Description
This Ultimate Patty Melt recipe combines juicy, seasoned beef patties with melted Swiss and American cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy secret sauce, all sandwiched between buttery toasted rye bread. The result is a savory, flavor-packed sandwich that’s perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patty Melts
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the juiciest burgers)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices rye bread
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting the bread)
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded American cheese
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions (see below)
For the Secret Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Caramelized Onions
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the caramelized onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Caramelize the onions: Add sugar, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Set aside.
- Make the secret sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare the patties: Shape the ground beef into 4 equal patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the patties: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Butter the bread: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Assemble the sandwiches: On the non-buttered side of 2 slices, spread a generous amount of secret sauce. Place a cooked patty on top of each slice, followed by a mix of Swiss and American cheese, and a layer of caramelized onions.
- Top and prepare for toasting: Place the other slices of bread on top, buttered side facing up.
- Toast the sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from heat and cut the sandwiches in half. Serve immediately with your favorite side!
Notes
- For juicier patties, use ground beef with 20% fat content.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing sweet, rich flavors—do not rush this step.
- You can swap rye bread for sourdough or your favorite sturdy bread.
- Adjust cooking time of patties based on your preferred doneness.
- Pressing down the sandwiches while toasting helps achieve a crispy exterior and melty cheese.
- Store leftover secret sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
