Get ready, y’all, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a wild ride with this Bourbon Glazed Bacon & Gouda Sandwich! This isn’t your average grilled cheese – it’s an epic culinary adventure that’s guaranteed to have your friends and family begging for more. With the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and sweet, this sandwich is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. Prepare to elevate your next meal into a flavor paradise!
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Glazed Bacon & Gouda Sandwich
Buckle up, because this Bourbon Glazed Bacon & Gouda Sandwich is about to rock your world! The combination of crispy, smoky bacon, melty Gouda cheese, and a tantalizing bourbon glaze is an absolute flavor sensation. This sandwich is the ultimate indulgence – it’s rich, it’s decadent, and it’s completely irresistible. Plus, it’s shockingly easy to make, so you can whip it up in a flash and become the new culinary hero of your household. Get ready to take your taste buds on a journey they’ll never forget with this epic sandwich creation!
Ingredients
To craft this Bourbon Glazed Bacon & Gouda Sandwich, you’ll need a few key ingredients: thick-cut bacon, Gouda cheese, bread of your choice, butter, brown sugar, bourbon, and a few spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. The bacon is the star of the show, providing a deliciously smoky and savory foundation. The Gouda cheese melts into a creamy, gooey blanket of goodness. And the bourbon glaze is the final touch that takes this sandwich to the next level of flavor.
- 12 slices – thick-cut bacon
- 1 tsp – garlic powder
- 1 tsp – onion powder
- 1 tsp – paprika
- 1/2 cup – brown sugar
- 1/4 cup – bourbon
- 8 slices – Gouda cheese
- 4 slices – bread of your choice
- 2 tbsp – butter, melted
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gouda Cheese: Cheddar, provolone, or brie (any melty cheese will work)
- Bourbon: Whiskey or apple cider vinegar (for a similar flavor profile)
How to Make Bourbon Glazed Bacon & Gouda Sandwich
Get ready to take your sandwich game to new heights with this epic Bourbon Glazed Bacon & Gouda creation. It’s a flavor explosion that’s guaranteed to impress!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out the bacon slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s crispy and golden brown.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
While the bacon is cooking, prepare the bourbon glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set the glaze aside.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Brush the tops of the bread slices with the melted butter. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on a clean surface. Layer the crispy bacon slices on top, followed by the Gouda cheese. Drizzle the bourbon glaze generously over the cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the assembled sandwich and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and ooey-gooey.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Toppings: Add a few slices of juicy tomato or a handful of fresh arugula for a delightful contrast.
- Indulgent Twist: Spread a layer of creamy avocado or a fried egg on top of the cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
- Decadent Bread Swap: Consider using buttery brioche or fluffy challah instead of traditional bread for a more decadent sandwich.
- Let the Bacon Cool: Be sure to let the bacon cool slightly before assembling the sandwich to help the glaze set and prevent it from dripping all over the place.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a side of tangy pickles.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the sandwich in the oven or toaster oven until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted again.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the sandwich ahead of time, but it’s best to wait to cook it until right before serving to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
While this Bourbon Glazed Bacon & Gouda Sandwich is certainly an indulgent treat, it’s also packed with some nutritional benefits. The bacon provides a good source of protein, while the Gouda cheese offers a dose of calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals. And let’s not forget the antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in the spices and bourbon. Of course, this sandwich is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But when you’re craving a flavor-packed, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Gouda is the classic choice, you can easily swap in other melty cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even brie. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the cheese you choose.
How do I make the bourbon glaze less sweet?
If you find the bourbon glaze to be a bit too sweet for your liking, you can try reducing the amount of brown sugar or adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.
Can I make the sandwich ahead of time?
While you can definitely assemble the sandwich ahead of time, it’s best to wait to cook it until right before you’re ready to serve. This will ensure that the bread is crispy, the cheese is melted, and the bourbon glaze is at its peak stickiness.
How can I make this sandwich healthier?
To make this Bourbon Glazed Bacon & Gouda Sandwich a bit healthier, you can try using turkey bacon or a leaner cut of pork bacon. You can also opt for a whole-grain bread or use less cheese. And if you’re looking to cut back on the calories, you can reduce the amount of butter used for cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with grilled or roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms. For a vegan option, swap the Gouda cheese for a plant-based alternative and use a vegan butter or oil for cooking.
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Bourbon Glazed Bacon & Gouda Sandwich
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Description
This Bourbon Glazed Bacon & Gouda Sandwich is a delightful combination of crispy bacon, creamy Gouda cheese, and a sweet bourbon glaze, all served on toasted bread. Perfect for brunch or a hearty lunch!
Ingredients
4 slices of thick-cut bacon
2 slices of Gouda cheese
2 slices of sourdough bread
2 tablespoons of bourbon
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon of butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. In the same skillet, add bourbon, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Toast the sourdough bread in the skillet until golden brown.
4. Layer bacon and Gouda cheese on one slice of toasted bread.
5. Drizzle the bourbon glaze over the cheese and top with the second slice of bread.
6. Butter the outside of the sandwich and grill until golden and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Notes
Feel free to add some fresh arugula or sliced tomatoes for added flavor and freshness. This sandwich pairs beautifully with a side of pickles or potato chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg