Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheddar

Few things in life are as comforting as a warm, melty grilled cheese sandwich—especially when it’s loaded with crispy bacon. This Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The sharpness of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melts perfectly between slices of golden sourdough bread, while thick-cut bacon adds an irresistible salty crunch. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, this grilled cheese is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 4 thick slices sourdough bread
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Bacon:
    • Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer in a large, cold skillet.
    • Turn the heat to medium and cook the bacon until crispy, flipping occasionally.
    • Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
    • Wipe the skillet clean and reduce the heat to medium-low.
  2. Prepare the Mayonnaise Mixture:
    • While the bacon is cooking, mix the mayonnaise with the grated Parmesan cheese (if using) in a small bowl.
    • Spread half of this mixture evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
  3. Toast the Bread:
    • Place the slices of bread, mayo side down, in the skillet.
    • Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is lightly golden.
    • Spread the remaining mayo mixture on the un-toasted sides of the bread.
    • Flip the bread so the freshly mayo-coated side is now facing down in the skillet.
  4. Melt the Cheese:
    • Top each slice of bread with the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, distributing the cheese evenly.
    • Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the bread to get golden and the cheese to melt.
  5. Assemble the Sandwich:
    • Remove the toasted bread from the skillet.
    • Divide the crispy bacon evenly between the slices, placing it on top of the melted cheese.
    • Sandwich the two slices of bread together, pressing gently.
    • Let the sandwich cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing in half.
  6. Serve:
    • Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
    • Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness with the crispy, savory bacon!

Cooking Tips:

  • For extra flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or smoked gouda.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack.
  • Make sure to cook the bacon slowly in a cold skillet to allow it to crisp up evenly.
  • To save time, you can pre-cook the bacon and store it in the fridge, reheating it briefly before adding it to the sandwich.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health.
  • Monterey Jack adds not only creaminess but also provides healthy fats and protein.
  • Bacon, when eaten in moderation, adds flavor while also offering protein.
  • Sourdough bread contains probiotics from the fermentation process, which can aid in digestion compared to other breads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This sandwich takes the classic grilled cheese to the next level with layers of bold flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, and crispy bacon creates a truly indulgent treat. The Parmesan-infused mayonnaise adds a delightful tang and richness to the perfectly toasted sourdough bread. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this bacon grilled cheese is always a hit.

Dietary Information:

  • Contains Dairy: The cheeses and mayonnaise used in this recipe contain dairy products.
  • Gluten: The sourdough bread contains gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the sourdough with gluten-free bread.
  • Contains Pork: The bacon used in this recipe contains pork, but turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative can be used for a different variation.

Why This Recipe Works:
The beauty of this sandwich lies in its simplicity and the way the ingredients complement each other. Cooking the bacon in a cold skillet ensures it crisps up perfectly without burning, while the blend of cheeses melts into a gooey, decadent filling. The Parmesan mayo adds a rich layer of flavor that enhances the bread’s texture, creating a delicious golden crust. Every bite is packed with bold cheesy and smoky bacon flavor, making this sandwich irresistible.

Conclusion:
This Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect blend of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and crunchy sourdough bread. It’s easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress any guest. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend meal or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and enjoy the irresistible flavors of bacon and cheese in every bite!