The classic patty melt with a delicious twist. This recipe brings together two beloved favorites—grilled cheese and a hamburger patty—and adds a flavorful secret sauce that elevates the sandwich into something extraordinary. A patty melt places a seasoned burger patty between slices of toasted bread with melted cheese, and this version adds layers of savory, sweet, and smoky notes.
Our secret sauce is not a fast-food imitation—it blends mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, a touch of sugar (optional) and crisp bacon for a tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky condiment that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheeses.
Layered with provolone and cheddar on slices of rye bread, these patty melts are comforting, filling, and full of flavor—ideal for lunch or dinner. The buttered, toasted exterior gives the sandwich a golden, crisp finish while the cheeses melt into the patty and sauce for a decadent bite.
Rye bread may seem bold, but its subtle tang works beautifully with the sauce and butter, creating a distinct and satisfying flavor profile. If you prefer a milder bread, you can substitute, but rye adds character that’s worth trying.
Do I have to use rye bread?
Rye contributes a pleasant, slightly earthy tang that complements the rich cheese and smoky bacon in the sauce. When toasted and buttered, rye becomes pleasantly mellow, letting the other ingredients shine while adding its own subtle note. If you don’t have rye on hand, substitute sourdough or a hearty white bread for a different but still delicious result.
How can I store the sandwiches so the bread doesn’t get soggy?
Store patty melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results and eat them within a day for optimal texture. Placing a paper towel in the container can help absorb excess moisture. If you plan to keep them longer, separate the sauce from the sandwich or wrap tightly to limit sogginess.
How can I reheat the sandwich to make it crisp again?
Recrisp the exterior by lightly frying the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat. The butter on the outside will melt and refresh the crust while reheating the filling. Alternatively, use a preheated oven or toaster oven on a baking tray, flipping once to brown both sides evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain crispness.
Ingredients:
6 slices rye bread
6 slices provolone cheese
6 slices cheddar cheese
6 tbsp butter, softened
1 pound ground beef, lean
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Secret Sauce:
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp cooked, crisp bacon, chopped
3 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp sweet relish
1 tsp sugar (optional)
How to make Patty Melts with Secret Sauce:
Step 1. Divide the ground beef into three equal patties.
Step 2. Season both sides of the patties with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
Step 3. Heat a skillet over medium-high and cook the patties until done to your liking, then remove and set aside.
Step 4. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet relish, chopped bacon, ketchup and sugar (if using).
Step 5. Stir until well combined—the sauce should be creamy with little bacon pieces throughout.
Step 6. Wipe the skillet clean, reduce heat to medium, and butter the outside of each bread slice.
Step 7. Place three buttered slices, butter-side down, in the skillet.
Step 8. Top each slice with two slices of provolone.
Step 9. Place a cooked patty on each provolone-covered slice.
Step 10. Add two slices of cheddar over each patty.
Step 11. Spread a small amount of the secret sauce atop the cheddar.
Step 12. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slice, butter-side out.
Step 13. Cook each sandwich about 3–4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden and the cheeses are melted. Flip carefully to brown evenly.
Step 14. Serve hot and enjoy.
Patty Melts with Secret Sauce
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 slices Rye bread
- 6 slices Provolone Cheese
- 6 slices Cheddar Cheese
- 6 tbsp Butter softened
- 1 pound Ground beef lean
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Cooked crisp bacon, chopped
- 3 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tsp Sweet Relish
- 1 tsp Sugar (optional)
Method
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1. Divide the ground beef into 3 equal patties.
2. Season the patties on both sides with salt and pepper, garlic and onion powder.
3. Place a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties until done; remove and set aside.
4. In a bowl combine the mayonnaise, relish, bacon, ketchup and sugar.
5. Stir to combine the sauce.
6. Wipe the skillet clean and lower the heat to medium.
7. Butter the outside of each slice of bread.
8. Place three buttered slices butter-side down in the skillet and top each with two slices of provolone.
9. Add a cooked patty to each slice, then top with two slices of cheddar.
10. Spread a small amount of sauce over the cheddar and finish with the remaining bread slice, butter-side out.
11. Cook each sandwich for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Rye adds a subtle, distinctive flavor that enhances the sandwich when toasted and buttered. If you prefer a milder option, use sourdough or a hearty white bread instead—either way you’ll end up with a delicious patty melt.
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