If you love burgers and grilled sandwiches, you will adore this Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe. This sandwich is juicy, cheesy and packed with flavor.
The secret sauce makes it extra special. It combines creamy, tangy and slightly sweet flavors. The caramelized onions add a soft, rich touch and melted cheese makes it perfect.
You can enjoy this at home anytime. It’s easy to make and great for lunch or dinner. If you have been wondering how to make Patty Melt with Secret Sauce, this recipe will guide you step by step.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this patty melt for a family dinner. Everyone loved it instantly. The secret sauce was a game-changer. The caramelized onions added sweetness and depth. The bread toasted perfectly and held all the juicy ingredients.
I liked how quick it was to prepare. Even picky eaters enjoyed it. Making Patty Melt with Secret Sauce at home is cheaper than buying from restaurants. It also tastes fresher and more flavorful. I now make it often for weekend lunches.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Patty Melt with Secret Sauce
- Servings: 2–4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for sauce
Ingredients You Need for Patty Melt with Secret Sauce
For the Sandwich:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp pickle relish
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Make the Secret Sauce
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic and onion powder in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate. - Prepare the Onions
Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add onions and cook until caramelized and soft, about 10 minutes. - Shape the Patties
Divide ground beef into 4 equal parts. Shape each into a thin patty. Season with salt and pepper. - Cook the Patties
Heat skillet on medium. Cook patties 3–4 minutes each side until fully cooked. Remove and keep warm. - Toast the Bread
Butter one side of each bread slice. Toast on skillet until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. - Assemble the Sandwich
Place patty on bread. Add cheese, caramelized onions and a spoon of secret sauce. Top with another slice of bread. - Grill the Patty Melt
Place sandwich on skillet. Press lightly and cook 2–3 minutes each side until cheese melts and bread is golden. - Serve Hot
Remove from pan, cut in half and serve immediately with extra secret sauce if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use thin patties for quick cooking.
- Caramelize onions slowly for best sweetness.
- Rye bread is classic, but sourdough works too.
- Add extra cheese if you love gooey sandwiches.
- Make extra secret sauce and store for 1 week.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Patty Melt with Secret Sauce with a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad. Pickles on the side add crunch and tang. You can also enjoy it with coleslaw or roasted vegetables. This sandwich is filling, so small sides complement it well.
Best Sides To Serve With
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw or green salad
- Pickle spears or chips
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet on low heat to maintain crispiness. You can microwave, but bread may soften. Reheating slowly keeps cheese melty and onions flavorful.
Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp pickle relish
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
Make the Secret Sauce
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic and onion powder in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate.
Prepare the Onions
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add onions and cook until caramelized and soft, about 10 minutes.
Shape the Patties
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal parts. Shape each into a thin patty. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Patties
- Heat skillet on medium. Cook patties 3–4 minutes each side until fully cooked. Remove and keep warm.
Toast the Bread
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Toast on skillet until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Place patty on bread. Add cheese, caramelized onions and a spoon of secret sauce. Top with another slice of bread.
Grill the Patty Melt
- Place sandwich on skillet. Press lightly and cook 2–3 minutes each side until cheese melts and bread is golden.
Serve Hot
- Remove from pan, cut in half and serve immediately with extra secret sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use thin patties for quick cooking.
- Caramelize onions slowly for best sweetness.
- Rye bread is classic, but sourdough works too.
- Add extra cheese if you love gooey sandwiches.
- Make extra secret sauce and store for 1 week.
FAQs about Patty Melt with Secret Sauce
Q1: Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Swiss is classic, but cheddar or provolone works. Choose cheese that melts well.
Q2: Can I make the secret sauce ahead?
Yes, mix it and store in the fridge up to a week. Keeps flavors fresh.
Q3: Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, uncooked patties can be frozen. Thaw before cooking for best results.
Q4: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love cheesy sandwiches. You can reduce spices for milder flavor.
Conclusion
This Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe is easy, cheesy and full of flavor. The secret sauce makes it special. Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner at home.
Making it yourself is simple and fun. Enjoy this classic American sandwich fresh from your skillet. Try it today and impress your family with a homemade patty melt they will love!
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
