Patty Melt with Secret Sauce is basically a burger–grilled cheese hybrid, and the “secret sauce” is what makes it taste like diner-style comfort food.
Here’s a solid homemade version.
Patty Melt with Secret Sauce
Ingredients
For the sandwich
- 2 slices rye bread (or sourdough if you prefer)
- 150–200g ground beef (per sandwich)
- 2 slices cheese (Swiss is classic, cheddar also works)
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 1–2 tbsp butter
- Salt & black pepper
Secret Sauce
Mix together:
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles)
- Optional: pinch garlic powder or paprika
Instructions
1. Caramelize onions
- Melt butter in a pan on low heat
- Add onions + pinch of salt
- Cook slowly for 15–25 minutes, stirring occasionally
- They should turn golden and sweet, not burnt
2. Cook the beef patty
- Form beef into a thin patty (slightly larger than bread)
- Season with salt & pepper
- Cook in a hot pan for 3–4 minutes per side
- Add cheese on top to melt at the end
3. Assemble
- Spread secret sauce on one or both bread slices
- Add beef patty with melted cheese
- Top with caramelized onions
- Close sandwich
4. Grill it
- Butter outside of bread
- Toast in a pan over medium heat
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy
Tips for the best patty melt
- Thin patty = better “diner style” bite
- Low and slow onions = key flavor layer
- Press lightly while grilling for crisp crust
- Let it rest 1 minute before cutting so cheese settles
Flavor upgrade ideas
- Add pickles inside for extra tang
- Swap Swiss for pepper jack for spice
- Add a fried egg for a “breakfast patty melt” version