The Frisco Melt from Steak 'n Shake features a juicy beef patty topped with melted American cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between two slices of toasted sourdough bread, delivering a savory and satisfying flavor experience.
Equipments
- Grill or Griddle
- Spatula
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Toaster or Pan (for toasting bread)
- Bacon cooker or oven
- Squeeze bottle or spoon (for dressing)
- Plate/tray for assembly
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) ground beef
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 2 slices American cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter
Using fresh, high-quality ground beef will enhance the juicy texture of your Frisco Melt. Sourdough bread should be evenly toasted to achieve a crisp yet tender bite, complementing the rich melted American cheese and crispy bacon. Ensure the Thousand Island dressing is well-balanced in flavor to add a tangy contrast without overpowering the sandwich. Season your beef patty with just the right amount of salt and black pepper to bring out its natural taste. Your homemade Frisco Melt from Steak 'n Shake copycat menu will deliver an authentic and savory flavor experience when these ingredient details are carefully followed.
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Form the ground beef into a patty; season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the beef patty on the grill/griddle until desired doneness, flipping once.
- Place the American cheese slices on top of the hot patty to melt.
- Cook bacon slices until crispy using a bacon cooker or oven.
- Butter one side of each sourdough bread slice.
- Toast the buttered bread slices on a pan or griddle until golden brown.
- Spread Thousand Island dressing on the unbuttered sides of toasted bread.
- Place the cheesy beef patty on one toasted bread slice.
- Add the cooked bacon on top of the beef patty.
- Top with the second bread slice, dressing side inward.
- Slice sandwich (optional) and serve on a plate/tray.
Substitution
The Frisco Melt from Steak 'n Shake copycat menu requires simple substitutions when specific ingredients are unavailable, such as using cheddar or processed cheese instead of American cheese without compromising texture. If sourdough bread is not accessible, any sturdy bread like French or whole wheat can be toasted to provide a similar base. You can swap out the traditional Thousand Island dressing for a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish as a quick homemade alternative. When cooking bacon, oven-baking ensures even crispiness, but stovetop frying works fine if you lack a bacon cooker. Your choice of equipment and ingredient flexibility can help maintain the classic flavors while adapting to your kitchen setup.
Tips
Ensure the beef patty is evenly shaped and not too thick to cook thoroughly without burning the outside. Butter only one side of the sourdough bread for toasting to achieve a crispy, golden crust while keeping the other side soft for the dressing. Use a sharp cheese slicer or knife to get even American cheese slices that melt uniformly over the patty. You should assemble the Frisco Melt immediately after cooking to prevent the bread from getting soggy and to enjoy the sandwich at its best flavor and texture.
Nutritions
The Frisco Melt provides a rich source of protein from the 8 oz ground beef patty, essential for muscle repair and growth. The American cheese adds calcium and saturated fats, while the bacon contributes additional protein and fat content. Sourdough bread offers carbohydrates and fiber, supporting energy levels and digestion. Your meal also includes vitamin E and antioxidants from the butter and beneficial fatty acids from the Thousand Island dressing, enhancing flavor and nutrition.
Storage
Store your Frisco Melt in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess of the toasted sourdough bread. Reheat it gently on a grill or griddle to preserve the melted cheese and crisp bacon texture, avoiding a microwave to prevent bread from becoming chewy. Consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and food safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef patty to create a leaner Frisco Melt variant. Swap American cheese with pepper jack or cheddar for a spicier or sharper cheese experience. For a healthier option, try using whole wheat or multigrain bread instead of sourdough, and bake the bacon to reduce grease. Experiment with adding caramelized onions or pickles to enhance the sandwich's flavor profile.
Allergies
The Frisco Melt contains common allergens such as dairy in the American cheese and Thousand Island dressing, gluten in the sourdough bread, and eggs present in the dressing. Your risk of allergic reaction increases if you have sensitivities to these ingredients or to pork from the bacon. Always check ingredient labels and consult with restaurant staff to ensure the dish meets your dietary needs safely.
Why this recipe?
The Frisco Melt menu at Steak 'n Shake features a savory combination of grilled sourdough bread, melted American cheese, and seasoned beef patties that create a distinctive, rich flavor profile. This menu item is beloved for its perfect balance of crispy textures and gooey cheese, making it a comfort food classic. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while recreating the restaurant-quality experience at home. Your homemade Frisco Melt can deliver satisfying indulgence with the convenience and freshness only you can control.