This Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich takes a classic comfort food and elevates it to new heights. The crispy, smoky bacon adds a savory touch to the melty, gooey cheese inside perfectly toasted, mayo-coated sourdough bread. With its indulgent flavor and crispy texture, it’s a satisfying and delicious sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 slices thick-cut bacon

• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 4 thick slices sourdough bread

• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 4 oz Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon: Arrange the bacon in a single layer in a cold skillet. Heat to medium and cook until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Clean the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.

2. Prepare the Mayo: Mix mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese (if using) in a small bowl. Spread half of this mixture on one side of each slice of bread.

3. Toast the Bread: Place the bread, mayo-side down, in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden. Spread the remaining mayo on the other side, then flip the bread.

4. Add the Cheese: Top each slice with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Cover the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

5. Assemble the Sandwich: Place the crispy bacon on the melted cheese and press the slices of bread together. Let the sandwich cool for 1-2 minutes before cutting in half and serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~450 kcal per sandwich

• Fat: ~28g

• Carbohydrates: ~35g

• Protein: ~20g

• Fiber: ~2g

• Sugar: ~4g

The Bacon: A Savory Upgrade

Bacon is the secret ingredient that transforms an ordinary grilled cheese into something extraordinary. The crispy, smoky bacon adds a savory depth that perfectly complements the creamy melted cheese. To get the bacon just right, it’s best to cook it slowly over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden. Using thick-cut bacon gives it a heartier texture, which pairs wonderfully with the soft, melted cheese.

After cooking the bacon, it’s important to let it drain on a paper towel to remove excess grease, keeping it crispy and flavorful. The bacon not only adds texture but also infuses the sandwich with a smoky richness that makes each bite exciting.

The Mayo and Parmesan Mixture: A Creamy, Flavorful Spread

Instead of using butter, this recipe calls for mayonnaise to coat the bread. The mayo helps create that perfect golden crust that everyone loves, and it gives the bread a rich, smooth texture. For an added twist, you can mix in grated Parmesan cheese, which imparts a savory, nutty flavor to the bread’s exterior. The mayonnaise-Parmesan mixture is spread on one side of each slice of bread, ensuring that every bite has that satisfying crispiness and depth of flavor.

The Parmesan in the mayo mixture elevates the bread, giving it a slight crispness with a rich, cheesy undertone that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.

The Bread: A Perfect Canvas for Flavor

Sourdough bread is the ideal choice for this sandwich. Its slightly tangy flavor and hearty texture hold up well against the melty cheese and bacon, and its crusty exterior provides that satisfying crunch. The bread is toasted until golden and crispy, thanks to the mayo mixture, which ensures that it stays light and crisp while holding up to the delicious fillings inside.

Using thick slices of sourdough bread gives the sandwich structure and ensures a perfect balance between the bread, cheese, and bacon. It also creates the ideal vessel for holding the gooey cheese and crispy bacon, making each bite a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

The Cheese: Gooey and Flavorful

A classic grilled cheese sandwich isn’t complete without cheese, and in this version, the combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack (or pepper jack for a spicier kick) makes all the difference. The sharp cheddar provides a tangy, rich flavor, while the Monterey Jack adds a smooth, creamy texture that melts perfectly. If you prefer a bit more heat, substituting Monterey Jack with pepper jack cheese will add a subtle spiciness that complements the smoky bacon.

The cheese is melted to perfection, creating a gooey and delicious interior that oozes out with each bite. The combination of these two cheeses adds both depth and creaminess, making this sandwich extra indulgent.

Putting It All Together: Assembling the Sandwich

Once the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Place the crispy bacon on top of the melted cheese, then press the slices of bread together. The bacon should sit right on the gooey cheese, creating layers of flavor and texture that make each bite satisfying and delicious. Allow the sandwich to cool for a minute or two before cutting it in half—this lets the cheese set slightly, making the sandwich easier to eat while still maintaining that melty goodness.

A Comforting, Hearty Meal

This Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich is not only a perfect comfort food, but it’s also a hearty meal that will keep you satisfied. Each sandwich is packed with protein from the cheese and bacon, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. The crispy bacon adds a savory element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy melted cheese and crunchy bread, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that appeals to all your senses.

This sandwich is perfect on its own or can be paired with a side like tomato soup, a simple salad, or some crispy fries for a classic and complete meal.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich contains approximately 450 calories, with 20g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 7g of protein. The sandwich is a satisfying option that provides a balance of rich flavors and textures. While it is a bit indulgent, the addition of protein and fiber from the cheese and bread makes it a filling meal that will leave you full and content.

While the sandwich does contain a significant amount of fat, most of it comes from the cheese and bacon, which provide richness and flavor. The carbohydrates come from the sourdough bread and the small amount of sugar in the mayo, making this a well-rounded meal that satisfies hunger.

Customizing Your Sandwich

One of the best things about this Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich is that it can be easily customized to suit your tastes. For instance, you can switch up the cheeses to create a more complex flavor profile. Swap out the sharp cheddar for Gouda or Gruyère for a more decadent sandwich. If you love spice, opt for pepper jack cheese or add some hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the sandwich.

To make it a more indulgent treat, consider adding some caramelized onions, avocado, or even a fried egg to your sandwich for extra richness. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat, multigrain, or even a crusty baguette for a different texture.

For a lighter version, you could use leaner bacon, lighter mayo, or even opt for a whole-grain bread for a healthier alternative.

Conclusion: A Perfectly Indulgent Sandwich

The Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a perfect combination of crispy, savory bacon, melty cheese, and perfectly toasted bread. It’s an indulgent, satisfying sandwich that elevates a classic comfort food into something extra special. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or a snack to enjoy on a chilly day, this sandwich is sure to hit the spot.

Its combination of smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and crispy, golden bread makes each bite a treat for the taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, the Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich is an ideal choice for anyone craving a delicious, hearty meal that’s full of flavor.