Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This sandwich has it all: Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich is smoky, salty, savory, and filled with gooey melted cheese. If you're ready to take your lunch to the next level, this is the recipe for you. This delicious sandwich combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar, smoky candied bacon + sweet jaminess of roasted herb tomatoes-- All perfectly harmonized with garlic herb butter for that bang! It's a family-favorite sandwich for all. Gluten-free + Dairy-free options.
The Perfect Southern-Style Grilled Cheese!
Everyone loves a grilled cheese. This Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich is by far one of my newest faves! And while there's certainly nothing wrong with a classic meal of American cheese melted between golden slices of bread, every now and then you want to amp things up a notch.
To give your grilled cheese sandwich a makeover, fill it with roasted tomatoes and candied bacon. What could be better? And if you're a lover of grilled cheese, then this Baked BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese [Dairy-Free], Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese, Oxtail Grilled Cheese, and Southern Honey Mustard Chicken Bacon Sandwich is one to try next! Elevate your grilled cheese game with this Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese-- A mouthwatering combination of sweet + savory flavors.
Here's the best part: once you've got all your ingredients ready to go, it takes just a matter of a few minutes to whip up this grilled cheese! This sandwich has a perfectly golden + crispy exterior that perfectly complements the saucy, gooey goodness on the inside. Plus, it has a gluten-free and dairy-free options so that it works for those with sensitivities. If you're thinking of making your own bread, check out my Soft Buttery Vegan Brioche Bread!
Jump to:
- The Perfect Southern-Style Grilled Cheese!
- What's the Secret to a Good Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
- How To Make Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
- Ingredients
- Easy Pesto Sauce
- What is Candied Bacon?
- How to Make Candied Bacon
- What Is The Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese?
- Should I Cook Grilled Cheese Fast or Slow?
- Why You’ll Love This Bacon Grilled Cheese
- Other Grilled-Cheese Ingredient Ideas
- What Goes Well with This Grilled Cheese
- Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe Q + A's
- More Delicious Handheld Recipes to Try Next!
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
What's the Secret to a Good Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
When it comes to a good grilled cheese, the core main thing is to ensure that you use butter and cook your sandwiches low and slow. I love creating a softened garlic herb butter of some sort to spread on each side of the bread to ensure that it browns nicely.
How To Make Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
It might sound quite simple, but it does involve a bit of prep work for the candied bacon, roasted herb tomatoes + any add-on ingredients you might want to add like pesto, chopped, kale, etc (more on that soon). However, once that's done, everything comes together, and it all gets slowly grilled to reach that perfect golden perfection!
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make this drool-worthy Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
- Roasted Herb Tomatoes. A sweet, tangy jaminess to this sandwich. You can find the recipe for these tomatoes here.
- Bread. I love using brioche bread for this sandwich or some crusty sourdough. You can use your fave rustic bread. If you want to make your own bread try my homemade vegan brioche bread!
- Organic Sharp or Mild Cheddar. Grated or shredded.
- Candied Bacon. Adds a delicious sweet + smokey element!
- Pesto. Store-bought or homemade, if opting for store brought my favorite is from Whole Foods!
- Garlic Herbed Butter. This adds the perfect crispiness to the outside.
Easy Pesto Sauce
Here's what you need to make this one-step pesto:
- Spinach. You can also use kale if you like. This adds an extra boost of bright green color to the sauce.
- Basil. You can't have pesto without it!
- Walnuts. You can also use pine nuts if you like.
- Olive oil. Choose a good-quality oil with a robust flavor.
- Lemon juice. this helps keep the pesto bright.
- Garlic. Fresh garlic will give you the best flavor.
HOW TO MAKE HERB ROASTED TOMATOES
The key for this recipe is to start with great-quality tomatoes. Choose a mix of large and cherries, and several different colors if you can find them.
What is Candied Bacon?
Candied bacon is bacon that's been sweetened to perfection. Picture crispy, smoky bacon strips coated in a mouthwatering layer of caramelized brown sugar + maple syrup. It's that perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a delightful crunch.
Candied bacon is the ultimate treat for bacon lovers and those looking to add a delicious twist to their meals. Some refer to it as million-dollar bacon---it's playfully named because it's so scrumptious, it's like a flavor sensation that hits the jackpot!
How to Make Candied Bacon
With just three ingredients and your oven (or air-fryer), making candied bacon is a breeze. In under an hour, you'll have the best bacon you've ever tasted! Follow the full recipe + tips on how to make candied bacon HERE!
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS GRILLED CHEESE!
Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Everything from my fave baking sheet, parchment paper, food processor, high-powered blender, skillets, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
What Is The Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese?
Even though this Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich is based on using Sharp or Mild Cheddar cheeses, you can also switch things up and add a new flare to its flavor profile by adding any of the following cheeses:
- Havarti
- Mozzarella
- Gouda
- American cheese
- Oaxaca
- Goat cheese
- Swiss
- Provolone
- Pepper Jack
- Muenster
Should I Cook Grilled Cheese Fast or Slow?
So, when it comes to cooking grilled cheese much like things like pancakes, it's super important to cook things slowly. The main reason: it helps the cheese and other ingredients to warm through evenly without the outside of the bread getting burned because it's on high heat. Therefore, try keeping things on low or medium-low and allowing everything to cook slowly. Patience will be your best friend!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Grilled Cheese
And just absolutely perfect for any kind of weather, especially when paired with soup during the cooler months.
- Bold flavors—Savory + sweet marry so well together!
- Easy to make. Easy weeknight meal option or laidback lunch idea.
- Definitely a great way to use leftover candied bacon + roasted herb tomatoes if you have them on hand!
- Uses simple ingredients.
- Fun cooking activity for the entire family. Kids love the assembling of grilled cheese!
Other Grilled-Cheese Ingredient Ideas
If you’re looking for more grilled cheese ingredient inspiration or want to just make this Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe even more delicious, here are some more ideas of what ingredients to add:
- Shredded Chicken
- Add greens: Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus, Brussels sprouts (shredded), etc.
- Roasted veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, chipotle peppers, etc.
- Caramelized onions
- Jalapeños
- Pico de Gallo
- Avocado
- Roasted garlic
- Herb-roasted tomatoes
- Homemade pesto
- Sundried tomatoes
- Kimichi
- Pickles
- Other meats: beef, steak, prosciutto, ham, turkey, etc!
What Goes Well with This Grilled Cheese
I like to enjoy my Grilled Cheese on it's own most days or at least with a very simple side, however sometimes you can always spruce things up for a more hearty meal. Therefore, I wanted to share a few more ideas incase you make this grilled cheese more than once and want to switch things up!
Other food option ideas to enjoy this grilled cheese with----include:
- Fries-- Like these, Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries, Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries, Crispiest Jumbo Garlic Herb Fries, or Spicy Honey Sweet Potato Wedges
- Other appetizers-- Like wings or cauliflower bites! Try these Honey Garlic Chicken Wings, Classic Oven Baked Buffalo Wings, Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings, Sticky Peach Chicken Wings, Orange Chicken Wings, Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings/Bites, or BBQ Cauliflower Wings
- Salad--If you want to add a little freshness on the side try Chicken Caesar Salad with Cornbread Croutons, Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad, or Quick + Easy Blood Orange Kale Salad
- Soup-- Grilled cheese + soup is kind of the ultimate combo! I love serving grilled cheese alongside Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup, Creamy Garlic Bread Soup, Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup, Roasted Carrot Soup + Cheesy Croutons and Roasted Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
- Mac + Cheese. Because nothing screams comfort like grilled cheese + mac and cheese! My faves are My Childhood Velveeta Mac and Cheese, Copycat Velveeta Broccoli Mac and Cheese, Creamy Stovetop Southern Mac + Cheese and Ultimate Vegan Mac + Cheese.
Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe Q + A's
Leftovers can be tightly wrapped in foil paper or an air-tight container and refrigerated for 1-2 days. To reheat, add leftovers to a baking sheet with parchment paper and warm in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
Absolutely! To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely GF, simply ensure that the bread is GF-Friendly.
Yes! The general method for grilled cheese is to butter the outsides of the bread before placing it in the pan which creates more flavor and ensures that they are perfectly golden brown.
Absolutely! To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely dairy-free, simply sub the butter with vegan butter as well as ensure that the bread is vegan and sub the cheese with high-quality dairy-free cheese shreds.
General rule of thumb: cook each grilled cheese butter-side-down letting it brown for 3 to 4 minutes before flipping to the other side. Then cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes more, or until golden brown.
Generally, with regular grilled cheese it's said to toast your bread prior to assembling and making your grilled cheese. However, in this recipe, you'll be baking it afterwards, therefore, the baking process will make it nice and crispy.
It's so important to use shredded or freshly-grated cheeses for the "gooey" results in your grilled cheese. For even better results, I always recommend having your cheese at room temperature for an easier melt. But always remember that certain cheese melt easier than others like American and Cheddar, which are often the go-to's!
To bring these grilled cheese sandwiches to another level of flavor, you can add Everything Bagel seasoning on the outsides of bread after buttering, right before adding them to the skillet.
More Delicious Handheld Recipes to Try Next!
If you are a fan of the Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich, you will also love these other delicious options!
- Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
- Vegan 'Tuna' Melt Sandwich
- Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos
- Jerk Salmon Tacos
- Bang Bang Shrimp Street Tacos
- BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Spicy Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwich
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried the Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
GRILLED CHEESE:
- 4 slices bread (I love using brioche bread or other rustic bread like sourdough, etc. )
- 2 cups organic Sharp or Mild Cheddar, grated or shredded
- 1 cup herb roasted tomatoes
- 4 strips Candied Bacon, chopped
- 4 Tbsps Garlic Herb Butter
ADD-ONS [OPTIONAL]:
- 2 Tbsps pesto, homemade or store-bought
- ½ cup chopped kale
Instructions
TO MAKE THE HERB BUTTER:
- Follow my Garlic Herb Butter recipe that you can make in just 5 minutes!
ASSEMBLE + COOK:
- On the outsides of each bread slice, spread a bit of the herb butter so that they become nicely crisp and golden.
- On one side of 2 slices of bread, add a handful of chopped bacon and roasted herb tomatoes. On the other half of each sandwich (atop remaining 2 slices), add the cheese. Place together one side of bread that has cheese with the other side that has the bacon and tomatoes, pressing them gently together to make a sandwich. Repeat until all sandwiches are made if making additional. NOTE: If using pesto or chopped kale, feel free to add them during this process.
- In a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-low heat, add two sandwiches (one side down), cooking until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes. Flip sandwich unto opposite side and cook from another 4-5 minutes. NOTE: I love using a burger or grill press tool to help flatten my grilled cheeses a bit, which also helps the cheese to melt.
- Once done, cut in halves (if desired), plate the sandwiches with your favorite side (like crinkle cut fries, sweet potato fries, mac + cheese, coleslaw, etc), soup (like my tomato soup) or Baked Sticky BBQ Wings or chips and enjoy.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- GUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely GF, simply ensure that the bread is GF-Friendly.
- DAIRY-FREE OPTION: To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely dairy-free, simply sub the butter with vegan butter as well as ensure that the bread is vegan and sub the cheese with high-quality dairy-free cheese shreds.
- ADDING EVERYTHING BAGEL SEASONING: To bring these grilled cheese sandwiches to another level of flavor, you can add Everything Bagel seasoning on the outsides of bread after buttering, right before adding them to the skillet.
- EVERYTHING BAGEL SEASONING: To make your own homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning, simply follow this recipe.
Nutrition
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This was dope!!!
I love this idea and everyone here is going to go nuts when I make it with joy all their favorites that photo made me drool!
What a brilliant recipe! We love BACON in our family, and the combination of crispy bacon paired with pesto and cheese is amazing. Love the herb butter, too! (I'm totally going to try your suggestion for candied bacon next.)
Oh, my! This looks amazing. We love grilled sandwiches, especially my husband. I can't wait to make him this one.
Everything about these grilled cheese sandwiches looks amazing! I LOVE the addition of the bacon.