Classic Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

A Patty Melt is the perfect middle ground between a burger and a grilled cheese. The secret to a legendary melt is the “cheese sandwich” technique—placing cheese on both the top and bottom of the patty to act as a savory glue that holds the bread, meat and secret sauce together. Rye bread is traditional, but sourdough or thick Texas toast gives a sturdy, buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with juicy beef, and tangy sauce.

Ingredients
For the Melts

Ingredient Amount
Ground beef (80/20) 1 ½ lbs
Sandwich bread (Rye, Sourdough, etc.) 8 slices
Cheese (Swiss, American, or a mix) 8 slices
Butter, softened 4 tbsp
Salt and black pepper To taste
For the Secret Sauce

Ingredient Amount
Mayonnaise ½ cup
Ketchup 2 tbsp
Mustard (Yellow or Dijon) 1 tbsp
Pickle relish (Sweet or Dill) 1 tbsp
Garlic powder ½ tsp
Smoked paprika ½ tsp
Black pepper 1 pinch
Instructions
1. Make the Secret Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Chill in the fridge for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.

2. Shape and Sear the Patties:
Divide the beef into 4 portions and shape into rectangles or rounds slightly larger than your bread (they will shrink). Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Tip: If adding caramelized onions, cook them in the beef fat left in the pan for extra flavor.

3. Assemble the Melts:
Butter one side of all 8 slices of bread. On the non-buttered side of 4 slices, layer:

Slice of cheese
Cooked beef patty
Onions/mushrooms (optional)
Dollop of secret sauce
Second slice of cheese
Top with remaining bread, butter side up
4. Grill to Golden Perfection:
Heat skillet over medium heat. Cook “low and slow” so the bread turns golden as the cheese melts. Grill 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula.

5. Rest and Serve:
Let the melts rest for 1 minute to allow the cheese to set slightly. Slice diagonally and serve hot