Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy rye bread with a tangy, bacon-infused secret sauce. Perfectly toasted and irresistibly cheesy, they’re ideal for a hearty meal that’s quick to make and sure to satisfy!

Why You’ll Love It:

Ultimate Comfort Food: This patty melt brings the flavors of a cheeseburger into sandwich form with melty cheese, savory beef, and crispy rye bread. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and guaranteed to satisfy.
Homemade Secret Sauce: The sauce is packed with flavor from the smoky bacon, tangy ketchup, and sweet relish, bringing a unique twist to a classic dish.
Easy-to-Make and Quick: With minimal prep and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for the weekend.
Customizable: The recipe is flexible, allowing you to swap cheeses, add onions, or go wild with extra sauce.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef

Choose a ground beef that’s 80/20 lean-to-fat for the juiciest patties. The slightly higher fat content makes for a moist and flavorful patty, perfect for this hearty sandwich. Press the beef into thin patties to match the bread size—this gives you just the right beef-to-bread ratio.

Rye Bread

Rye bread adds an authentic, slightly tangy flavor that complements the savory beef and cheese. Look for a classic deli-style rye with a soft, chewy texture. If you can’t find rye, sourdough or thick-sliced white bread are excellent substitutes, adding a different but equally delicious taste.

Cheese

The combination of provolone and cheddar gives you the best of both worlds: provolone’s mild, gooey melt and cheddar’s sharp bite. If you prefer something bolder, Swiss cheese is another great choice, bringing a classic patty melt flavor.

Butter

Softened, unsalted butter is key for perfectly crispy, golden-brown bread. Spread it evenly on one side of each slice for that buttery, grilled finish.

Secret Sauce

This sauce is what takes the patty melt over the top. With bacon bits for smoky depth, relish for a tangy bite, and a touch of sugar to balance it all out, this secret sauce adds a unique flavor to every bite. It’s easy to whip up and makes the sandwich feel extra special.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Patties

Form the Patties: Divide 1 lb. of ground beef into three equal portions. Shape each into a flattened patty to match the shape and size of your rye bread slices.
Season the Patties: Season both sides of each patty with ½ tsp. of onion powder, ½ tsp. of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each patty until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Secret Sauce

Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp. chopped bacon, 3 tbsp. ketchup, 1 tsp. sugar, and 1 tsp. relish. Stir until well mixed to make a tangy, slightly sweet sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Patty Melts

Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each of the 6 rye bread slices.
Layer Ingredients: Place 3 buttered bread slices, butter-side down, in the skillet (heated to medium).
Add Provolone and Beef: Layer 2 slices of provolone cheese on each bread slice, place a cooked beef patty on top, then add 2 slices of cheddar cheese on each patty.
Add Sauce: Spread the secret sauce on the non-buttered side of the remaining bread slices, and place them sauce-side down on top of the cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Cook the Patty Melts

Toast the Bread: Cook the sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat until the provolone melts and the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
Flip and Finish: Flip each sandwich carefully. Cook the other side until cheddar is melted and the bread is golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes more.

Step 5: Serve

Slice and Serve: Let the patty melts cool slightly on a cutting board before slicing. Serve with extra secret sauce on the side, along with fries, a salad, or a bowl of soup.

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Side Options: Serve these patty melts with crispy French fries, a crunchy dill pickle, or a bowl of coleslaw for a diner-style experience.
Dipping Sauce: The secret sauce doubles as a fantastic dip for both the sandwich and any sides, like fries or tater tots.
Soup Pairing: Pair with a bowl of French onion soup or tomato bisque for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a cozy night in.
Salad Complement: A simple green salad with vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich patty melt.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

These patty melts are best enjoyed fresh from the skillet, but here’s how to make the most of any leftovers:

Refrigerate Leftovers: Wrap leftover patty melts in foil or place them in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to regain the crispy exterior and warm up the interior. Alternatively, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Secret Sauce Storage: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It also makes a great dip for fries, burgers, or sandwiches.

Variations:

Try these fun variations to customize your patty melts and make them even more exciting!

1. Add Caramelized Onions

For a classic twist, add caramelized onions to your patty melts. Cook thinly sliced onions in a skillet with a little butter over low heat until they’re soft and golden. Layer them on top of the cheddar cheese for an extra depth of flavor.

2. Use Different Cheeses

Mix it up by swapping in Swiss, pepper jack, or American cheese. Swiss adds nuttiness, while pepper jack gives a slight kick. American melts beautifully and brings that classic diner vibe.

3. Spicy Twist

Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to the secret sauce, or include pickled jalapeño slices on the sandwich for a spicy patty melt.

4. Make It a Double Patty

For a bigger bite, stack two thin patties in each sandwich with cheese in between. This adds a satisfying heft and turns it into a double-decker patty melt.

5. Gluten-Free Option

Swap the rye bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. Most brands toast well in a skillet, so you’ll still get that crispy, golden exterior.

Conclusion:

These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are an absolute treat for any comfort food lover. With juicy beef, melty cheese, crispy rye bread, and that irresistible secret sauce, it’s the ultimate sandwich upgrade that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. Perfect for a relaxed dinner, a weekend indulgence, or just because you deserve it! Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to make a little extra secret sauce—it’s always a hit!