Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and crispy toasted bread—taken over the top with a creamy, tangy secret sauce.

Ingredients (Makes 4 patty melts)

Patties:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Onions:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter

Sandwiches:

• 8 slices rye or sandwich bread
• 8 slices cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or American)
• Butter, softened (for grilling)

Secret Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp pickle relish
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Black pepper, to taste

Detailed Instructions

1. Make the secret sauce
   • In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
   • Stir until smooth and creamy.
   • Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest—this helps flavors blend.
2. Caramelize the onions
   • Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
   • Add sliced onions and stir to coat with butter.
   • Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft, deep golden, and sweet.
   • Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the patties
   • Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions.
   • Shape into thin, oval patties slightly larger than the bread (they shrink as they cook).
   • Season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the patties
   • Increase skillet heat to medium-high.
   • Cook patties for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
   • Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. Assemble the patty melts
   • Butter one side of each bread slice.
   • Place 4 slices butter-side down on a clean surface.
   • Spread a generous layer of secret sauce on the unbuttered side.
   • Add cheese, a beef patty, caramelized onions, another slice of cheese, then top with remaining bread (butter-side up).
6. Grill the sandwiches
   • Return skillet to medium heat.
   • Cook sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
7. Rest and serve
   • Remove from heat and let rest 1 minute.
   • Slice in half and serve hot.

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Tips & Variations

• 🧀 Classic diner style: Use Swiss + American cheese combo.
• 🔥 Extra crispy: Grill low and slow for deeper browning.
• 🥓 Upgrade: Add beef bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
• 🍔 Sauce twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the secret sauce.