BLT Grilled Cheese: the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! Imagine the crispy, smoky bacon, the juicy, ripe tomato, and the crisp, refreshing lettuce of a classic BLT, all melted together with gooey, golden cheese between two slices of perfectly toasted bread. Sounds divine, right?
While the exact origins of the grilled cheese sandwich are debated, its popularity soared in the United States during the 1920s, thanks to the invention of sliced bread and processed cheese. The BLT, on the other hand, gained traction in the post-World War II era as supermarkets began stocking ingredients year-round. Combining these two iconic sandwiches is a stroke of genius, offering a delightful twist on familiar flavors.
People adore this BLT Grilled Cheese because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of textures the crunchy bread, the creamy cheese, the crisp bacon and lettuce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a customizable dish! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, breads, and even add a smear of your favorite aioli for an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or a crowd-pleasing snack, this BLT Grilled Cheese recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (I prefer sourdough or a hearty white bread)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 slices cooked bacon (crispy is key!)
- 4 slices tomato, about 1/4 inch thick
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese provolone, Gruyere, or pepper jack would also be delicious)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (for extra gooeyness)
- Mayonnaise, to taste
- Optional: Lettuce (Romaine or butter lettuce work best)
- Optional: Avocado slices
- Optional: A sprinkle of garlic powder
- Optional: A dash of hot sauce
Preparing the BLT Grilled Cheese Components:
Before we even think about grilling, let’s get our ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the whole process smoother and faster. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling to cook bacon while your bread is already browning in the pan!
- Cook the Bacon: If you haven’t already, cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. I like to cook mine in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you evenly cooked, flat bacon that’s perfect for sandwiches. You can also cook it in a skillet, of course. Just make sure to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy grilled cheese! Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Slice the Tomatoes: Slice your tomatoes into slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. You don’t want them too thin, or they’ll disappear in the sandwich. You also don’t want them too thick, or they’ll make the sandwich difficult to eat. I like to use a serrated knife for this, as it helps to cut through the tomato skin without squishing the tomato.
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. This is the side that will go against the pan and get all golden and crispy. Make sure the butter is softened so it spreads easily and evenly. I find that using a pastry brush helps to distribute the butter without tearing the bread. If you’re using garlic powder, sprinkle a tiny amount on the buttered side of the bread.
- Optional Lettuce Prep: If you’re using lettuce, wash and dry it thoroughly. I like to tear the lettuce into pieces that are about the same size as the bread slices. This makes it easier to assemble the sandwich and prevents the lettuce from sticking out.
- Optional Avocado Prep: If you’re using avocado, slice it thinly just before assembling the sandwich. Avocado tends to brown quickly, so you want to add it at the last minute.
Assembling the BLT Grilled Cheese:
Now for the fun part! This is where we start to build our masterpiece. I like to think of this as an art project, but one that you can eat afterwards.
- First Layer: Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat. Make sure the heat is low enough that the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese melts.
- Cheese Time: On each slice of bread, layer one slice of cheddar cheese and one slice of mozzarella cheese. The mozzarella will give you that amazing cheese pull, while the cheddar adds a sharp, classic flavor.
- Bacon Bonanza: Now, add two slices of crispy bacon on top of the cheese on each sandwich. You can break the bacon in half if you need to, to make it fit better.
- Tomato Touch: Place one slice of tomato on top of the bacon on each sandwich.
- Optional Additions: If you’re using lettuce and/or avocado, now is the time to add them. Place a few pieces of lettuce and/or a few slices of avocado on top of the tomato.
- Mayonnaise Magic: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of the remaining four slices of bread. This will add a little extra flavor and moisture to the sandwich.
- Top It Off: Carefully place the remaining slices of bread, mayonnaise-side down, on top of the fillings.
Cooking the BLT Grilled Cheese:
This is where the magic happens! We’re going to transform our assembled sandwiches into golden, gooey, and delicious BLT grilled cheeses. Patience is key here. You want to cook the sandwiches slowly over medium-low heat so that the cheese melts completely and the bread gets nice and crispy without burning.
- Grilling Time: Cook the sandwiches for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on them, and adjust the heat if necessary. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If the cheese isn’t melting quickly enough, cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat.
- The Flip: Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula. Be gentle, as the fillings can sometimes shift around.
- Pressing Power: If you want to ensure that the sandwiches are evenly cooked and that the cheese melts completely, you can press down on them with a spatula while they’re cooking. This will also help to flatten the sandwiches slightly, making them easier to eat.
- Cheese Check: The most important thing is to make sure the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning nicely but the cheese is still firm, you can try turning the heat down even lower and covering the skillet with a lid for a few more minutes.
- Optional Hot Sauce: If you want to add a little kick, sprinkle a dash of hot sauce on the inside of the sandwich during the last minute of cooking.
Serving and Enjoying Your BLT Grilled Cheese:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a delicious BLT grilled cheese. Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are a few tips for serving and enjoying your creation:
- Cutting the Sandwich: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut each sandwich in half diagonally. This makes them easier to eat and also looks more appealing.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the BLT grilled cheeses immediately while they’re still hot and gooey. They’re delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides, such as:
- Tomato soup
- Potato chips
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- A simple green salad
- Garnishing (Optional): If you want to get fancy, you can garnish the sandwiches with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Enjoy!: Take a big bite and savor the delicious combination of crispy bacon, melted cheese, juicy tomato, and toasted bread. You deserve it!
Tips and Variations:
This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your own perfect BLT grilled cheese. Here are a few ideas:
- Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese, such as provolone, Gruyere, pepper jack, or even a combination of cheeses.
- Bread Variations: Use different types of bread, such as sourdough, rye, or even a croissant.
- Bacon Variations: Use different types of bacon, such as thick-cut bacon, maple bacon, or even turkey bacon.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the bacon with grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh bacon for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sandwich for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Butter: Instead of plain butter, use garlic butter to butter the bread.
- Pesto: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the inside of the sandwich for a burst of flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: Add some caramelized onions to the sandwich for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add some sun-dried tomatoes to the sandwich for a tangy and chewy texture.
Troubleshooting:
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:
- Bread is Burning: If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to low. You can
Conclusion:
This isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The BLT Grilled Cheese takes everything you love about the classic BLT and elevates it to a whole new level of cheesy, melty goodness. The crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, all nestled between slices of perfectly grilled, golden-brown bread with layers of melted cheese what’s not to love? I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.
But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to method, feel free to experiment and make it your own. Craving a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter before grilling, or a smear of sriracha mayo inside. Want to amp up the protein? Throw in some sliced avocado or a fried egg. For a vegetarian twist, swap the bacon for grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tempeh bacon. The possibilities are endless!
Serving suggestions? This BLT Grilled Cheese is fantastic on its own for a quick and satisfying lunch. But if you’re looking to make it a complete meal, pair it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup, a crisp side salad, or some crunchy coleslaw. For a fun twist, cut the sandwich into smaller squares and serve as appetizers at your next gathering. Trust me, they’ll be a hit! You could even offer a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a picnic in the park. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and the fact that it’s so easy to make is a huge bonus. Its also a great way to use up leftover bacon from breakfast!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This BLT Grilled Cheese is more than just a sandwich; it’s an experience.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy grilling!
BLT Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Twist
Crispy bacon, juicy tomato, and melty cheese elevate this grilled cheese to ultimate comfort food perfection between golden, buttery bread.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or hearty white recommended)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crispy
- 4 slices tomato, about 1/4 inch thick
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Mayonnaise, to taste
- Optional: Lettuce (Romaine or butter lettuce)
- Optional: Avocado slices
- Optional: A sprinkle of garlic powder
- Optional: A dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy. Oven method: 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Skillet method: drain excess grease. Set aside.
- Slice the Tomatoes: Slice tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle with garlic powder (optional).
- Optional Lettuce Prep: Wash and dry lettuce. Tear into pieces.
- Optional Avocado Prep: Slice avocado thinly just before assembling.
- First Layer: Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat.
- Cheese Time: On each slice of bread, layer one slice of cheddar cheese and one slice of mozzarella cheese.
- Bacon Bonanza: Add two slices of crispy bacon on top of the cheese on each sandwich.
- Tomato Touch: Place one slice of tomato on top of the bacon on each sandwich.
- Optional Additions: If you’re using lettuce and/or avocado, now is the time to add them. Place a few pieces of lettuce and/or a few slices of avocado on top of the tomato.
- Mayonnaise Magic: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of the remaining four slices of bread.
- Top It Off: Carefully place the remaining slices of bread, mayonnaise-side down, on top of the fillings.
- Grilling Time: Cook the sandwiches for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on them, and adjust the heat if necessary. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If the cheese isn’t melting quickly enough, cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat.
- The Flip: Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula. Be gentle, as the fillings can sometimes shift around.
- Pressing Power: If you want to ensure that the sandwiches are evenly cooked and that the cheese melts completely, you can press down on them with a spatula while they’re cooking. This will also help to flatten the sandwiches slightly, making them easier to eat.
- Cheese Check: The most important thing is to make sure the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning nicely but the cheese is still firm, you can try turning the heat down even lower and covering the skillet with a lid for a few more minutes.
- Optional Hot Sauce: If you want to add a little kick, sprinkle a dash of hot sauce on the inside of the sandwich during the last minute of cooking.
- Cutting the Sandwich: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut each sandwich in half diagonally. This makes them easier to eat and also looks more appealing.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the BLT grilled cheeses immediately while they’re still hot and gooey. They’re delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides, such as:
* Tomato soup
* Potato chips
* Coleslaw
* Pickles
* A simple green salad
Notes
- Use softened butter for easy spreading.
- Cook bacon until very crispy for best texture.
- Adjust cooking time based on your stove and desired level of browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, breads, and toppings.
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