches over medium heat, pressing gently with a spatula. Flip once and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm with extra secret sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
For a spicier sauce, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the secret sauce mixture.
Feel free to swap the Swiss cheese for cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Form the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to two days before cooking.
If you prefer a different type of bread, you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or a hearty white bread instead of rye.
To speed up caramelizing the onions, cook them over medium-high heat, but be careful not to burn them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
