Patty Melts With Secret Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Patty melts with secret sauce are a comforting twist on a classic sandwich, combining juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and melted Cheddar cheese on toasted sourdough. The homemade secret sauce adds a tangy, smoky flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 slices sourdough bread
- ½ cup Secret Sauce (see below)
- 3 medium Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
- 6 slices Cheddar cheese
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
Secret Sauce
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the secret sauce by stirring together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Shape the mixture into 6 oval patties.
- Step 3: In a medium cast-iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 35 minutes.
- Step 4: In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove patties and set aside; wipe out the skillet.
- Step 5: To assemble each sandwich, spread 1 tablespoon of secret sauce on one slice of sourdough. Layer 2 to 3 tablespoons of caramelized onions, 1 slice of Cheddar cheese, 1 patty, and another tablespoon of secret sauce. Top with a second slice of bread and repeat for all sandwiches.
- Step 6: Heat the cleaned skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Working in batches, cook the sandwiches, flipping once, until golden brown and heated through, about 3 minutes per side. Add more butter as needed.
Tips & Variations
- Use Vidalia or any sweet onion for caramelizing to add natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Swap Cheddar for Swiss or Gruyère cheese for a different, melty texture.
- Try toasting the bread lightly before assembling for extra crispness.
- Add a slice of pickles inside the sandwich for extra tang and crunch.
Storage
Store leftover patty melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the secret sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld and intensify.
What’s the best bread for patty melts?
Sourdough is ideal because it holds up well during cooking and offers a nice tangy flavor that complements the beef and onions. You can also use rye or a sturdy white bread.
PrintPatty Melts With Secret Sauce Recipe
These Patty Melts with Secret Sauce are the ultimate comfort sandwich, featuring juicy ground beef patties seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and spices, topped with caramelized Vidalia onions, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade secret sauce. Served on crispy, buttery sourdough bread, these melts are a deliciously satisfying twist on a classic diner favorite perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Secret Sauce
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
For the Patty Melts
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 slices sourdough bread
- 3 medium Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
- 6 slices Cheddar cheese
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce. Mix well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days to allow flavors to meld.
- Shape the Patties: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Carefully shape the mixture into 6 oval-shaped patties, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced Vidalia onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized, about 35 minutes.
- Cook the Patties: In a separate large cast-iron skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through. Remove patties from the skillet and set aside. Wipe out the skillet to prepare for cooking sandwiches.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On one slice of sourdough bread, spread 1 tablespoon of Secret Sauce, then layer 2 to 3 tablespoons of caramelized onions, one slice of Cheddar cheese, a cooked patty, and another tablespoon of Secret Sauce. Top with a second slice of bread. Repeat for all sandwiches.
- Cook the Patty Melts: Heat the cleaned skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook the sandwiches in batches, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side. Add additional butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms to the caramelized onions.
- Use a sharp Cheddar for a more pronounced cheese taste.
- Ensure the skillet is well-heated before cooking the patties and sandwiches to get a good sear and crust.
- Press the sandwiches slightly while cooking to help them hold together and melt evenly.
- The secret sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Keywords: Patty melts, secret sauce, caramelized onions, sourdough, cheddar cheese, ground beef sandwiches
