Crispy Bacon Cheddar Grilled (Print Version)

Golden sourdough with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar for a crunchy, comforting meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Bread and Cheese

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread
02 - 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or grated

→ Meats

03 - 4 slices bacon

→ Spreads

04 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Optionals

05 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp then drain on paper towels.
02 - Butter one side of each bread slice. Optionally, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the other side for added crispiness.
03 - Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer with cheddar cheese, bacon, a pinch of black pepper, and additional cheese if desired. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
04 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook sandwiches until golden brown and cheese melts, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula for extra crispiness.
05 - Remove sandwiches from pan, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It comes together in 20 minutes, which means you can satisfy a serious craving without the wait.
  • The combination of crispy, salty bacon with sharp cheddar never gets old, no matter how many times you make it.
  • There's something deeply satisfying about pressing down on that spatula and hearing the bread crackle as it turns golden.
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is non-negotiable; if your skillet is too hot, the outside will burn before the cheese melts inside, and that's a heartbreak you don't need.
  • Buttering the outside of your bread (not the inside) is what makes the crust crispy and golden—this was the technique that changed everything for me.
  • Don't skip the one-minute rest; it sounds silly, but it gives the cheese time to firm up just enough that you get that luxurious ooze rather than a cheese explosion.
03 -
  • Slice your cheese ahead of time rather than grating it; slices melt more evenly and create that gorgeous, cohesive layer of melted cheese.
  • If your bread is very thick, you can gently press down on the sandwich with your hand as it cooks to help the heat penetrate and the cheese melt more quickly without burning the outside.
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