Burgers
Steak 'n Shake Inspired Frisco Melt
Two thin griddled steakburger patties, Swiss and American cheeses, and tangy Frisco sauce pressed between crisp buttery sourdough.
Inspired by Steak 'n Shake
Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 12 ingredients
- • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- • 2 tablespoons ketchup
- • 1 tablespoon French dressing
- • 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
- • 1 teaspoon dill pickle brine
- • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
- • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- • 8 slices sourdough sandwich bread
- • 4 slices Swiss cheese
- • 4 slices American cheese
- • 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 1/3 cup mayonnaiseMissing
- 2 tablespoons ketchupMissing
- 1 tablespoon French dressingMissing
- 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relishMissing
- 1 teaspoon dill pickle brineMissing
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20Missing
- 1 teaspoon kosher saltMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepperMissing
- 8 slices sourdough sandwich breadMissing
- 4 slices Swiss cheeseMissing
- 4 slices American cheeseMissing
- 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butterMissing
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Method
Recipe notes
This unofficial recreation centers on the Frisco Melt's combination of two thin steakburger-style patties, two cheeses, sourdough, and a sweet-tangy pink sauce. Moderate heat after assembly gives the cheese time to melt before the buttered bread becomes too dark.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate cooked patties and sauce separately within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Rebuild and griddle sandwiches fresh; assembled leftovers can be reheated in a covered skillet until the beef reaches 165°F.
Make-ahead tips
Mix the sauce up to 4 days ahead and portion the beef one day ahead. Keep the bread dry and wait to smash patties, butter slices, and assemble until mealtime.
What to serve with it
- - Seasoned shoestring fries
- - Dill pickle spears
- - Simple chopped salad
Equipment needed
- - Cast-iron griddle or large skillet
- - Sturdy metal spatula
- - Instant-read thermometer
Difficulty explained
Thin patties cook quickly, and the only coordination is melting both cheeses while browning the sourdough evenly.
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Nutrition facts
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Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Browse reviewed options
Plain Greek yogurt
Replace up to half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Plant-based butter
Use a firm, baking-style plant butter in the same amount.
Mild cheddar cheese
Use the same number of thin mild cheddar slices for a less processed cheese option.
Type the ingredient you're missing — we'll find what you can use instead.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Forming thick compact patties prevents the lacy griddle browning that defines a steakburger-style melt.
- High heat during final assembly burns the sourdough before the center cheese softens; lower the griddle to medium.
- Too much sauce makes the crisp toast slide apart, so measure it and serve extra on the side.
Nutrition Context
- Two beef patties and two cheeses make the melt protein-rich but also high in sodium and saturated fat.
- A crisp salad or vegetable side balances the rich sandwich more effectively than adding another creamy side.
FAQ
What makes this different from a regular patty melt?
The sourdough, double thin patties, Swiss-American cheese pairing, and tangy pink Frisco sauce give it a distinct profile.
Can I use one thick burger patty?
You can, but two thin patties create more browned surface and melt into the cheese layers more evenly.
Why is my bread burning?
The final griddle is too hot. Reduce it to medium and press gently so heat reaches the center before the crust darkens.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and stir before using.
Can I cook these in one skillet?
Yes. Cook patties in batches, wipe away dark bits, lower the heat, and use the same skillet to toast the assembled melts.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include Seasoned shoestring fries; Dill pickle spears; Simple chopped salad. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.