The Cheesy Secret Behind Frisco Burgers

The Frisco Burger is a unique take on the classic cheeseburger. It features two types of cheese, a tangy sauce, and a grilled bread base. The Frisco part of its name refers to San Francisco, the city famous for its sourdough bread, which is used in this burger instead of a traditional bun. The Frisco Burger is a popular menu item at Steak 'n Shake, but its exact origin is disputed.

The Frisco Burger's two types of cheese: Swiss and American

The Frisco Burger is a unique take on the classic cheeseburger. What sets it apart is its use of two types of cheese: Swiss and American. This combination provides a delightful contrast in texture and flavour. The Swiss cheese, known for its silky, hard texture and nutty flavour, creates a perfect balance with the processed American cheese, which melts smoothly without turning into orange cottage cheese.

The Frisco Burger's distinct character is further enhanced by its choice of bread. Instead of the traditional hamburger bun, it is sandwiched between two slices of grilled Parmesan sourdough bread, adding a crunchy texture and a tangy flavour. This combination of cheeses and bread elevates the Frisco Burger to a whole new level, making it a popular choice among burger enthusiasts.

Preparing the Frisco Burger is an art in itself. The key lies in the order and timing of adding the cheeses. The Swiss cheese, with its ability to withstand heat, is placed directly on the sourdough bread, allowing it to gently soften without melting completely. The American cheese, on the other hand, is added towards the end, ensuring it melts just enough to bind the burger together without losing its creamy texture.

The Frisco Burger's allure extends beyond its cheese and bread. Its signature sauce, known as the "Frisco sauce," is a tantalising blend of Thousand Island dressing, French dressing, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, with a hint of sriracha for an extra kick. This sauce perfectly complements the cheeses and elevates the overall taste experience.

The Frisco Burger is a testament to culinary creativity, showcasing the magic that happens when Swiss and American cheeses come together. It is a delicious testament to the power of combining classic ingredients in innovative ways, resulting in a burger that has gained a loyal following among those seeking a unique and indulgent dining experience.

Sourdough bread: the Frisco's alternative to a bun

Sourdough Bread: The Frisco Alternative to a Bun

The Frisco burger is a unique take on the traditional cheeseburger. Instead of a standard bun, the Frisco burger uses two slices of toasted sourdough bread, grilled to perfection. This alternative offers a crispier and more savoury texture than a typical bun, elevating the burger experience. The use of sourdough bread is not just a delicious choice but also a nod to the city of San Francisco, known for its iconic sourdough bread.

The Origin Story

The exact origins of the Frisco burger are disputed, with some claiming it originated in Southern California, while others speculate it was created in a diner in Pasadena. However, one thing is clear: the name "Frisco" is derived from San Francisco, the city synonymous with sourdough bread. The use of sourdough sets this burger apart and gives it a distinct identity.

A Match Made in Heaven

The Frisco burger's star ingredient, sourdough bread, is not just a delicious alternative to buns but also serves a functional purpose. Sourdough's slightly tangy flavour and chewy texture make it the perfect complement to the juicy burger patty and melted cheese. The bread's sturdiness also ensures it can hold up to the generous toppings and sauces without falling apart, making it a practical and tasty choice.

Grilled to Perfection

Preparing the sourdough bread for the Frisco burger is an art in itself. The bread is grilled or toasted, giving it a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior. The grilling process adds a subtle charred flavour that enhances the overall taste of the burger. The bread is often buttered or spread with margarine before grilling, adding a rich, savoury note to the overall flavour profile.

Customisation Options

While the classic Frisco burger uses sourdough bread, some variations offer alternatives like Texas toast or other thick bread slices. These options provide a similar texture and sturdiness to sourdough, ensuring the burger remains intact and delicious. Additionally, the Frisco burger allows for customisation in terms of cheese choices, with Swiss and American cheeses being the most popular pairing.

In conclusion, the Frisco burger's use of sourdough bread sets it apart from traditional cheeseburgers. The combination of tangy sourdough, juicy meat, melted cheese, and tangy sauces creates a flavour profile that has garnered a dedicated following. The Frisco burger is a testament to the creativity and innovation that makes the burger world so exciting.

Frisco sauce: a mix of Thousand Island, French dressing, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce

The Frisco sauce is a key component of the Frisco burger, and its unique blend of flavours and spices sets it apart from other burger sauces. The base of the sauce is Thousand Island dressing, which already has a complex flavour profile. However, the addition of French dressing, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce takes the sauce to the next level.

The Thousand Island dressing provides a creamy texture and a tangy, savoury taste. French dressing, which is usually a combination of oil, vinegar, and spices, adds a sharp and acidic note to the sauce. Ketchup, a classic condiment made from tomatoes, sweetener, and spices, brings a touch of sweetness and a thicker consistency to the mix. Finally, Worcestershire sauce, with its distinctive tang from vinegar, spices, and anchovies, rounds out the flavour and adds a savoury punch.

The exact measurements of each ingredient in the Frisco sauce can be adjusted to suit personal preference. Some recipes also include a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to give it an extra kick, while others add sweet pickle relish for a touch of sweetness and texture.

To make the Frisco sauce, simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. It is recommended to cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld and develop. This sauce is not only delicious on Frisco burgers but can also be used as a dip for fries or a topping for other sandwiches.

The versatility of the Frisco sauce is what makes it so intriguing. It can be adjusted to suit different taste preferences, and its combination of common condiments makes it accessible to anyone looking to elevate their burger-making game.

Patty preparation: how to shape and cook the beef

The Frisco Burger is a unique take on the classic cheeseburger, and preparing the beef patties is a crucial step in creating this delicious sandwich. Here is a detailed guide on shaping and cooking the beef for the ultimate Frisco Burger experience:

Shaping the Beef Patties:

Start with high-quality ground beef, preferably with a fat content of around 85%. You can use a combination of different cuts, such as ground round, ground sirloin, and ground T-bone, or simply use a single type of ground beef. Divide the ground beef into equal portions, aiming for a weight of around 3 ounces per patty. This will give you a good balance between the meat and the other components of the burger.

To shape the patties, you have a few options:

• Form the ground beef into balls first, then flatten them: You can make balls of around 3 ounces each and then gently press them down to form patties. Use the palm of your hand or a flat surface to flatten them, aiming for a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
• Use a small, round dish: Place the ground beef portion in a small, round dish and gently press it down to shape it into a patty. This method helps achieve a uniform shape and size.
• Hand-form the patties: You can also simply use your hands to shape the ground beef into oval or rectangular patties, slightly larger than your bread slices. Try to make them uniform in size and thickness for even cooking.

Cooking the Beef Patties:

Cooking the beef patties is where the magic happens. You can use a skillet, griddle, or flat-top grill for this step. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Heat your cooking surface: Get your skillet or griddle nice and hot. A medium-high heat setting is usually ideal, but adjust as needed. Steak 'n Shake cooks their patties on a flat-top at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Season the patties: Just before placing the patties on the cooking surface, season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds flavor and helps create a delicious crust.
• Cook the first side: Place the patties on the hot surface and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. For a more authentic Steak 'n Shake experience, you can also try the "`smash`" technique. Use a spatula to gently press down on the patties a few times while they cook to create a thin, crispy burger.
• Flip and cook the second side: After the first side is cooked to your desired doneness, flip the patties and cook the second side. This side will take a bit less time, around 1-2 minutes for a medium-rare burger.
• Add cheese: Once the second side is almost cooked through, it's time to add the cheese. Place a slice of American cheese and a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and let them melt slightly. You can also cover the skillet or griddle for a few seconds to help the cheese melt faster.
• Rest the patties: Remove the cooked patties from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures a juicy burger.

Now that your beef patties are shaped and cooked to perfection, it's time to assemble your Frisco Burger! Don't forget to toast your sourdough bread, prepare the Frisco sauce, and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy crafting this delicious burger!

Frisco Melt: a variation of the Frisco Burger

The Frisco Melt is a variation of the Frisco Burger, a classic cheeseburger sandwiched between two slices of toasted Parmesan sourdough bread and topped with a tangy Frisco sauce. The Frisco Melt takes this classic burger to the next level, adding a unique twist to the traditional favourite.

The Frisco Burger

The Frisco Burger is a unique take on the classic cheeseburger. What sets it apart is the use of grilled sourdough bread instead of a bun, and the addition of a special Frisco sauce. The burger is typically made with two kinds of cheese, American and Swiss, and is often served with toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions.

The Frisco Melt

The Frisco Melt is a popular menu item at Steak 'n Shake, a burger chain that originated in 1934. It is a double burger, consisting of two thin beef patties, sandwiched between two slices of sourdough bread. The Frisco Melt uses the same two types of cheese as the Frisco Burger—American and Swiss—but adds a special tangy sauce that keeps customers coming back for more.

Making the Frisco Melt

To make the Frisco Melt at home, start by gathering your ingredients: ground beef, sourdough bread, American cheese, Swiss cheese, and various condiments for the Frisco sauce. Form the ground beef into thin patties and season with salt and pepper. Cook the patties in a skillet or on a grill until they are cooked to your desired doneness.

While the burgers are cooking, it's time to make the Frisco sauce. This sauce is what sets the Frisco Melt apart. In a bowl, combine thousand island dressing, French dressing, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

Next, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread the Frisco sauce on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Layer one slice of Swiss cheese and one slice of American cheese on top of one slice of bread. Place a cooked burger patty on top of the cheese and add the second patty. Top with the remaining cheese and the second slice of bread, sauce-side down.

Finally, cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve the Frisco Melt immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of juicy burgers, tangy sauce, and crispy sourdough bread.

Customisation

The Frisco Melt can be customised to your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of sauce, add extra toppings like lettuce, tomato, or grilled onions, or even experiment with different types of cheese. Get creative and make the Frisco Melt your own!

Frequently asked questions