Fall Maple Bacon Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Savor smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and maple sweetness in this cozy, golden grilled cheese for cool autumn days.

# Components:

→ Bread & Cheese

01 - 4 slices rustic sourdough bread
02 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

→ Meats

03 - 4 slices thick-cut bacon

→ Spreads & Additions

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

→ Produce

06 - 1 small sweet apple, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Seasoning

07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.
02 - In a small bowl, combine softened butter with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup until well incorporated.
03 - Evenly spread the maple butter mixture onto one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
04 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
05 - Place one slice of bread, buttered-side down, onto the preheated skillet. Layer with cheddar cheese, 2 slices of bacon, a few thin apple slices (if using), and a light drizzle of the remaining maple syrup. Top with another slice of bread, buttered-side up.
06 - Grill each sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
07 - Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Easily customizable with different cheeses or add ins
02 -
  • Contains almost a full meal of protein in each sandwich
  • Perfect for lunch or dinner when paired with soup
  • Can be made ahead and reheated in a low oven
  • Takes ordinary grilled cheese to gourmet level with minimal effort
03 -
  • I learned through many attempts that the key to the perfect grilled cheese is patience with the heat. Keep it medium-low and give the sandwich time to develop that golden crust while the cheese melts completely. Rushing this process with high heat will leave you with burnt bread and unmelted cheese.
  • Also, pressing down gently but not squashing the sandwich helps ensure even contact with the pan without pushing out all the delicious fillings.
  • Finally, letting the sandwich rest for just 30 seconds after cooking allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut without all the filling sliding out.

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