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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

A classic diner-style sandwich featuring juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and crispy rye bread, all enhanced by a tasty secret sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3 patty melts
Course: Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine: American, Diner
Calories: 550

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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Shape the ground beef into 3 evenly sized patties, roughly matching the size of your bread slices. Season both sides generously with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped bacon, ketchup, sugar, and relish. Mix until smooth and well blended. Set aside.
Cooking
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until browned and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Clean the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
  3. Place 3 slices of bread buttered-side down in the skillet. Top each with 2 slices of provolone cheese, one cooked patty, and 2 slices of cheddar cheese.
  4. Spread a layer of the secret sauce on the unbuttered side of the remaining bread slices, then place them on top (sauce side down).
  5. Toast the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. Press lightly with a spatula for an even crust.
Serving
  1. Slice in half, serve hot, and don’t forget to drizzle a bit more secret sauce on the side for dipping!

Notes

For an extra indulgent twist, caramelize onions in butter and layer them between the cheese and the patty. It adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce.