Patty melts are a comforting classic that always hit the spot, especially on busy weeknights. This beloved diner favorite — with its crispy bread, juicy burger, melty cheese, and delicious caramelized onions — is a nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly easy to
recreate at home. And let’s not forget the star of this recipe: the secret sauce that takes it to the next level! Perfect for satisfying cravings without leaving the house.Patty melts pair wonderfully with crispy fries or a fresh side salad to balance the richness. For a bit of variety, try sweet potato fries or a light coleslaw. And of course — don’t forget the pickle spear!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Butter, for grilling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Direction
- Start by making the secret sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized, about 15–20 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat until they are cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place 4 slices, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Top each slice of bread with a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, a slice of cheddar cheese, and another slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Once done, remove from the skillet and let the patty melts rest for a minute before slicing them in half. Serve immediately with the secret sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
Variations & Tips
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also switch up the cheeses to your preference, like using pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try a plant-based burger patty. Don’t skip the secret sauce — it’s what makes this recipe special!