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- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend) - 4 slices of hearty rye bread - 4 slices of Swiss cheese - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon ketchup - 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika When I make a grilled patty melt, the right ingredients make all the difference. The beef is key. I use an 80/20 blend for flavor and juiciness. Rye bread is my go-to because it adds depth and texture. Swiss cheese melts beautifully, giving that creamy goodness we crave. The onion is a game changer. When you slice it thin, it caramelizes perfectly. I cook it until it’s golden and sweet. The butter and olive oil help bring out its rich flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning. They bring out the best in meat and onions. Now, let’s talk about the secret sauce. This sauce is what makes the melt special. It combines mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish. The garlic and onion powder add layers of taste. Smoked paprika gives it a subtle kick. Mix these well, and let it chill. This helps the flavors mingle and become even tastier. With these ingredients, you’re set for a delicious grilled patty melt that is sure to impress! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a small bowl. Add these ingredients: - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon ketchup - 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Mix all these together until smooth. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend nicely while you cook the rest. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, toss in your thinly sliced onion. Sauté them for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want them to turn a deep golden brown. Add a pinch of salt, then set them aside. Now it’s time for the beef. Divide 1 pound of ground beef into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty, about ½ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. In the last minute, add a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty. Cover to help the cheese melt. In a new skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place two slices of rye bread in the skillet. Spread a spoonful of your secret sauce on top of the bread. When the bottom is golden brown, flip the bread and repeat on the other side. Remove it from the skillet and set aside. Do the same for the remaining bread slices. Take one slice of toasted rye and put it on a plate. Layer a cheesy beef patty on top, then add a spoonful of caramelized onions. Place another slice of toasted rye on top. Spread some secret sauce on that slice for extra flavor. Put the assembled sandwich back in the skillet. If needed, add a bit more butter. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes until the bread is crispy and golden brown. Everything should be hot. Once done, slice the sandwiches in half and serve right away. For a nice touch, add extra secret sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious grilled patty melt! To make great grilled patties, start with good seasoning. I use salt and pepper. Season both sides of the beef well. This simple step boosts flavor. You can also mix in herbs or spices if you like. For even cooking, preheat your grill or skillet. Aim for medium-high heat. Place patties gently on the grill. Don’t press down on them; this keeps juices inside. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time for your preferred doneness. The secret sauce is key to flavor. You can try different ingredients to make it your own. For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper. If you want it sweeter, mix in more relish. You can also add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a twist. Experiment with these options to find your favorite. The more you personalize it, the better it gets! For the bread, I recommend hearty rye. It adds great flavor and texture. You can also use sourdough or whole wheat bread. Both are tasty and hold up well. If you want an alternative to rye, try ciabatta or even a bagel. These choices make the sandwich unique. Remember, the bread should be sturdy enough to hold the filling. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Beef: For the best flavor and juiciness, opt for a freshly ground beef blend with a higher fat content, like 80/20. Perfectly Caramelize Onions: Low and slow is the key! Sauté onions on medium-low heat for a deeper, sweeter flavor and avoid burning. Toast the Bread Well: Make sure the bread is well-toasted before assembling the sandwich; this will help keep it crisp and prevent sogginess. Customize Your Secret Sauce: Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the secret sauce to suit your taste; adding a dash of hot sauce can give it a nice kick! {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian patty melt. Use black bean or veggie patties instead of beef. They add a nice texture and flavor. For cheese, try mozzarella or cheddar. These options melt well and taste great. You can add more toppings to your patty melt. Consider crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms. They add depth and richness. You can also try other spreads. A bit of avocado or spicy mustard boosts flavor. Swiss cheese is classic, but there are many choices. You can use sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a kick. Mixing cheeses gives a unique taste. Try combining mozzarella and gouda for a creamy blend. To keep your leftover patty melts fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. This will help keep the flavors intact and maintain texture. When you're ready to eat, reheating properly is key. Use a skillet over low heat. This helps avoid dry patties. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. Flip them halfway through to warm evenly. You can also cover the skillet to trap moisture. For extra flavor, add a little butter while reheating. For your secret sauce, proper storage is essential. Transfer it to a clean, airtight container. Keep it in the fridge right after making it. This prevents bacteria and keeps the sauce tasty. The shelf life of the sauce is about one week. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it's best to discard it. For longer storage, consider freezing in small portions. This way, you can enjoy it anytime without losing flavor. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. You can grill a patty melt in about 8-10 minutes. This includes cooking the patties and toasting the bread. For perfect results, aim for a total time of around 40 minutes from start to finish. Yes, you can make the secret sauce ahead of time. Mix all the sauce ingredients and store it in the fridge. This will let the flavors blend well. It stays fresh for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before using. Grilled patty melts go great with several side dishes. Try serving them with crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad. You can also add pickles or coleslaw for a nice crunch. These sides make your meal feel complete and satisfying. Yes, you can freeze grilled patty melts. Wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in the oven or skillet until hot. Grilled patty melts are a tasty treat you can master. We covered the ingredients, steps, tips, and even variations. Each step helps you create a delicious sandwich everyone will love. Remember to fine-tune your secret sauce and try new toppings. Explore different cheeses to find your favorite mix. Whether cooking for yourself or friends, this classic meal shines. With practice, you’ll grill the perfect patty melt every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Grilled Patty Melt with Secret Sauce

A delicious grilled sandwich featuring juicy beef patties, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and a flavorful secret sauce, all nestled between slices of toasted rye bread.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 slices hearty rye bread
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
  • Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onion. Sauté the onions for approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become caramelized and develop a deep golden brown color. Season with a pinch of salt, remove from heat, and set aside.
  • Form the Patties: Take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into patties, about ½ inch thick. Be sure to season both sides generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
  • Grill the Patties: Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting the time to reach your preferred doneness. In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty, covering with a lid to facilitate melting.
  • Toast the Bread: In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Carefully place two slices of rye bread in the skillet. Spread a spoonful of the secret sauce on the top side of the bread. Once the bottom is golden brown, flip the bread slices and repeat the process on the other side. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Repeat this step for the remaining slices of bread.
  • Assemble the Patty Melt: Take one slice of toasted rye and place it on a plate. Layer on a cheesy beef patty followed by a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions. Top with another slice of toasted rye, spreading some secret sauce on the top slice to enhance the flavor.
  • Final Grill: Return the assembled sandwich to the skillet (adding the remaining tablespoon of butter if needed) and grill each side for 2-3 minutes until the bread is crispy and golden brown, ensuring everything is hot.
  • Serve: Once perfectly grilled, slice the sandwiches in half and serve them immediately on a platter. Include extra secret sauce on the side for dipping, elevating the indulgence of this delightful meal.

Notes

Serve with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.
Keyword beef, cheese, grilled sandwich, patty melt