🍔 Ultimate Patty Melts with Secret Sauce 🍔
A diner classic with a crispy twist, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and juicy beef — all tucked between golden, buttery bread slices with a tangy, creamy secret sauce!
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Patty Melts:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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8 slices of rye bread (or sourdough)
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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8 slices of cheese (Swiss, American, or cheddar – or a combo)
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2–3 tbsp butter (for grilling)
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Optional: garlic powder for extra flavor
For the Secret Sauce:
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1/3 cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tbsp yellow mustard
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1 tbsp finely chopped pickles (or pickle relish)
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
🔥 Instructions:
1. Make the Secret Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickles, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tbsp butter and cook the sliced onions for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and golden brown.
3. Cook the Patties:
Form the ground beef into 4 thin, oval patties (roughly the shape of your bread). Season with salt and pepper.
Cook in a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Melts:
Spread secret sauce on the inside of each bread slice.
Layer cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, and more cheese between two slices.
5. Grill the Melts:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter the outsides of the bread slices and cook each sandwich until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
🧄 Tips for the Best Patty Melt:
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Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
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Toast the bread lightly before assembling if you want extra crispiness.
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Press gently while grilling for even browning.
❤️ Serve With:
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Pickles
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Crinkle fries or onion rings
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A side of coleslaw or simple salad.