The Texas Bacon Cheesesteak Melt from Waffle House features tender, thinly sliced steak, smoky crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and sauteed onions layered on toasted bread, delivering a hearty and savory melt bursting with bold Texan flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or flat-top griddle
- Spatula
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Frying pan or skillet
- Tongs
- Cheese slicer or grater
- Bread knife
- Onion slicer (optional)
- Plate or serving tray
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) thinly sliced steak
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion
- 4 slices Texas toast or thick sandwich bread
- Butter (for toasting bread)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Ensure you use thinly sliced steak weighing around 8 oz (225g) for the ideal tenderness and cooking consistency. Choose thick slices of Texas toast or similar sandwich bread to hold the melt's hearty fillings without becoming soggy. Melted cheddar cheese should be sliced or grated evenly to cover the steak and bacon fully, enhancing the flavor blend. Sautee a small onion until soft and golden to add a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky bacon and saltiness of the steak. Your ingredients will come together perfectly when following these tips for the Texas Bacon Cheesesteak Melt from the Waffle House copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or flat-top griddle to medium-high heat.
- Peel and thinly slice onion.
- Season steak slices with salt and black pepper.
- Cook bacon in frying pan or skillet until crispy; set aside on plate.
- On same pan, saute sliced onion until golden and tender; set aside.
- Cook steak on griddle until browned and cooked through.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Layer cooked steak, bacon, onions, and cheddar cheese between two bread slices (butter side out).
- Grill assembled sandwich on griddle until bread is golden brown and cheese melted, flipping once.
- Slice in half and serve hot.
Substitution
The Texas Bacon Cheesesteak Melt from Waffle House copycat recipe allows for some ingredient flexibility depending on what's available in your kitchen. If you don't have Texas toast, thick sandwich bread or even a sturdy sourdough can provide a similar texture and flavor profile when toasted with butter. Thinly sliced steak can be substituted with ribeye or sirloin cuts, ensuring you maintain the tender and juicy quality essential to the melt. Your smoky, crispy bacon can be swapped with pancetta or smoked sausage for a different but complementary flavor twist. Keep in mind, sauteed onions can be replaced with caramelized onions if you prefer a sweeter, milder taste that enhances the overall savory profile.
Tips
Make sure to thinly slice the steak for even cooking and tenderness. Use medium-high heat on your grill or griddle to achieve a nice sear without overcooking the steak. When layering your sandwich, butter the bread on the outside only to ensure a crispy, golden crust. Pay attention to melting the cheddar cheese thoroughly, as it binds the ingredients and enhances flavor in every bite.
Nutritions
The Texas Bacon Cheesesteak Melt provides a rich source of protein from the 8 oz of thinly sliced steak and four slices of crispy bacon, supporting muscle repair and energy. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and essential fats, while the sauteed onion contributes dietary fiber and antioxidants for digestive health. The Texas toast offers carbohydrates that fuel your body, but butter used for toasting increases saturated fat content, so moderation is key. You can balance this hearty meal with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to enhance nutrient intake.
Storage
Store leftover Texas Bacon Cheesesteak Melt in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the sandwich refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, use a skillet or griddle on medium heat to crisp the bread and evenly melt the cheese, preserving the melt's hearty texture and bold flavors for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicy kick or use provolone for a milder melt. Substitute the Texas toast with a toasted hoagie roll or sourdough bread to add different textures. Instead of frying the bacon, try grilling it with the steak for a smokier flavor. You might also enhance the flavor by adding sauteed bell peppers or a dollop of barbecue sauce inside your melt.
Allergies
The Texas Bacon Cheesesteak Melt contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and butter used for toasting the bread, and gluten from the Texas toast or sandwich bread. Bacon and steak may also pose a risk for individuals with meat allergies or sensitivities. If you have any food allergies, it's important to verify each ingredient carefully to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Texas Bacon Cheesesteak Melt at Waffle House combines savory bacon, melted cheese, and seasoned steak, delivering a rich and satisfying flavor profile that appeals to fans of hearty, American comfort food. Its unique blend of smoky bacon and tender steak offers a bold taste experience that stands out from typical sandwiches. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic menu item at home, customizing ingredients to suit your preferences while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal. Your kitchen can become the perfect spot to indulge in this flavorful, indulgent sandwich anytime you crave it.