Delicious Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

There’s something classic about a patty melt. It’s the ultimate combo of a juicy burger, melty cheese, and golden, buttery bread. My first experience wasn’t at a fancy spot—it was at a tiny highway diner. The griddle sizzled, the waitress smiled, and the smell of caramelized onions and toasted rye hit me before my plate even arrived. One bite, and I was hooked for life.

Over time, I’ve perfected my own version at home. The magic isn’t just in the secret sauce (though it’s irresistible). It’s in crisping the bread evenly, caramelizing the onions until golden and sweet, and letting the cheese melt into every nook. Once you nail it, the diner version won’t stand a chance—you’ll be showing off yours instead.

Patty Melts with Secret Sauce – Recipe

Ingredients

Category Ingredient Amount Notes

For the Patties Ground beef (80/20) 1 lb / 450 g Juicy and flavorful

Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp Adds depth

Garlic powder 1 tsp Savory kick

Onion powder ½ tsp Enhances flavor

Smoked paprika ½ tsp Subtle smokiness

Salt ½ tsp Season to taste

Black pepper ¼ tsp Freshly ground

For the Onions Yellow onions, thinly sliced 2 medium Sweet and tender

Unsalted butter 2 tbsp For richness

Olive oil 1 tsp Prevents burning

Salt Pinch Draws out moisture

For the Secret Sauce Mayonnaise ½ cup Creamy base

Ketchup 2 tbsp Tangy sweetness

Yellow mustard 1 tbsp Sharp bite

Pickles or relish, finely diced 1 tbsp Crunch and tang

Smoked paprika ½ tsp Flavor boost

Garlic powder ½ tsp Savory note

For Assembly Rye bread (or sourdough) 8 slices Classic choice

Swiss cheese (or cheddar) 8 slices Melty goodness

Butter, softened 2 tbsp For spreading

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

Melt butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden and caramelized (12–15 minutes). Remove from heat.

2. Prepare the Patties

Combine ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Shape into 4 thin patties, about the size of your bread slices.

Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat, 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the Secret Sauce

Mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickles, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Patty Melts

Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.

On the unbuttered side, layer: bread → cheese → beef patty → caramelized onions → sauce → cheese → bread.

5. Grill the Sandwiches

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Cook sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula to help everything meld together.

✨ Tip: Serve with fries or a pickle spear for the full diner experience.