Authentic Illinois Grilled Horseshoe Sandwich Recipe

If you have never experienced the sheer indulgence of an Illinois Horseshoe Sandwich, you are missing out on a true Midwestern legend. Originating in Springfield, Illinois, this dish is not merely a sandwich; it is a mountain of comfort food designed to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Traditionally, it consists of thick-cut Texas toast topped with a juicy hamburger patty, piled high with crispy French fries, and absolutely drowned in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. By preparing this open-faced masterpiece on the Arteflame grill, we elevate the flavors to new heights. The flat cooktop allows you to sear the burgers to perfection, crisp the fries in flavorful fats, and toast the bread simultaneously. It is a hearty, interactive meal that brings friends and family together around the fire, perfect for those who believe that more cheese is always the answer.

Ingredients

The Sandwich Base

• 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 4 to 6 slices Thick Texas Toast
• 1 bag Frozen French Fries (Crinkle cut or steak fries work best)
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for the grill surface)

The Cheese Sauce

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Whole Milk
• 1 cup Beer (Lager or Pilsner add great depth) or Beef Broth
• 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Dry Mustard Powder
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Start by building a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using charcoal or wood. Allow it to burn down until the center grate is extremely hot (over 600°F) and the outer flat top griddle reaches a steady cooking temperature. The different heat zones will be crucial for managing the sauce, the meat, and the fries simultaneously.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Place a heat-safe saucepan or cast-iron skillet on a cooler section of the flat top griddle. Melt the butter completely.
2. Whisk in the flour constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux; it should smell slightly nutty but not burned.
3. Slowly pour in the milk and beer (or broth), whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Move the pan closer to the heat if needed to get it to simmer and thicken.
4. Once thickened, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, cayenne, and paprika. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until smooth and velvety. Move the pan to the coolest edge of the grill to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Fries and Burgers

1. Oil the flat top grill surface lightly. Place your frozen fries on a medium-hot section of the griddle. Toss them frequently to ensure they crisp up evenly on all sides. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
2. While the fries are cooking, form your ground beef into oval or horseshoe-shaped patties (matching the shape of the bread helps). Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Place the patties on the hotter section of the griddle near the center. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a nice crust and reach your desired level of doneness.

Step 4: Toast and Assemble

1. In the final minutes of cooking, place the Texas toast slices on the griddle. Toast them until golden brown on both sides.
2. To assemble, place a slice of toasted bread on a plate. Top immediately with a cooked burger patty.
3. Pile a generous mound of crispy fries on top of the burger.
4. Finally, ladle a massive amount of the warm cheese sauce over the entire stack, ensuring it drips down the sides. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips

Mastering the Horseshoe Sandwich on the Arteflame is all about timing and heat management. Because the cheese sauce can separate if it gets too hot or sits too long, try to have your ingredients prepped (mise en place) before you start grilling. When cooking the fries on the flat top, don't be afraid to use a little extra oil or even beef tallow if you have it; this mimics the deep-fryer crunch that is essential to the dish. If your cheese sauce becomes too thick while waiting for the burgers, simply whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it back up. Lastly, always shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents like cellulose that prevent it from melting into a smooth, emulsified sauce.

Variations

While the hamburger horseshoe is the classic standard, this dish is incredibly versatile and welcomes creativity. You can swap the protein or the toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few popular regional twists to try:

• The Ponyshoe: Simply a smaller version of the original, using half a slice of toast and one patty, perfect for lighter appetites.
• Breakfast Shoe: Replace the burger with sausage patties or ham, use hash browns instead of fries, and top with a fried egg before adding the cheese sauce.
• Buffalo Chicken Shoe: Use grilled chicken breast tossed in buffalo sauce instead of beef, and mix some blue cheese crumbles into your cheese sauce.
• Pork Tenderloin Shoe: A true Midwest mashup, using a breaded or grilled pork tenderloin cutlet as the meat base.
• Veggie Shoe: Swap the meat for a grilled portobello mushroom cap or a thick slice of roasted eggplant.

Best pairings

The Illinois Horseshoe is a rich, heavy dish, so your drink and side pairings should help cut through that richness. Since this is pub-style comfort food, a cold beverage is almost mandatory. The slight bitterness and carbonation of a beer help cleanse the palate between bites of cheese and meat.

• Beverages: A crisp Lager, Pilsner, or a hoppy IPA works wonders. For non-alcoholic options, an ice-cold root beer or a sharp lemonade provides a refreshing contrast.
• Sides: Because the meal already includes meat, dairy, bread, and potatoes, you don't need heavy sides. A simple, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps balance the heaviness.
• Pickles: Serving dill pickle spears or cornichons on the side adds a necessary acid punch to cut through the fatty cheese sauce.

Conclusion

The Illinois Grilled Horseshoe Sandwich is more than just a meal; it is a culinary event that celebrates indulgence and comfort. By bringing this recipe to your Arteflame grill, you add a layer of wood-fired flavor and crispy texture that a standard kitchen stove simply cannot replicate. Whether you are hosting a game day gathering or just looking to treat your family to a hearty weekend feast, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare to dive into one of the most delicious traditions the Midwest has to offer. Just make sure you have plenty of napkins—you are going to need them!