Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Nothing compares to biting into a bacon grilled cheese sandwich oozing with melted cheese and packed with caramelized onions The combination of crispy bacon stretchy cheeses and tangy sourdough creates a lunch or dinner that feels like a warm hug This sandwich always brings back memories of chilly weekends when everyone gathered around the kitchen waiting for that golden crust to crisp up in the skillet

You will want to make this whenever you crave something both comforting and indulgent I made this for my family during our last movie night and everyone declared it the best grilled cheese ever

Ingredients

• Butter: softened for that golden crisp crust on the bread Choose a good quality butter for the best results
• Onion: thinly sliced to create a sweet caramelized layer inside the sandwich Look for firm onions with shiny skins
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper: to balance and brighten the flavors
• Cheddar cheese: sliced for a classic sharp flavor and excellent melt Check the cheese section for a quality block and slice it yourself for best texture
• Mozzarella cheese: grated for stretchy gooeyness Choose whole milk mozzarella for extra creaminess
• Sourdough bread: sturdy enough to hold all the fillings and toast up perfectly Ask your bakery for a fresh loaf with a chewy crumb
• Bacon: cooked until crisp for that smoky savory layer Use thick cut bacon or experiment with beef bacon for a twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Onions:

In a stainless steel skillet melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat Add the sliced onion seasoning lightly with salt and pepper Cook slowly stirring every few minutes for about twelve to fifteen minutes until the onions turn deep golden and smell sweet Remove them from the skillet and set aside

Assemble the Sandwich:

Lay out the slices of sourdough on a clean surface Evenly distribute cheddar and mozzarella on both sides of bread Layer crispy bacon over the cheese followed by your caramelized onions Place the two halves together to form a sandwich

Spread and Prep for the Skillet:

Generously spread one tablespoon of softened butter on the top outer slice of bread so that it covers all the way to the edges

Cook the Sandwich Low and Slow:

Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium low heat Gently add the sandwich Press down with a lid or spatula and let cook for four to five minutes until deep golden Carefully flip and press again Repeat until both sides are beautifully crisped and the cheese is fully melted

Rest and Serve:

Let the sandwich rest on a cutting board for a minute before slicing in half This helps everything stay together Let the cheese settle before digging in Enjoy with your favorite bowl of creamy tomato bisque

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My favorite part of this recipe is the caramelized onions which fill the house with a rich savory aroma Every time I make this sandwich my family gathers in the kitchen impatient for that first cheesy bite

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover sandwich tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to two days When ready to reheat place in a toaster oven or skillet and warm slowly to crisp the bread again Avoid microwaving which can make the bread soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap cheddar for Gruyere or Swiss for a more pronounced nutty flavor For a gluten free version use your preferred gluten free bread If you would rather skip pork try beef bacon or even turkey bacon for a lighter option

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a simple tomato soup or even a fresh green salad For extra richness add a fried egg on top or serve with pickles on the side for a briny kick

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Cultural Context

Grilled cheese sandwiches are classic American comfort food dating back generations The addition of bacon and caramelized onions elevates it into a gourmet meal reminiscent of diner favorites and home kitchens everywhere Some say this combination first became popular as a late night snack among college students always seeking that crispy cheesy bite

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best?

Sturdy options like sourdough or artisan bread hold up well to the hearty fillings and provide excellent texture.

→ How do you achieve gooey melted cheese?

Use cheeses that melt easily, such as cheddar and mozzarella, and cook the sandwich low and slow for even melting.

→ Can I substitute another meat for bacon?

Yes, beef bacon or turkey bacon can be used for a different flavor while keeping the sandwich hearty and smoky.

→ How do you caramelize onions?

Cook onions slowly in butter over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes until they become golden and sweet.

→ What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?

Spread softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread before grilling to ensure an even, golden crust.