Patty Melts With Secret Sauce

A timeless diner classic, the patty melt is a perfect fusion of juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and toasted rye bread. This recipe elevates the classic with a flavorful secret sauce that adds a tangy-sweet twist. The result? A satisfying, cheesy, buttery sandwich that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients

For the Patty Melts:

• 6 slices rye bread
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 pound ground beef
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

For the Secret Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon real bacon bits
• 1 teaspoon sweet relish
• 1 teaspoon white sugar

For Assembly:

• 6 slices Cheddar cheese
• 6 slices provolone cheese

Instructions

• Prepare the Bread:
• Generously butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Set aside.
• Mix the Patties:
• In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, black pepper, sea salt, and onion powder. Mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing to ensure the patties stay tender. Shape the mixture into three patties, roughly the size of the bread slices.
• Cook the Patties:
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping carefully to avoid breaking. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Remove from heat and set aside.
• Make the Secret Sauce:
• In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, bacon bits, sweet relish, and sugar. Mix until smooth and well blended.
• Assemble the Patty Melts:
• Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.
• Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
• Layer with 2 slices of Cheddar cheese, a cooked beef patty, and 2 slices of provolone cheese.
• Spread a thin layer of the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of a second slice of bread and place it sauce-side down over the cheese.
• Toast the Sandwiches:
• Cook the patty melt for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, working in batches if needed.

Tips

• Substitute margarine for butter if desired.
• For a tangier sauce, use minced dill pickle or unsweetened relish instead of sweet relish; reduce the sugar to taste.
• Ensure the patties are slightly smaller than the bread initially, as they will expand during cooking.

Enjoy these hearty, melty sandwiches with a side of fries or a crisp salad for the ultimate comfort meal!