Crispy rye, melty cheese, juicy beef… and that sauce? Game over. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step Patty Melts with Secret Sauce recipe.

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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Servings

2–4 sandwiches
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

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Ingredients

Secret Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• Black pepper to taste

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Patty Melts

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

• Salt and black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon butter + 1 tablespoon oil (for onions)

• 8 slices rye bread (marbled or regular)

• 8 slices Swiss cheese

• 4 slices cheddar cheese

• Softened butter (for grilling)

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Step-by-Step Directions

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STEP 1: Make the Secret Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

2. Stir until smooth and well blended.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (longer = better flavor).

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STEP 2: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.

2. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized.

3. Season lightly with salt. Remove from pan and set aside.

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STEP 3: Cook the Beef Patties

1. Divide ground beef into 4 thin oval patties (slightly larger than the bread).

2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.

3. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.

4. Cook patties 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through.

5. Remove and rest briefly.

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STEP 4: Assemble the Patty Melts

1. Lay out rye bread slices.

2. Spread secret sauce on one side of each slice.

3. On 4 slices, layer:

   • Swiss cheese

   • Beef patty

   • Caramelized onions

   • Cheddar cheese

4. Top with remaining bread slices, sauce-side down.

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STEP 5: Grill the Sandwiches

1. Butter the outside of each sandwich.

2. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.

3. Cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.

4. Flip carefully to avoid losing filling.

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STEP 6: Serve

1. Let sandwiches rest 1–2 minutes.

2. Slice in half and serve hot.

3. Extra secret sauce on the side is strongly encouraged.

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Tips for Diner-Style Perfection

• Thin patties = better cheese melt and bread balance

• Low heat prevents burning before cheese melts

• Rye bread is classic, but sourdough works too

• Wrap in foil for 5 minutes for ultra-melty results

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Variations

• Spicy: Add hot sauce or cayenne to the sauce

• Mushroom melt: Add sautéed mushrooms

• Double stack: Two patties, extra cheese

• Turkey melt: Swap beef for turkey patties