Here I’ll show you a simple way to take your Bacon Grilled Cheese to the next level!
If there’s one thing that can make a grilled cheese better, it’s bacon. And if there’s one thing that can make a bacon grilled cheese better, well, follow me….
You know, it took me a little while to come around to candied bacon. What I saw for the first time was in America, where breakfast food had too much syrup on it. I still don’t like syrup on all breakfast foods (like eggs ), but I’m a bacon fanatic. That sweet/salty contrast with the gorgeous caramelized texture. My god. If that isn’t what dreams are made of I don’t know what is.
When it comes to making sweet bacon, it truly couldn’t be easier. First thing you’ll want to do is whip up a simple glaze. Here’s what you’ll need:
This creates a gorgeous balance of flavours to compliment the salty tones of the bacon. As the bacon bakes, the glazes thickens and caramelizes.
Bacon and cheese just belong together The salty, smoky flavor of sizzling bacon beautifully complements the creamy richness of melted cheese But with so many cheese varieties available, what cheese goes best with bacon?
In this article, we’ll explore the top contenders for cheese and bacon pairings, looking at taste, texture, melt factor, and other considerations. Read on to discover the perfect cheese match for your next bacon-loaded sandwich or recipe.
Cheddar – The Classic Bacon Buddy
When most people think of cheese and bacon, good old cheddar likely comes to mind first. There’s a reason this yellow, buttery cheese is the classic choice. Cheddar’s tang pairs wonderfully with bacon’s salty meatiness.
The nutty, slightly sharp cheddar flavor stands up to the strong bacon taste without overpowering it. And cheddar melts nicely into a silky creaminess. For a classic cheese and bacon combo, you can’t go wrong with cheddar.
Tip: Go for a sharper aged cheddar if you like more punch. Milder cheddars work nicely too.
Swiss – A Smooth, Light Match
With its mild, slightly sweet flavor and smooth creamy texture when melted, Swiss cheese makes a fine companion for bacon’s heartier flavor.
Where cheddar can sometimes overpower, Swiss lets the bacon shine while adding a lovely silkiness. And Swiss cheese holds its shape when melted, giving sandwiches a nice look. The tiny holes also allow the bacon flavor to come through.
Tip: Try a sandwich with bacon, Swiss, and a schmear of tangy mustard. Perfection!
American – Oozy, Melty Goodness
American cheese may get a bad rap among snobs, but bacon lovers know its meltability and creaminess make it an ideal match. The soft, mild, and salty flavor blends right into bacon grease for drippy cheese heaven.
American also comes pre-sliced, making it super easy to layer with bacon strips on a sandwich. And it melts smoothly at low temps, unlike harder cheeses. For ultimate gooey goodness, opt for American cheese with your bacon.
Pepper Jack – When You Want Some Heat
For those who like a little kick, pepper jack cheese amps up a bacon sandwich with its spicy punch. The jalapeño and chili peppers add a nice fiery contrast to the salty, savory bacon.
And pepper jack still melts nicely, integrating the heat into each bite. The creaminess helps balance and even tame the spice a bit. If plain cheese and bacon seems boring, shake it up with zesty pepper jack.
Provolone – Italian Flair
With its subtle smoky flavor and smooth, slightly springy texture when melted, provolone cheese makes a sophisticated match for bacon.
Provolone’s trademark smokiness enhances the bacon’s similar flavor. And its creamy, elastic melted texture contrasts with the crunch of the bacon. For an Italian-inspired cheese and bacon combo, go with melty provolone.
Brie – For a Soft, Decadent Twist
Gooey brie may seem like an unlikely pairing with bacon, but the combination is actually a match made in heaven. The soft, creamy brie rounds out the crispy saltiness of the bacon beautifully.
When warmed, brie becomes even creamier and oozes decadently over the smoky bacon slices. Feel free to spread the brie on thick. The butteriness is a nice break from sharper cheeses.
What About Blue Cheese?
While too pungent on its own with bacon, blue cheese can make a nice accent when combined with milder cheeses. Try using creamy blue cheese crumbles as a topper for a bacon, cheddar, and blue sandwich. The boldness pairs nicely!
Extras for the Perfect Bacon and Cheese Sandwich
To take your bacon and cheese combo over the top, consider adding a few extras:
- Lettuce or spinach for crunch
- Sliced tomatoes for juiciness
- Avocado for creaminess
- Caramelized onions for sweetness
- Spicy mustard or mayo for tang
- A fried egg for richness
- Bacon jam for sweet saltiness
- Chili or hot sauce for kick
Take your basic bacon and cheese up a notch with any of these additions to create the perfect sandwich.
Cooking Methods to Melt Cheese Just Right
To get that ideal gooey cheese melt on your bacon sandwich, opt for these cooking methods:
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On the stove: Cook bacon in a pan first, then add slices of cheese on top to let melt just till oozing.
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Broiler: Top a baking sheet with bacon and cheese and broil 3-5 minutes till hot and melty.
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Grilled: Add cheese to a bacon sandwich and grill 2-3 minutes per side till cheese is drippily melted.
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Baked: Bake bacon and cheese sandwiches wrapped in foil at 375°F for 15-20 minutes for oozing hot melty perfection.
Discover Your Perfect Bacon and Cheese Combo
When it comes to determining the ideal cheese for bacon, personal taste rules. Try out cheddar, Swiss, American, pepper jack, provolone, brie, and other melty varieties. See what textures and flavors you like best.
Just remember to always cook the bacon first before adding slices of your chosen cheese on top. Let that cheese melt slowly into gooey deliciousness. Then load it up on bread or a bun for an insanely good bacon and cheese sandwich that is sure to satisfy.
Do I have to make Maple Bacon for this sandwich?
You don’t have to use the glaze if you don’t want to. You can still make this bacon grilled cheese. But, I highly recommend giving it a shot!.
To make the glaze, put the ingredients in a small pot (photo 1) and whisk them together (photo 2). Then, put the bacon on a wire rack above a foil-lined baking sheet (photo 3), brush both sides with the glaze, and bake (photo 4).
Alrighty, bacon candied, let’s talk grilled cheese.
How to make the best Bacon Grilled Cheese (Full Recipe & Video)
