Sizzling Patty Melts With Secret Sauce Recipe That Wows Everyone

Crafting the ultimate patty melt with secret sauce brings pure comfort to your dinner plate.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly seasoned beef nestled between golden toasted bread.

Childhood memories of diner classics inspire this homemade version that surpasses any restaurant offering.

Rich caramelized onions add depth and complexity to each delectable bite.

Sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses create a luxurious molten layer across the meat.

Crispy edges and a tangy sauce elevate this sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.

Patty Melt Flavor Swaps

• Gluten-Free Patty Melt: Replace rye bread with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the patty mixture for binding.
• Vegetarian Patty Alternative: Swap ground beef with plant-based burger patties or grilled portobello mushrooms. Keep the secret sauce and cheese for flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the bread entirely and serve patties on a bed of mixed greens. Use crispy bacon as a crunchy topping and maintain the secret sauce for extra taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute provolone and cheddar with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use vegan mayonnaise in the secret sauce for a lactose-free option.

FAQs

• Why rye bread for patty melts?

Rye bread provides a robust, tangy flavor that complements the rich beef and melted cheese, creating a more complex taste profile compared to standard white or wheat bread.

• Can I use different ground meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chuck work great. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the patties juicy and flavorful.

• What makes the secret sauce unique?

The combination of bacon, ketchup, and relish creates a complex, sweet-savory condiment that elevates the traditional patty melt with unexpected depth and richness.

• How do I know the patties are cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which ensures the ground beef is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Why Patty Melts With Sauce Stand Out

• Quick and Convenient Meal: Whip up these mouthwatering patty melts in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger cravings.
• Flavor-Packed Secret Sauce: Elevate the classic sandwich with a unique, homemade sauce that combines bacon, mayo, and tangy relish for an explosion of taste.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Indulge in two types of melted cheese – provolone and cheddar – creating a gooey, irresistible texture that will make your taste buds dance.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by switching up bread types or adding personal favorite ingredients to make this dish your own signature meal.

Ingredients for Patty Melts With Sauce

• Ground Beef: Rich and flavorful base for the patties.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning blend for enhanced meat flavor.

• Provolone Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty and creamy cheese layers.

• Rye Bread Slices: Hearty and tangy bread for the sandwich.

• Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Sugar, Chopped Bacon, Relish: Creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce with bacon bits.

• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy bread exterior.

Patty Melts With Sauce Made Easy

Step 1: Shape Savory Beef Patties

Gently divide ground beef into three equal portions.

Mold each portion into patties slightly larger than rye bread slices, ensuring they’ll perfectly cover the bread when assembled.

Step 2: Elevate Patty Flavors

• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the meat for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Sizzle the Patties

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place patties in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure the meat is cooked through.

Transfer finished patties to a plate.

Step 4: Whip Up Tantalizing Secret Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Crispy chopped bacon
• Ketchup
• Sugar
• Sweet relish

Stir ingredients until they blend into a creamy, flavor-packed sauce.

Step 5: Butter Up the Bread

Generously spread softened butter on one side of each rye bread slice.

The butter will create a crispy, golden exterior when toasted.

Step 6: Build Mouthwatering Sandwiches

• Place buttered bread slices face-down in the skillet
• Add provolone cheese slices
• Lay cooked beef patty
• Top with cheddar cheese slices
• Spread secret sauce on the other bread slice
• Close the sandwich with the sauced side facing down

Step 7: Toast to Perfection

Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown bottom and melting provolone cheese.

Step 8: Crisp the Other Side

Carefully flip the sandwiches.

Cook an additional 3-4 minutes until cheddar melts and bread turns crispy.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow patty melts to cool slightly.

Slice diagonally and serve with extra secret sauce for dipping.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Great Patty Melts

• Choose high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier, more flavorful patties that won't dry out during cooking.
• Use room temperature butter for even spreading and ensure complete bread coverage to achieve a perfectly golden, crispy exterior.
• Layer cheeses strategically – provolone first for smooth melting, cheddar on top for extra flavor and classic melt texture.
• Create extra secret sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
• Use medium heat when toasting sandwiches to prevent burning while ensuring thorough cheese melting and bread crispiness.

Store & Reheat Patty Melts Properly

• Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Warm sandwiches over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Add a splash of butter to restore crispy bread and help melt the cheese evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place wrapped patty melts on a baking sheet and heat for 10-12 minutes. Unwrap during the last 2 minutes to crisp the bread.
• Skip microwaving to prevent bread from becoming rubbery and cheese from turning tough. Skillet or oven methods preserve the original texture and flavor.

What Goes With Patty Melts

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Uncork a bold Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the patty melt. Its robust tannins and dark fruit notes will cut through the cheese and enhance the savory beef.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy amber ale or an American brown ale that mirrors the sandwich's hearty profile. The malty undertones and slight bitterness will balance the secret sauce and melted cheeses.
• Crisp Side Salad Pairing: Whip up a tangy arugula salad with pickled red onions and a light vinaigrette. The peppery greens and acidic dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, decadent patty melt.
• Pickle Plate Partner: Serve with a quick-pickled vegetable plate featuring cucumber, carrots, and jalapeños. The bright, crunchy pickles will add zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the sandwich.

Patty Melts With Secret Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering patty melts dance with bold flavors between crispy rye bread, bringing classic diner comfort to your kitchen. Melted Swiss cheese and caramelized onions merge with secret sauce for an irresistible sandwich you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef

Bread:

• 6 slices rye bread

Cheese:

• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• 6 slices provolone cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• 12 teaspoons onion powder
• 12 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Fat:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

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Instructions

1. Craft hearty patties from ground beef, sizing them slightly larger than the rye bread to ensure optimal coverage when assembled.
2. Enhance the meat’s flavor profile by generously seasoning both sides with a balanced blend of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear the patties in a preheated skillet over medium-high heat, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes until achieving a robust caramelized exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
4. Prepare the signature sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, crispy chopped bacon, tangy ketchup, subtle sweetness from sugar, and zesty relish until ingredients meld into a cohesive condiment.
5. Apply softened butter generously across one side of each rye bread slice, creating a golden crisp foundation for toasting.
6. Construct the sandwich layers strategically: place bread buttered-side down in the skillet, then layer provolone cheese, perfectly cooked patty, cheddar cheese, and lavish secret sauce on the opposing bread slice.
7. Toast the assembled sandwich over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, monitoring until the bottom achieves a rich golden-brown hue and provolone melts luxuriously.
8. Carefully invert the sandwich, continuing to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to ensure cheddar cheese melts completely and bread develops a satisfying crispness.
9. Allow the patty melt to rest briefly after cooking, then slice diagonally and serve with additional secret sauce for optional dipping pleasure.

Notes

• Customize patty size by adjusting meat thickness to match bread slices for perfect coverage and even cooking.
• Select ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio to ensure juicy, flavorful patties that don’t dry out during grilling.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother, more even bread coating that creates a crispier golden-brown exterior.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like Swiss or Gruyère for unique flavor profiles while maintaining classic melt texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg