Patty Melt With Secret Sauce

Did you know the Patty Melt is actually a blend of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich? This classic dish combines juicy beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all tucked between slices of rye bread. But what really sets it apart is the secret sauce, which adds a zesty twist. If you’re curious about how to make this delicious comfort food, keep following along for the recipe and some interesting history behind it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try making a patty melt with secret sauce, you’ll quickly discover why this dish is a favorite for so many people. The flavorful ingredients, like juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, create a taste explosion. The secret sauce adds a tangy kick, elevating the entire meal. Using rye bread gives you a hearty texture that pairs perfectly with the fillings. Plus, this recipe is easy to prepare; you’ll just caramelize some onions, grill the patties, and whip up the secret sauce with common items like mayonnaise and ketchup. You can even customize it with different cheeses or use plant-based patties for a vegetarian option. It’s satisfying and makes for a comforting meal at any time, making it a beloved diner classic.

History

The history of the patty melt is fascinating, as it combines the classic elements of a burger with the comforting qualities of grilled cheese.

This delicious sandwich likely began in Southern California during the 1940s or 1950s, often credited to Tiny Naylor, a notable restaurateur.

After World War II, diners became creative hubs for new sandwich ideas. The patty melt gained popularity during this time, reflecting the American spirit of simplicity and comfort.

It features key ingredients like well-seasoned ground beef, robust rye bread, and sweet caramelized onions. Plus, the secret sauce adds moisture and flavor, often resembling Thousand Island dressing. Traditionally made with rye bread, the patty melt offers a robust flavor and chewy texture that balances its richness.

Today, the patty melt remains a beloved staple in diners and modern gastro-pubs alike.

Recipe

Ingredients
– 1-1½ pounds ground beef
– 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
– Rye or sourdough bread slices
– 2-3 medium onions, thinly sliced
– Butter or cooking oil (for cooking onions and sandwiches)
– Mayonnaise
– Ketchup
– Dijon mustard (optional)
– Pickle juice (optional)
– Paprika (optional)
– Garlic powder (optional)
– Sweet pickle relish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Begin by preparing the caramelized onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden brown, about 35 minutes.
If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can cook them on low heat for up to 3 hours.
While the onions are caramelizing, prepare the secret sauce. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and any additional ingredients you desire, such as Dijon mustard, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, and sweet pickle relish. Adjust the flavors to your liking and set the sauce aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then shape the beef mixture into oval patties. Higher fat content in beef leads to more shrinkage during cooking, so keep that in mind when choosing your meat.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little butter or cooking oil. Cook the patties for about 2-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
To assemble the sandwiches, layer one slice of bread with the secret sauce, followed by a layer of caramelized onions, a cooked beef patty, and your choice of cheese. Top with another slice of bread.
In the same skillet, add more butter or oil as needed, and place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Cook over medium heat, flipping once, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 3 minutes per side.

Extra Tips
For the best Patty Melt experience, be sure to keep an eye on the heat while cooking both the onions and the sandwiches to prevent burning.

If you like your onions extra sweet, let them caramelize longer while stirring occasionally.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, to find your perfect flavor combination.

Serve with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

Enjoying a Patty Melt at home is a satisfying experience that brings a classic diner dish right to your kitchen.

This sandwich, believed to have originated in Southern California in the 1940s or 1950s, combines a juicy beef patty with melted cheese and grilled bread.

You can customize your patty melt with various cheeses and breads, like rye or Swiss, to suit your taste.

The secret sauce, often a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish, adds a delightful twist. The secret sauce is a key component that elevates the flavor of the sandwich.

While it’s a comforting meal, remember that it can be high in calories and fats, so enjoy it in moderation.

Explore different variations from local diners to find your favorite style and make it your own!

FAQ

Wondering about the ins and outs of making a perfect patty melt? You’ll want to start with ground beef that has a higher fat content for better flavor, but remember it’ll shrink while cooking. Classic rye bread works best, though Texas toast or white bread are great alternatives. For cheese, Swiss and cheddar are popular choices, but feel free to mix it up. Sweet, melty caramelized onions enhance the flavor, making the patty melt truly delicious. Caramelize your onions for about 30-40 minutes over medium-low heat. When cooking the patties, aim for 2-3 minutes per side on medium heat. Your secret sauce, a twist on Thousand Island dressing, can last about two weeks in the fridge. Serve your patty melt with fries, onion rings, or a salad for a complete meal.