Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Recipe for Flavor

Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese: Prepare to elevate your grilled cheese game to a whole new level! Forget everything you thought you knew about this classic comfort food because we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that’s smoky, savory, and utterly irresistible. This isn’t just grilled cheese; it’s an experience.

The humble grilled cheese has a surprisingly rich history, evolving from simple cheese toasties enjoyed for centuries into the beloved sandwich we know today. But adding bacon and barbecue sauce? That’s where the magic truly happens. Think of it as a modern twist on a timeless favorite, a fusion of American comfort food that’s guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

Why do people adore a good grilled cheese? It’s the perfect combination of gooey, melted cheese and crispy, golden-brown bread. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying. Now, imagine that comforting base amplified with the salty, smoky goodness of bacon and the tangy sweetness of barbecue sauce. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. This Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese recipe is the ultimate indulgence, perfect for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a late-night snack. Get ready to experience the best Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese you’ve ever had!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 slices thick-cut bacon
• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind!)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Optional: Pickled jalapeños, thinly sliced, for extra kick

Preparing the Bacon:

Okay, let’s start with the star of the show – the bacon! We want it perfectly crispy, because nobody wants soggy bacon in their grilled cheese. Trust me on this one.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). I find that baking bacon is the easiest way to get it consistently crispy without having to babysit it on the stovetop. Plus, less mess!
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze. Seriously, you’ll thank me later.
3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the slices aren’t overlapping, or they won’t crisp up properly.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the bacon. You want it nice and crunchy, but not burnt!
5. Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess grease. Let it cool slightly before handling.
6. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble or roughly chop it into smaller pieces. We want it to be easy to distribute evenly in our grilled cheese.

Making the BBQ Mayo:

This is where the magic happens! The BBQ mayo adds a tangy, smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the bacon and cheese. Don’t skip this step!

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like it sweeter, add a little more BBQ sauce. If you want a bit more tang, add a touch more Dijon.
3. Set aside the BBQ mayo. We’ll use it later to spread on the bread.

Assembling the Grilled Cheese:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where your creativity can shine. Feel free to add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste.

1. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This is the side that will go down in the pan, so make sure it’s evenly coated.
2. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean work surface.
3. Spread a generous layer of the BBQ mayo on the unbuttered side of each slice of bread. Don’t be shy! This is what’s going to give our grilled cheese that amazing flavor.
4. On one slice of bread, layer 2 slices of cheddar cheese, then half of the crumbled bacon, then 2 slices of provolone cheese, and finally another 2 slices of cheddar cheese. The order doesn’t matter too much, but I like to sandwich the bacon between the cheese to help it stick.
5. If you’re using pickled jalapeños, sprinkle a few slices over the cheese and bacon. This is totally optional, but it adds a nice little kick!
6. Top with the other slice of bread, BBQ mayo-side down.
7. Repeat steps 2-6 for the remaining two grilled cheese sandwiches.

Cooking the Grilled Cheese:

Alright, time to get these babies golden brown and melty! Patience is key here. We want the cheese to be perfectly melted and gooey, and the bread to be crispy and golden brown.

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. The key here is low and slow. If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt.
2. Place the grilled cheese sandwiches in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches as they cook. This helps to ensure even cooking and melting.
4. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Conversely, if the cheese isn’t melting fast enough, you can cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to help trap the heat.
5. Once the grilled cheese sandwiches are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a cutting board.
6. Let them cool for a minute or two before slicing in half and serving. This will prevent the cheese from oozing out everywhere when you cut them.

Serving Suggestions:

These Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few simple sides. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Tomato soup: The classic grilled cheese companion! The acidity of the tomato soup cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the warm, gooey grilled cheese.
• Pickles: Dill pickles or bread and butter pickles are a great way to add a little bit of acidity and crunch.
• Potato chips: Because who doesn’t love potato chips with a grilled cheese?
• A simple salad: A light and refreshing salad can help balance out the richness of the sandwich.

Enjoy your delicious Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Conclusion:

This Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the smoky bacon to the tangy BBQ sauce and the perfectly melted cheese, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it elevates the humble grilled cheese to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Think of it: the crisp, golden-brown bread giving way to gooey, melted cheese, the salty, savory bacon mingling with the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. It’s comfort food with a kick, perfect for a cozy night in or a fun weekend lunch. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Looking for serving suggestions? I love pairing this Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese with a simple tomato soup for dipping. The acidity of the tomato cuts through the richness of the sandwich perfectly. Alternatively, a side of coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the smoky flavors. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with some crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make this recipe your own. Try using different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or provolone for a milder flavor. You could also add some caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness or some sliced avocado for a creamy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different types of bread, such as sourdough or brioche.

For a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or grilled mushrooms. Just be sure to marinate them in a little BBQ sauce before grilling to get that same smoky flavor. You could even add some grilled pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! The possibilities are endless. This recipe is more of a guideline than a strict set of rules. The most important thing is to use ingredients that you love and to create a sandwich that you truly enjoy.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of the Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese for yourself. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your grill (or stovetop!), and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on the recipe page. Let me know what variations you tried and what you thought of the flavors. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration. Happy grilling (and eating)! I can’t wait to see your creations! Let me know if you have any questions, and happy cooking!