Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There are few things in this world as satisfying as a good grilled cheese. But what if you took that classic comfort food and gave it a smoky, savory, and incredibly delicious upgrade? This BBQ Bacon Stuffed Grilled Cheese is my answer to that. It’s a genius mashup that combines crispy bacon and tangy BBQ sauce with gooey melted cheese, all grilled between two slices of golden, buttery bread. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or anytime you need a seriously satisfying, cheesy treat.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how it takes a simple concept and elevates it to a whole new level. The combination of the salty, smoky bacon with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is a perfect contrast to the rich, creamy melted cheddar cheese. The bread is grilled to a beautiful golden brown, providing a fantastic crispy texture that holds up to all the delicious fillings. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or a special snack. It’s proof that a little creativity can turn a classic into something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 8 strips of bacon
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
Swaps and Notes
- Bread: A good quality, thick-cut white bread or sourdough works best here.
- Bacon: A thick-cut bacon will give you a heartier flavor and texture. Cook it to your desired crispiness and be sure to drain it well.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. A smoky, tangy sauce works great here.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic for a grilled cheese, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheeses.
- Toppings (Optional): You can also add some diced red onion or a few pickles for a little extra crunch and acidity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Butter the Bread: Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of two slices of bread, spread the BBQ sauce. Top the BBQ sauce with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Place four strips of crispy bacon on top of the cheese on each slice. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the bacon.
- Finish the Sandwich: Top each bacon-cheese stack with the remaining two slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and gooey. You may need to press it down gently with a spatula to help it cook evenly.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much filling, as it can make it hard to grill the sandwich evenly.
- Low and Slow: Cook the grilled cheese over medium heat. This ensures the bread gets a beautiful golden crust without burning, and it gives the cheese enough time to melt completely.
- Crispy Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a crucial layer of texture. Cook it to your desired level of crispiness.
- Serve Immediately: Grilled cheese is always best eaten fresh, right off the skillet.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This BBQ Bacon Stuffed Grilled Cheese is a meal in itself. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. You can serve it with a simple side of potato chips, a fresh green salad, or a side of coleslaw. For a fun, party spread, it would go perfectly with other crowd-pleasing foods like a crockpot nacho dip or a platter of easy cheesy chicken sliders.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately. It doesn’t store well, as the bacon and cheese will make the bread soggy. If you have leftover bacon and BBQ sauce, you can store them separately and make a fresh sandwich later.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort foods, you might also like these other recipes:
- This Dorito Casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are my favorite way to feed a crowd fast
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
- These Totchos are my favorite party food hack: tater tot nachos for the win
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Bacon Stuffed Grilled Cheese is a perfect example of a new classic. It’s a simple, clever mashup that delivers on big, comforting flavor every single time. It’s a fun and easy way to get a fantastic meal on the table, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite way to upgrade a classic grilled cheese? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are irresistible.
BBQ Bacon Stuffed Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Sandwich Upgrade
Ingredients
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked
- 4 slices of bread (preferably sourdough or white)
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon.
- Top with the other two slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Grill the sandwiches for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, slice, and serve warm with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
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