What is a patty melt sandwich made of?

A patty melt is a classic diner-style sandwich made with ground beef patties, caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, and rye bread that is grilled until golden and crispy.

What’s the difference between a patty melt and a burger?

Unlike a burger, which is served on a bun, a patty melt is built on sliced bread (traditionally rye) and grilled like a hot sandwich. It also includes caramelized onions and melty cheese for a richer flavor.

What is the best bread for a patty melt?

Rye bread is the classic choice for a patty melt, but sourdough, Texas toast, or even gluten-free bread can be used. The key is sturdy bread that holds up during grilling.

Can I make a patty melt at home without a skillet?

Yes, you can cook the patties on a grill or in the oven, then assemble the sandwich and toast it using a griddle, panini press, or even an air fryer until golden and melty.

How do you caramelize onions for a patty melt?

To caramelize onions, cook thinly sliced onions slowly in butter over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and sweet.

What cheese works best in a patty melt?

Swiss cheese is traditional, but cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack can be used for variety. For extra gooeyness, use two layers of cheese—one on each side of the patty.

Can I make a patty melt ahead of time?

Yes. You can cook the beef patties and caramelize the onions ahead of time. When ready, assemble the sandwich with fresh bread and cheese, then grill until golden and melted.

DINNER IDEAS LUNCH

The Best Patty Melt Ever with a Special Sauce Twist

Name: Ultimate Patty Melt with Secret Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough for variation); 8 slices Swiss cheese; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 4 tbsp butter, plus extra for spreading; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp relish; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste (for sauce)

by Clara Bennett

20 de August de 2025

Facebook

Patty melt sandwich with melted cheddar cheese and grilled beef

Jump to Recipe

Close your eyes and picture this: golden rye bread sizzling on a buttered skillet, the smell of caramelized onions filling the kitchen, and the irresistible sound of Swiss cheese melting over a juicy beef patty. That, my friend, is the magic of a patty melt — a sandwich that’s part burger, part grilled cheese, and 100% comfort food.

The patty melt has been a diner favorite for decades, beloved for its simplicity and soul-satisfying flavors. It’s the sandwich you order when you want something indulgent, hearty, and nostalgic. But here’s the good news — you don’t need a retro diner booth to enjoy it. With just a few simple ingredients and one secret weapon (our homemade secret sauce), you can learn how to make the ultimate patty melt at home in under 30 minutes.

This is more than just a sandwich. It’s crispy, juicy, gooey, smoky, and sweet all at once. If you’re looking for:

An easy patty melt recipe for weeknight dinners

The best patty melt for family comfort food nights
A patty melt with secret sauce that rivals your favorite diner

…then this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Patty Melt

Classic comfort food – Crispy bread, gooey cheese, and juicy beef in every bite.
Secret sauce magic – Tangy, creamy, and just the right amount of zing.

Weeknight-friendly – Ready in just 30 minutes.
Customizable – Swap the bread, cheese, or sauce to suit your taste.
Crowd-pleaser – The best patty melt for parties or family dinners.

Diner nostalgia at home – Save money, skip takeout, and recreate the retro vibe.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Patty Melt

For the Sandwiches:

1 lb ground beef
8 slices rye bread (or sourdough for a twist)

8 slices Swiss cheese
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 tbsp butter (plus extra for spreading)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Secret Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp relish
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

💡 Dietary swaps:

Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread.
Cheese: Try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Beef: Sub turkey, chicken, or a plant-based patty.

How to Make the Ultimate Patty Melt – Step by Step

Step 1 – Prepare the Secret Sauce

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2 – Caramelize the Onions

Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized.

Step 3 – Form the Beef Patties

Divide ground beef into four portions. Shape into patties slightly larger than the bread slices (they shrink while cooking). Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 4 – Cook the Patties

Using the same skillet, cook patties for about 4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove and set aside.

Step 5 – Assemble the Sandwiches

Butter one side of each bread slice.
Spread secret sauce on the opposite side.
Layer Swiss cheese, beef patty, caramelized onions, more cheese, and a second bread slice (buttered side out).

Step 6 – Grill the Patty Melts

In a clean skillet, grill sandwiches over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets for the Perfect Patty Melt

Use 80/20 ground beef – The fat keeps patties juicy.

Shape patties thin – They should match your bread size after cooking.
Don’t rush the onions – Slow caramelization adds natural sweetness.
Double the cheese – Cheese on both sides keeps everything gooey.

Toast bread lightly before assembling – Helps prevent sogginess.
Keep heat medium – Low enough to melt cheese, high enough to crisp bread.
Cover skillet with a lid – Traps heat and melts cheese faster.

Try a cast-iron skillet – For the best sear and crunch.
Spread sauce generously – It ties all flavors together.
Let it rest 1 minute – Helps the sandwich set before cutting.

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy patty melt – Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
Breakfast patty melt – Add a fried egg.
Veggie patty melt – Use portobello mushrooms instead of beef.

BBQ patty melt – Swap secret sauce for BBQ sauce.
Low-carb version – Skip the bread, use lettuce wraps.

Best Ways to Serve the Patty Melt

With crispy fries or sweet potato fries

Alongside a dill pickle and coleslaw
Paired with tomato soup for a cozy combo
As party sliders using smaller bread slices

With a cold beer or classic soda for diner-style vibes

A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with cheese on top. — Thick, cheesy patty melt stacked high with beef and golden crispy bread.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 650
Protein: 35g

Carbs: 42g
Fat: 38g

Storage & Reheating Guide

Fridge: Store cooled patty melts in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

Freezer: Wrap uncooked patties individually and freeze up to 3 months. Assemble fresh when ready.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet or air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving — bread gets soggy.

FAQs – Kitchen Questions, Solved

1. What is a patty melt sandwich made of?
A patty melt is a classic diner-style sandwich made with ground beef patties, caramelized onions, melted cheese (usually Swiss), and rye bread that’s grilled until golden and crispy.

2. What’s the difference between a patty melt and a burger?
Unlike a burger, which is served on a bun, a patty melt is built on sliced bread (traditionally rye) and grilled like a hot sandwich. The caramelized onions and melty cheese give it a richer, grilled-cheese-meets-burger flavor.

3. What is the best bread for a patty melt?
Rye bread is the classic choice, but sourdough, Texas toast, or even gluten-free bread can work. The key is choosing sturdy bread that holds up to grilling and melting cheese.

4. Can I make a patty melt at home without a skillet?
Yes! You can cook the patties on a grill or in the oven, then assemble the sandwich and toast it on a griddle, in a panini press, or even in an air fryer until golden and melty.

5. How do you caramelize onions for a patty melt?
To caramelize onions, cook thinly sliced onions slowly in butter over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and sweet. Patience is key for the best flavor.

6. What cheese works best in a patty melt?
Swiss cheese is traditional, but cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack all work well. For extra gooeyness, use two layers of cheese—one on each side of the patty.

7. Can I make a patty melt ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the beef patties and caramelize the onions in advance. When ready to eat, assemble the sandwich with fresh bread and cheese, then grill until crispy and melted.

More Tasty Ideas to Explore

Before You Go

The ultimate patty melt with secret sauce is proof that the simplest ingredients can create the most unforgettable meals. With its crispy bread, gooey cheese, juicy beef, and tangy sauce, it’s a sandwich you’ll crave again and again.

👉 Now it’s your turn — what’s your favorite twist on the patty melt? Do you stick with Swiss or swap it out for something bold? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to pin this recipe or share it with a friend who loves classic comfort food!