Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Today, we’re taking a beloved classic and elevating it to legendary status. Forget everything you thought you knew about grilled cheese, because we’re diving into the Bacon-Stuffed Grilled Cheese Deluxe. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a golden, crispy, cheese-pulling masterpiece, loaded with savory, crispy bacon. Get ready for a comfort food experience that will redefine your expectations.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a firm believer that some of the best culinary creations come from simple ideas executed perfectly with a little extra something. This Bacon-Stuffed Grilled Cheese Deluxe is exactly that. It takes the familiar warmth of melted cheese and toasted bread and infuses it with the irresistible smoky, salty crunch of bacon. It’s decadent, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s my go-to when I need a serious comfort food fix or want to make a quick, impressive lunch. If you’re into upgraded comfort classics, you might also like how I transformed a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip – it’s a real crowd-pleaser, just like this grilled cheese!

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this glorious sandwich:

• 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 4 slices of sourdough bread
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 tablespoons of butter, softened

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Swaps and Notes

• Bacon: While thick-cut bacon offers the best texture here, any bacon will do. You could even use turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner option. Just ensure it’s cooked crispy!
• Bread: Sourdough bread is fantastic for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, but other hearty breads like Texas toast, brioche, or even a good quality white bread can work. Avoid flimsy breads that might get soggy.
• Cheese: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives you both great flavor and an epic cheese pull. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorites.
• Butter: Softened butter is key for even spreading and a golden crust. You could also use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for an incredibly crispy and flavorful crust – don’t knock it ’til you try it!

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Steps for the Recipe

1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet (the same one you’ll use for the grilled cheese works great!), cook the thick-cut bacon over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease. Once slightly cooled, you can break each slice in half if desired for easier layering.
2. Combine the Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Give it a good mix so the cheeses are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Bread: Take your sourdough bread slices and generously butter one side of each slice with the softened butter. This buttered side will be the exterior of your sandwich.
4. Assemble the First Sandwich (Start Cooking!): Place one slice of bread in the skillet, butter-side down, over low to medium-low heat. It’s important to keep the heat low enough to melt the cheese slowly without burning the bread.
5. Layer the Cheese: Immediately sprinkle a generous handful (about 1/4 cup) of your cheese mixture evenly over the bread in the skillet.
6. Add the Bacon: Arrange 4 halves (equivalent to 2 full slices) of the cooked, crispy bacon on top of the cheese layer.
7. More Cheese! Add another handful (about 1/4 cup) of the cheese mixture on top of the bacon. This acts as the “glue” for the top slice of bread.
8. Top it Off: Place another slice of bread on top, with the butter-side up.
9. Cook to Golden Perfection: Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside is thoroughly melted and gooey. Gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula occasionally to ensure good contact with the pan and even browning.
10. Repeat: Repeat steps 4-9 for the remaining ingredients to make your second delicious Bacon-Stuffed Grilled Cheese Deluxe.
11. Serve Hot: Once cooked, remove from the skillet, slice the sandwiches in half diagonally for that classic grilled cheese appeal, and serve immediately. Enjoy every gooey, bacony bite!

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Tips for Success

• Low and Slow is Key: Don’t rush the cooking process. Low to medium-low heat allows the cheese to melt completely before the bread burns, giving you that perfect golden crust.
• Even Butter Coverage: Ensure the butter is spread evenly on the bread for a consistent, golden-brown crust.
• Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to stuff it to the brim, be mindful not to overfill the sandwich. Too much filling can make it hard to cook evenly and lead to ingredients falling out.
• Press Gently: A gentle press with your spatula helps create good contact between the bread and the pan, promoting even browning and a better melt.
• Crispy Bacon: The crispier the bacon, the better the texture contrast in the finished sandwich. Soggy bacon just won’t do!

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Bacon-Stuffed Grilled Cheese Deluxe is a hearty meal all on its own, but it also plays well with others! For a classic pairing, a warm bowl of tomato soup is always a winner. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness. If you’re looking for more delicious dips for your ultimate comfort food spread, consider my easy Crockpot Nacho Dip or a savory Beer Cheese Dip for dipping. For drinks, a cold glass of milk, a crisp cider, or even a light lager would be fantastic.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Grilled cheese is truly best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, when the bread is hot and crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted and stretchy. If you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, I recommend popping it in a toaster oven or a dry skillet over low heat to help re-crisp the bread and melt the cheese without making it soggy in the microwave.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the indulgent simplicity of this Bacon-Stuffed Grilled Cheese Deluxe, be sure to check out more fantastic recipes on Chef Maniac!

• For another cheesy, crowd-pleasing option, these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are always a hit.
• Looking for a hearty start to your day? My One-Pan Breakfast Bake will definitely make you look forward to breakfast!

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Final Thoughts

The Bacon-Stuffed Grilled Cheese Deluxe is more than just a sandwich; it’s a golden ticket to comfort food heaven. It’s the kind of meal that brings a smile to your face with every crispy, cheesy, bacony bite. Simple ingredients, extraordinary results – that’s what we’re all about here at Chef Maniac.

I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it as much as I have. What are your favorite grilled cheese add-ins? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media. Happy grilling!