Gridiron Grilled Cheese Beef Bacon (Printable Version)
A hearty twist on classic grilled cheese, featuring crispy beef bacon and melty cheese on golden bread for a comforting meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 8 slices cheddar or American cheese
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
→ Bread
03 - 8 slices sturdy sandwich bread (such as sourdough or country white)
→ Meat
04 - 8 slices beef bacon
→ Optional Additions
05 - 1 tomato, thinly sliced
06 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - In a separate pan, cook the beef bacon over medium heat until crisp, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels.
03 - Liberally butter one side of each bread slice.
04 - Place 4 bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean work surface. Layer each slice with 2 slices of cheese, followed by 2 slices of crispy beef bacon. Optionally, add thinly sliced tomato or red onion. If desired, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
05 - Top each assembled sandwich with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered side faces upwards.
06 - Carefully place the assembled sandwiches into the preheated skillet. Grill until each side is golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted, requiring about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to promote even browning and melting.
07 - Remove the grilled sandwiches from the skillet. Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm for optimal enjoyment.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's the ultimate comfort food, but with a satisfying, savory upgrade from the beef bacon.
- You can whip this up in a flash for a quick lunch or a hearty snack, making you feel like a culinary hero with minimal effort.
02 -
- Don't rush the grilling process; medium heat is key to achieving a perfectly golden exterior and fully melted interior without burning.
- Using softened butter, not melted, makes it much easier to spread evenly and ensures a superior crust.
03 -
- For an extra crispy exterior and even browning, press down gently on the sandwich with a spatula occasionally while it grills.
- Don't overcrowd the pan; cook only as many sandwiches as comfortably fit without touching to ensure proper heat distribution and a perfect crust.