Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly grilled patty melt. With its buttery rye bread, layers of gooey cheese, juicy beef, and a mouthwatering secret sauce, this sandwich is the kind of comfort food that brings people to the table with a smile. Whether you’re cooking for family, a weekend treat, or simply want a delicious homemade alternative to takeout, these Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are guaranteed to hit the spot The magic of this recipe lies in the contrast of textures and the bold flavors. The bread crisps up beautifully in the pan, creating a golden crust that gives way to the soft, melty interior. Each bite combines the savory beef with rich cheddar and provolone cheese—and then there’s the secret sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet, made with a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home. It adds that extra something special that sets this sandwich apart from anything you’d get at a diner This recipe makes three generous patty melts, but you can easily double it for a crowd or save the sauce for future meals—it’s that good.

Ingredients

For the patty melts:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 6 slices rye bread
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the secret sauce:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp chopped bacon pieces
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp relish

Directions

  1. Form and Season the Patties: Start by shaping the ground beef into 3 patties, roughly the same size as your bread slices. Sprinkle both sides of each patty with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the Beef Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties until they’re browned on the outside and fully cooked inside. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
  3. Mix the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, bacon pieces, ketchup, sugar, and relish. Stir until smooth and well mixed. This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week if you have leftovers.
  4. Butter the Bread: Clean the skillet and lower the heat to medium. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
  5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place 3 slices of bread, buttered side down, into the skillet. Top each with 2 slices of provolone cheese, a cooked beef patty, and then 2 slices of cheddar cheese. Spread some of the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of the remaining bread slices, and place them sauce-side down on top of each sandwich.
  6. Grill and Flip: Grill until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip each sandwich and cook the other side until equally golden and the cheese is fully melted.
  7. Serve Hot: Slice each patty melt in half and serve immediately. These are great on their own or with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad.

These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are the ultimate grilled sandwich—comforting, flavorful, and fun to make. The homemade sauce brings it all together and makes this dish unforgettable. Whether for lunch or dinner, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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