Easy Patty Melt with Secret Sauce Recipe | Best Sandwich
Ever wondered if you could enjoy the comfort of a juicy burger and the crispy-cheese goodness of a grilled sandwich in one? This easy patty melt with secret sauce recipe combines caramelized onions, melted cheese, and tangy homemade sauce between buttery toasted rye slices. It’s a comforting hybrid of a grilled cheese and burger — ready in under 30 minutes!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
Secret Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt mayo for lighter version
- 2 Tbsp ketchup or tomato purée + honey
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice or vinegar + chopped pickle
- 1/4 tsp paprika or smoked paprika for depth
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder or 1/2 clove minced fresh garlic
Sandwich
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or butter/avocado oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced use red onions or shallots if desired
- 12 oz 85/15 ground beef or turkey or plant-based ground
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or pepper mix for spice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for umami
- 8 slices rye bread or sourdough/whole-grain
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter or ghee/vegan butter
- 4 slices Swiss cheese or Gruyère/provolone
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or pepper-jack for spice
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Secret Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder. Adjust taste and refrigerate if preparing ahead for deeper flavour. - Step 2: Caramelise the Onions
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and salt. Cook 12–15 minutes until golden-brown and tender. Deglaze with a splash of water if needed. - Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties
Mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape into 2 patties. Cook in skillet 3–4 minutes per side until desired doneness. Rest briefly. - Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, spread secret sauce, then layer Swiss cheese, beef patty, caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese. Top with another bread slice, buttered side out. - Step 5: Grill to Finish
Grill sandwiches in skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts. Press gently with spatula for even cooking. - Step 6: Serve Immediately
Let rest 30 seconds, slice diagonally, and enjoy warm with gooey cheese pull and tangy sauce.
Notes
Customize your easy patty melt with secret sauce recipe by using plant-based patties or spicy cheese blends. Make the sauce a day ahead for maximum flavour.