Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe gives me that classic diner flavor without ever leaving my kitchen. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight but feels special every time I serve it. The combination of two cheeses adds richness, the onions bring sweetness, and that buttery rye bread gets wonderfully crispy on the griddle. And the sauce? It’s addictively good. I usually double the batch so I have extra for dipping.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground beef
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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8 slices rye bread
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4 slices Swiss cheese
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4 slices cheddar cheese
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Butter, for grilling
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the secret sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
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Make the Secret Sauce:
I mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. I give it a good stir, then set it aside so the flavors can come together. -
Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, I melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. I add the sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring every so often, for 15–20 minutes until they’re golden brown and soft. Then I remove them from the pan and set them aside. -
Cook the Patties:
I divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into thin patties that are about the same size as the bread slices. I season both sides with salt and pepper, then cook them in the same skillet over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked. I set the patties aside when they’re done. -
Assemble the Patty Melts:
I butter one side of each slice of rye bread. On a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat, I place 4 slices of bread, butter-side down. On each slice, I layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, some caramelized onions, a slice of cheddar cheese, and then top it with another slice of bread, butter-side up. -
Grill the Sandwiches:
I grill each sandwich for about 2–3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. I use a spatula to press them down slightly as they cook for even toasting. -
Serve:
I let the sandwiches rest for a minute, then slice them in half and serve them hot. I either drizzle the secret sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 hearty patty melts.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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For extra flavor, I swap the Swiss with pepper jack or provolone.
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When I want to go vegetarian, I use plant-based burger patties and vegan cheese—it still works beautifully.
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Adding a few sautéed mushrooms or a slice of tomato gives it even more depth.
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I’ve also used sourdough or Texas toast when I don’t have rye on hand.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in the fridge wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 2 days.
To reheat, I warm them in a skillet over low heat or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes—just enough to crisp the bread and melt the cheese again. I avoid the microwave so the bread stays crisp.
FAQs
Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?
Yes. I often make it a day ahead—it actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
What type of rye bread should I use?
I like marbled rye for both flavor and visual appeal, but regular rye or seeded rye also work great.
Can I freeze patty melts?
I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled melts, but I’ve pre-cooked the patties and frozen them separately to save time later.
What’s the best cheese combination?
I love the mix of Swiss and cheddar, but Monterey Jack, American, or even gouda also melt beautifully and add great flavor.
What sides go best with this?
I usually serve these with fries, sweet potato fries, or a crisp side salad. A pickle spear is a must—it cuts the richness perfectly.
Conclusion
Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are a comforting, cheesy, flavor-packed meal that never fails to impress. I love making them for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever I need a little taste of classic diner nostalgia. They’re easy, satisfying, and that secret sauce is so good, I’ve had more than one person ask me for the recipe before they even finished their plate.
Print
Patty Melts with Secret Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and crispy rye bread come together in this classic patty melt—made even better with a crave-worthy secret sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 slices rye bread
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices cheddar cheese
Butter, for grilling
Salt and pepper, to taste
Secret Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp ketchup
1 Tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and caramelized (15–20 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Cook the Patties: Divide ground beef into 4 thin patties. Season with salt and pepper. Cook in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Assemble the Patty Melts: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices, butter-side down, on a skillet or griddle. Top each with:
1 slice Swiss cheese
1 cooked patty
Caramelized onions
1 slice cheddar cheese
1 slice of bread, butter-side up
Grill: Cook sandwiches over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Serve: Let rest for 1 minute. Slice and serve with secret sauce on the side or drizzled over the sandwich.
Notes
Variations:
Use ground turkey or plant-based patties for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Swap in pepper jack, provolone, or mozzarella cheese based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with fries, sweet potato fries, a side salad, coleslaw, or a pickle spear.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop / Griddle
- Cuisine: American
