Gridiron Grilled Cheese Beef Bacon (Printable)

Enjoy a substantial take on a beloved sandwich, combining crisp beef bacon, rich melted cheese, and toasted bread. Ideal for a comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Bread

03 - 8 slices sturdy sandwich bread

→ Meat

04 - 8 slices beef bacon

→ Optional Additions

05 - 1 tomato, thinly sliced
06 - 0.5 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

# Steps:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, ensuring it's ready for grilling.
02 - In a separate pan, cook the beef bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.
03 - Butter one side of each of the 8 bread slices evenly.
04 - Place 4 bread slices, buttered side down, on your work surface. Layer each with 2 slices of cheese, followed by 2 slices of cooked beef bacon. If desired, add thinly sliced tomato, red onion, and a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
05 - Cover each assembled sandwich with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered side faces upwards.
06 - Carefully place the prepared sandwiches into the preheated skillet. Grill until each side is golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted, which typically takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure even browning and contact.
07 - Remove the finished sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get that irresistible, golden-crisp exterior and ooey-gooey cheese without any fuss.
  • The savory, smoky beef bacon elevates a classic to something truly special and deeply satisfying.
02 -
  • Never overcrowd your pan when cooking the bacon; that's how you get soggy strips instead of crispy perfection.
  • Patience is a virtue for the grilled cheese itself; cooking on medium heat prevents burning the bread before the cheese has a chance to fully melt.
03 -
  • A light press with your spatula helps maximize contact with the pan, ensuring a beautifully even and golden crust on your grilled cheese.
  • Don't be shy with the butter; it's essential for that rich, crispy exterior that makes every bite so satisfying.