Smashburger Patty Melt (with Sauce) Recipe

Savor the diner delight of a classic Smashburger patty melt, where a seared beef patty meets sweet caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese, all encased in crisp, butter-toasted bread. Elevate every bite with a creamy, tangy sauce that brings a delightful balance to the rich and savory flavors of this classic favorite.

What Is A Patty Melt?

A patty melt is a magical combination of a burger and a grilled cheese in one! It generally has caramelized onion on it too, to take things to a whole new level. This specific patty melt is a copycat Smashburger patty melt recipe, so it has a thin ground beef patty with an irresistible sauce!

Why This Recipe Works

Nostalgic Comfort Food: This Smashburger patty melt (with sauce) recipe takes the classic diner food to a whole new level! If patty melts take you back to your childhood, you have to try this version of your favorite comfort food. With a super thin beef patty, tangy and flavorful sauce, and caramelized onions, this version of the patty melt will be your new favorite!

Easy to Make: My Smashburger patty melt recipe does take a few different components, but they are easy to make and assemble whenever you or your family needs a filling meal! And the sauce is worth the effort, but optional.

Supplies Needed

• Skillet
• Spatula
• Mixing bowl

Patty Melt Ingredients

Smashburger Patty Melt Burger:

• Ground Chuck: It is best to use a high quality ground chuck that is 80/20 for the best flavor.
• Thick Cut Bread: These Smashburger patty melts are best with a thick cut bread that will stand up to the amount of ingredients we are adding to it!
• American Cheese: Use your favorite slices of American or cheddar cheese.
• Yellow Onions: Caramelized onions add a layer of buttery, delicious flavor.
• Butter: Butter is great to use to caramelize the onions!
• Mayo: I like to grill my patty melts with mayo, but you can also use butter if you prefer.
• Salt & Pepper: Use a little bit of salt and pepper to season the beef.

Patty Melt Sauce:

• Mayo: The base of the Smashburger patty melt sauce is mayo!
• Ketchup: Add ketchup for a bit of tanginess.
• Yellow Mustard: Use classic yellow mustard here! This sauce is a combination of all the best sauces.
• Worcestershire Sauce: For an umami flavor, add some Worcestershire sauce!
• Pickle Juice: The secret ingredient is dill pickle juice. It adds a lovely flavor and thins out the sauce.
• Dill Pickles: Diced up finely! Alternatively, use dill pickle relish.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds just a hint of smoky flavor!
• Onion Powder: For a deeper, more savory flavor.
• Tabasco Sauce: Add to taste according to how spicy you want it!

How To Make A Smashburger Patty Melt (with Sauce)

Patty Melt Burger:

1. Prepare the Onions: In a medium skillet, add the butter and let it melt over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the skillet and cool.
2. Prep the Meat: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and season each portion with salt and pepper. Gently roll each one into a ball.
3. Sear: Preheat a griddle or large skillet over high heat. Once hot, place the ball of ground beef on the skillet.
4. Smash: Use a sturdy spatula to immediately smash it down into a thin patty. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and there’s a nice crust on the bottom.
5. Flip: Flip the patty, and immediately place a slice of cheese on top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patty is cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside. Repeat for the remaining beef portions.

Patty Melt Sauce:

1. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk all of the sauce ingredients together. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired and set aside.

Assemble the Patty Melt:

1. Start the Assembly: Spread a thin layer of mayo (or softened butter) on one side of each slice of bread. On the non-mayo side, spread your optional patty melt sauce, then place a cooked patty and a portion of the caramelized onions. Top with another slice of bread, mayo side up.
2. Grill: Wipe the skillet clean and heat over medium heat. Place the assembled patty melts into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
3. Remove & Serve: Remove from the skillet and let rest for a minute before cutting. Serve warm, with extra sauce on the side if desired.

Serving Suggestions

I recommend pairing this Smashburger patty melt recipe with anything you would eat a classic burger or grilled cheese with! From fries to tater tots to onion rings, you really can’t go wrong! You could also pair your homemade patty melt with fresh sides like salads or veggies. Here are some of my personal favorites to pair with them:

• Portillos Chopped Salad
• Cabbage Chopped Salad Recipe
• Italian Roasted Vegetables
• Smoked Corn on the Cob
• Smoked Potatoes Recipe

Expert Tips

• Use the right kind of bread! I recommend using rye, sourdough, or Texas toast for this recipe. Regular white sandwich bread won’t be sturdy enough!
• Caramelize the onions with patience! You want to stir them around while they are cooking occasionally, but not too much. Keep in mind that it can take some time to fully caramelize them, but it is so worth it for all that flavor.
• Use your favorite cheese! I like American cheese here but you can use Swiss or cheddar if you prefer!

More Recipes to Try

• Chicago Italian Beef Recipe
• Pull Apart Cheese Burger Sliders
• Po Boy Sandwich
• Keto Copycat In N Out Burger
• Mushroom Duxelles Burger
• Grilled Brat Burgers