Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Yes! 🍔🧅 Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are the perfect mashup of a cheeseburger and a grilled cheese — melty, crispy, savory, and packed with caramelized onions and a tangy, creamy sauce that takes them to the next level.

These are a diner classic, and with the secret sauce and some golden griddled bread, they’re even better homemade.

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🧀 Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins

Serves: 4

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🍔 Ingredients:

For the Patty Melts:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is best)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp butter (for onions)

• 8 slices rye bread, sourdough, or Texas toast

• 8 slices Swiss or American cheese

• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting bread)

🔥 Optional:

• A dash of Worcestershire sauce in the beef

• Pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for seasoning

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🔐 Secret Sauce (Copycat Style)

Mix together:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Chill for 10 minutes while you cook.

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🔪 Instructions:

✅ 1. Caramelize the onions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter.

2. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.

3. Cook low and slow for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft.

4. Set aside.

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✅ 2. Make the patties

1. Divide beef into 4 thin oval patties (about the size/shape of your bread slices).

2. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices.

3. Cook in a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.

4. Set aside.

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✅ 3. Build the patty melts

For each sandwich:

1. Spread secret sauce on the inside of both bread slices.

2. Layer:

   • 1 slice of bread (sauce side up)

   • 1 slice of cheese

   • 1 beef patty

   • A scoop of caramelized onions

   • Another slice of cheese

   • Top slice of bread (sauce side down)

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✅ 4. Grill the sandwiches

1. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet or on a griddle.

2. Cook each sandwich over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

3. Add more butter as needed for each batch.

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🍟 Serve with:

• French fries, onion rings, or a simple pickle spear

• Extra secret sauce on the side for dipping

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🔁 Variations:

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🧊 Storage Tip:

• Patty melts are best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or air fryer to crisp the bread again.

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Want to turn this into a patty melt slider board, a vegetarian version, or even a griddle-friendly camping recipe? Let me know!