Grilled Frisco Burger with Swiss Cheese and Bacon

Introduction

The Frisco Burger is a flavorful twist on the classic burger, featuring a tangy combination of melted Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, and a zesty Thousand Island dressing, all served on toasted sourdough bread. Grilling the burger on the Arteflame ensures a perfect sear and a juicy, flavorful patty, while the sourdough gets a crisp, golden finish on the flat top.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• Lettuce leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Thousand Island Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

Light the Arteflame grill by stacking firewood over vegetable oil-soaked napkins. Let it burn for about 20 minutes. The center grate will be used for searing the burger patties, while the outer flat top will grill the bacon and toast the sourdough bread.

Step 2: Shape the Burger Patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into patties, about ¾ inch thick. Season each patty with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Grill the Bacon

Place the bacon slices on the flat top griddle and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Move them to the side to keep warm.

Step 4: Grill the Frisco Burgers

Sear the patties on the hot center grate for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a nice crust. Move them to the cooler part of the flat top and place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty. Let the cheese melt while the burgers finish cooking to your desired doneness.

Step 5: Toast the Sourdough Bread

Butter both sides of the sourdough slices and place them on the flat top griddle. Grill for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Make the Thousand Island Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble the Frisco Burgers

Spread Thousand Island dressing on one side of each toasted sourdough slice. Place a lettuce leaf on one slice, followed by the burger patty with melted Swiss cheese and crispy bacon. Add a few slices of red onion and cap with the other slice of sourdough.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the Frisco burger hot, with a side of fries or a crisp salad.

Grilling Tips

• Sourdough bread: Toasting the sourdough on the griddle adds a crunchy texture and helps it hold up to the juicy burger and melted cheese.
• Swiss cheese: The mild flavor of Swiss cheese melts perfectly and balances the tangy dressing and crispy bacon.

Variations

1. Spicy Frisco Burger: Add pickled jalapeños and spicy Sriracha mayo for a fiery twist.
2. Frisco Mushroom Swiss Burger: Add sautéed mushrooms along with the melted Swiss cheese for an earthy flavor.
3. Avocado Frisco Burger: Top the burger with slices of creamy avocado for extra richness.
4. BBQ Frisco Burger: Swap the Thousand Island dressing for smoky BBQ sauce and add grilled onions.
5. Vegetarian Frisco Burger: Use a grilled veggie patty in place of the beef for a meatless version.

Best Pairings

• Sweet potato fries: A sweet and crispy contrast to the savory burger.
• Onion rings: Crunchy onion rings pair perfectly with the tangy Thousand Island dressing.
• Caesar salad: A crisp, fresh Caesar salad balances the richness of the burger.

Conclusion

This Grilled Frisco Burger brings together juicy beef, melted Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty Thousand Island dressing, all served on toasted sourdough bread. Grilling it on the Arteflame ensures a flavorful burger with the perfect sear and crispy bread.