Elevate your grilled cheese experience with this decadent and refined Brown Sugar Bacon Candied Grilled Cheese Melt. Combining the rich, caramelized sweetness of brown sugar-crusted bacon with the comforting, melty goodness of gruyère and cheddar cheeses, this indulgent sandwich is a celebration of elegant comfort food. Prepare to indulge your senses with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Bacon Candied Grilled Cheese Melt
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this sophisticated twist on a classic grilled cheese. The combination of caramelized brown sugar bacon, melted gruyère and cheddar cheeses, and buttery grilled bread creates a truly heavenly and comforting culinary experience. This gourmet grilled cheese is sure to become a new family favorite, elevating the simple pleasures of comfort food with refined elegance.
Ingredients
This decadent grilled cheese sandwich features a delightful medley of high-quality ingredients. You’ll need thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, unsalted butter, sourdough bread, gruyère cheese, cheddar cheese, and a pinch of sea salt.
- 8 slices – thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup – brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons – unsalted butter
- 8 slices – sourdough bread
- 8 ounces – gruyère cheese, sliced
- 8 ounces – cheddar cheese, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon – sea salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gruyère Cheese: Fontina or provolone — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Cheddar Cheese: Pepper jack — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Candied Grilled Cheese Melt
Follow these simple steps to create a culinary masterpiece that will elevate your grilled cheese experience to new heights of indulgence.
Step 1 — Prepare the Candied Bacon
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. Remove the candied bacon from the oven and set aside to cool.
Step 2 — Assemble the Grilled Cheese
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Slice the sourdough bread into four thick slices. Place two slices of the bread in the skillet and top each with a layer of gruyère cheese, followed by a layer of cheddar cheese. Top the cheese with the cooled, candied bacon slices. Place the remaining two slices of bread on top to create a sandwich.
Step 3 — Grill the Sandwiches
Cook the grilled cheese sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula, taking care not to lose any of the precious candied bacon.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Once the sandwiches are perfectly grilled, remove them from the skillet and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for an extra touch of flavor. Slice the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve immediately, while the cheese is still warm and gooey.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: For a delightful twist, try adding a drizzle of maple syrup to the grilled cheese.
- Blue Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle a few crumbles of blue cheese over the candied bacon for an unexpected flavor explosion.
- Bacon Flavors: Experiment with different bacon flavors, such as pepper-crusted or applewood-smoked, to create your own signature version.
- Bread Variations: Use whole-grain or sourdough bread instead of the traditional white sourdough for a lighter option.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a simple side salad, a cup of creamy tomato soup, or a crisp, refreshing apple slaw.
Storage: Store any leftover grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat and cook for a few minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Make-Ahead: The candied bacon can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container until ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
This Brown Sugar Bacon Candied Grilled Cheese Melt is a delightful indulgence, featuring a harmonious blend of rich, flavorful ingredients. While it may not be the healthiest option, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a generous amount of protein, calcium, and satisfying comfort.
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 52 g
- Fat: 46 g
- Sodium: 1,220 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the candied bacon in advance?
Absolutely! The candied bacon can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This allows you to streamline the assembly process when you’re ready to make the grilled cheese sandwiches.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Certainly! While the combination of gruyère and cheddar creates a delectable balance of flavors, you can experiment with other cheese varieties to suit your personal preferences. Some excellent alternatives include fontina, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack.
How can I make this dish more healthful?
To make this grilled cheese a bit more nutritious, you can opt for whole-grain or sourdough bread, and use a lighter cheese like low-fat mozzarella or Swiss. You can also reduce the amount of butter used in the cooking process or substitute it with a small amount of olive oil.
Can I freeze the grilled cheese sandwiches?
While you can freeze the individual components, such as the candied bacon, it’s not recommended to freeze the fully assembled grilled cheese sandwiches. The texture and quality of the bread and cheese may suffer during the freezing and thawing process.
What should I serve with this grilled cheese?
This Brown Sugar Bacon Candied Grilled Cheese Melt is a delightfully indulgent and satisfying dish on its own. However, you can complement it with a simple side salad, a cup of creamy tomato soup, or even a crisp, refreshing apple slaw to balance the richness of the sandwich.
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Indulgent Brown Sugar Bacon Candied Grilled Cheese Melt
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Indulge in the refined comfort of a Brown Sugar Bacon Candied Grilled Cheese Melt. This elegant sandwich combines the sweetness of brown sugar and the savory crunch of bacon with gooey melted cheese, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Ingredients
– 4 slices of sourdough bread
– 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
– 4 slices of cooked bacon
– 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– Salt to taste
– Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
3. 2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
4. 3. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
5. 4. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
6. 5. Layer each with two slices of cheddar cheese and two slices of bacon.
7. 6. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the bacon.
8. 7. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
9. 8. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving. This melt is perfect for a cozy evening or a gourmet brunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches, Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg