A Patty Melt is the ultimate comfort food—a cross between a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich.
With juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, melty Swiss cheese, and perfectly toasted bread, it’s irresistible. Add a tangy, flavorful secret sauce, and you’ve got a sandwich that’s a surefire winner for lunch or dinner.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or griddle
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients Overview
- Ground Beef: The star of the dish, providing rich, meaty flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory, these take the sandwich to another level.
- Swiss Cheese: Creamy and perfectly melty.
- Bread: Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough or Texas toast works too.
- Secret Sauce: A tangy and creamy spread that ties all the flavors together.
Ingredients
For the Patty Melt
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices rye bread (or bread of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
For the Secret Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
Instructions
- Prepare the Secret Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pickle relish until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Onions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Beef Patties
- Season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide the beef into 2 or 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties slightly larger than the bread slices.
- In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread secret sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese on half of the bread slices. Top with the remaining bread, sauce side down.
- Grill the Sandwiches
- Butter the outside of each sandwich. Heat the skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Serve
- Slice each patty melt in half and serve hot with extra secret sauce on the side.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a patty melt that’s bursting with flavor: prepare the sauce, caramelize the onions, cook the patties, and grill everything to perfection.
Recipe Tips
- For extra flavor, toast the bread slightly before assembling the sandwiches.
- Keep the skillet heat moderate to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts.
- Swap out Swiss cheese for cheddar or provolone if you prefer.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
- A crisp dill pickle on the side.
- Coleslaw or a simple side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, sourdough, whole wheat, or even brioche are great options.
What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
Low and slow is the key. Stir occasionally and be patient for the sweetest, most flavorful results.
Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Patty Melt hot with a side of fries, chips, or a simple salad. For a complete meal, pair it with a creamy tomato soup or a refreshing lemonade.
Enjoy this diner-style classic with a homemade twist!
Patty Melt is the ultimate comfort food
A Patty Melt is the ultimate comfort food—a cross between a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich.
Equipment
- Large skillet or griddle
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- For the Patty Melt
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices rye bread or bread of choice
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- For the Secret Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pickle relish until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Onions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Beef Patties
- Season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide the beef into 2 or 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties slightly larger than the bread slices.
- In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread secret sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, and another slice of Swiss cheese on half of the bread slices. Top with the remaining bread, sauce side down.
- Grill the Sandwiches
- Butter the outside of each sandwich. Heat the skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Serve
- Slice each patty melt in half and serve hot with extra secret sauce on the side.
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