
If you’ve ever sat at a cozy booth in an old-school diner, chances are you’ve come across the legendary patty melt. A glorious mash-up of a cheeseburger and grilled cheese sandwich, this comfort food staple is crispy, juicy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. But what truly takes a patty melt over the top? The secret sauce.
Today, we’re bringing you a homemade Patty Melts with Secret Sauce recipe that delivers big flavor and nostalgic vibes—right from your own kitchen.
What Is a Patty Melt?
A patty melt combines a seasoned beef patty, caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and a generous slathering of secret sauce—grilled between two slices of rye bread until golden and crispy. It’s hearty, indulgent, and bursting with savory goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Patty Melts:
-
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 large onion, thinly sliced
-
1 tbsp butter (plus more for grilling)
-
4 slices of rye bread (or your favorite sandwich bread)
-
4 slices of Swiss or American cheese
For the Secret Sauce:
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
2 tbsp ketchup
-
1 tbsp yellow mustard
-
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
-
1/2 tsp garlic powder
-
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a kick)