a grilled cheese sandwich and french fries on a plate

Frisco Melt Recipe – A Cheesy Burger Melt

If you love a juicy burger and a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, then the Frisco Melt is the ultimate comfort food for you! This diner-style sandwich is made with savory beef patties, gooey melted cheese, tangy Frisco sauce, and perfectly toasted bread.

Inspired by Steak ‘n Shake’s famous Frisco Melt, this homemade version is easy to make, quick, and even better than takeout. It’s perfect for a Saturday night dinner, a quick meal for two, or a weekend treat when you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.

Let’s dive into this easy and delicious Frisco Melt recipe and learn how to make it step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Crispy, Buttery Bread: Perfectly toasted slices of Texas toast or sourdough make every bite satisfying.

✔️ Juicy Beef Patties: Seasoned ground beef patties cooked to perfection for maximum flavor.

✔️ Melted Cheese Goodness: A blend of Swiss and American cheese creates the ultimate creamy melt.

✔️ Tangy Frisco Sauce: A combination of ketchup, Thousand Island dressing, and Worcestershire sauce adds bold flavor.

✔️ Better Than Takeout: No need to go to Steak ‘n Shake—this homemade version is fresher, cheaper, and tastier!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this perfect Frisco Melt, you’ll need:

For the Patties:

  • Ground Beef (80/20 Blend): 1 lb (makes 4 patties)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
  • Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon (adds umami flavor)

For the Frisco Sauce:

  • Ketchup: ¼ cup
  • Thousand Island Dressing: 2 tablespoons
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
  • Yellow Mustard: 1 teaspoon

For the Sandwich:

  • Sourdough Bread or Texas Toast: 8 slices
  • Butter (Softened): 4 tablespoons (for grilling the bread)
  • Swiss Cheese: 4 slices
  • American Cheese: 4 slices

🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:

  • Use Turkey or Chicken Patties for a lighter version.
  • Spicy Frisco Melt: Add hot sauce or sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
  • Extra Cheesy: Use cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for variety.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a wheat-free version.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this delicious Frisco Melt recipe, you’ll need:

  • Large Skillet or Griddle (for cooking the patties and grilling the sandwich)
  • Mixing Bowl (for making the sauce)
  • Spatula (for flipping the patties and sandwiches)
  • Butter Knife (for spreading butter on the bread)

How to Make the Best Frisco Melt

Step 1: Make the Frisco Sauce

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, Thousand Island dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
  • Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Patties

  • In a large bowl, mix ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Divide the beef into four equal portions and shape them into thin, oval patties slightly larger than the bread slices (they will shrink while cooking).

Step 3: Cook the Patties

  • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
  • Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

  • Butter one side of each bread slice.
  • On the unbuttered side, spread Frisco sauce evenly.
  • Layer one slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked beef patty, one slice of American cheese, and top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches

  • Heat the skillet over medium heat and grill each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
  • Press gently with a spatula for even toasting.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Slice the Frisco Melt in half and serve hot with fries, onion rings, or a side salad.

Expert Tips for the Best Frisco Melt

Use High-Quality Bread: Texas toast or sourdough holds up best to the cheese and sauce.

Thin Patties Cook Better: Make thin, evenly shaped patties so they cook quickly and fit well in the sandwich.

Don’t Overload the Sauce: A thin, even layer of Frisco sauce gives the best balance of flavor.

Use Medium Heat for Grilling: Too high of heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts.

Press the Sandwich Gently: This ensures even toasting and melty cheese inside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Sauce: The Frisco sauce is key to getting that signature taste—don’t leave it out!

Using Too Much Butter: Too much butter can make the bread greasy instead of crispy.

Overcooking the Beef Patties: Cook just until browned and juicy, not dry.

High Heat on the Skillet: Too much heat can burn the bread before the cheese melts.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This Frisco Melt pairs beautifully with:

  • Crispy French Fries – A classic side.
  • Onion Rings – A crunchy, flavorful option.
  • Coleslaw – A fresh and tangy balance to the richness.
  • Pickles or Jalapeños – For a slight kick.
  • Sweet Potato Fries – A slightly sweet contrast to the savory sandwich.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage: Keep leftover Frisco Melts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Reheat on a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warm.
  • Avoid Microwave: It makes the bread soggy instead of crispy.

Recipe Variations & Ingredient Swaps

🔥 Bacon Frisco Melt: Add crispy bacon for extra flavor.

🧀 Double Cheese Melt: Use extra cheese layers for a gooier sandwich.

🌶 Spicy Frisco Melt: Add jalapeños or spicy mayo to the sauce.

🥩 Patty Melt Style: Use rye bread for a classic diner twist.

FAQs About Frisco Melt

What’s the difference between a Frisco Melt and a Patty Melt?

A Frisco Melt uses sourdough bread and a tangy sauce, while a Patty Melt is made with rye bread and caramelized onions.

Can I use a different sauce?

Yes! Try spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, or chipotle aioli for a unique twist.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the patties and store separately. Assemble and grill just before serving.

Conclusion

This Frisco Melt Recipe is a crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for a quick Saturday night dinner, a two-person meal, or a weekend indulgence, this homemade version beats fast food any day!

Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! If you loved it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes. 😊🔥🥪

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Frisco Melt Recipe – A Cheesy Burger Melt

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  • Author: Maya bacht
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Frisco Melt Recipe is the perfect blend of a juicy burger and a crispy grilled cheese sandwich! Inspired by Steak ‘n Shake’s iconic Frisco Melt, this homemade version features thin, flavorful beef patties, melted Swiss and American cheese, and a tangy, creamy Frisco sauce, all sandwiched between buttery, golden-brown sourdough bread.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day treat, or quick comfort food craving, this easy-to-make diner-style burger melt will satisfy any cheesy, meaty craving!


Ingredients

For the Patties:

Ground Beef (80/20 Blend): 1 lb (makes 4 patties)
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon (adds umami flavor)

For the Frisco Sauce:

Ketchup: ¼ cup
Thousand Island Dressing: 2 tablespoons
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
Yellow Mustard: 1 teaspoon

For the Sandwich:

Sourdough Bread or Texas Toast: 8 slices
Butter (Softened): 4 tablespoons (for grilling the bread)
Swiss Cheese: 4 slices
American Cheese: 4 slices

🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:

  • Use Turkey or Chicken Patties for a lighter version.
  • Spicy Frisco Melt: Add hot sauce or sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
  • Extra Cheesy: Use cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for variety.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a wheat-free version.

Instructions

1. Make the Frisco Sauce

1️⃣ In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, Thousand Island dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
2️⃣ Stir until smooth and set aside.

2. Prepare the Beef Patties

3️⃣ In a large bowl, mix ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
4️⃣ Divide the beef into four equal portions and shape them into thin, oval patties slightly larger than the bread slices (they will shrink while cooking).

3. Cook the Patties

5️⃣ Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
6️⃣ Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
7️⃣ Transfer to a plate and set aside.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches

8️⃣ Butter one side of each bread slice.
9️⃣ On the unbuttered side, spread Frisco sauce evenly.
🔟 Layer one slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked beef patty, one slice of American cheese, and top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

5. Grill the Sandwiches

1️⃣1️⃣ Heat the skillet over medium heat and grill each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
1️⃣2️⃣ Press gently with a spatula for even toasting.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

1️⃣3️⃣ Slice the Frisco Melt in half and serve hot with fries, onion rings, or a side salad.


Notes

  • Use High-Quality Bread: Texas toast or sourdough holds up best to the cheese and sauce.
  • Thin Patties Cook Better: Make thin, evenly shaped patties so they cook quickly and fit well in the sandwich.
  • Don’t Overload the Sauce: A thin, even layer of Frisco sauce gives the best balance of flavor.
  • Use Medium Heat for Grilling: Too high of heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts.
  • Press the Sandwich Gently: This ensures even toasting and melty cheese inside.

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