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.
Crispy salty bacon is a treat on its own but when paired with the right cheese, the flavors combine in crave-worthy ways. Whether layered in a grilled cheese, baked into a dip, or sprinkled over a salad, bacon begs to be matched with a complementary cheese. With so many varieties to choose from, what cheese goes best with everyone’s favorite pork belly?
Certain cheeses have qualities that make them natural partners for bacon. The ideal cheese balances out bacon’s smokiness, contrasts its texture, and allows both components to shine. Before selecting a cheese consider if you want it to complement the bacon or provide an unexpected flavor contrast.
Melty Cheese Classics
Some cheeses are prized for their meltability, making them naturals for toasted sandwiches or burgers. When bacon is in the mix, cheeses that get nice and gooey make the experience even more decadent.
Cheddar, an all-American classic, is hard to beat in grilled cheese or bacon melts. Mild cheddar provides a familiar flavor backdrop for the bacon to take center stage. Aged sharp cheddar packs a sharper punch that stands up better to the pork.
Another melty favorite is pepper jack, which provides a mild kick from jalapeño and bell peppers. The hint of heat meshes beautifully with smoky, salty bacon. Oozing and gooey cheese pulls blend these strong flavors.
Medium-soft cheeses like Havarti and Monterey jack have excellent meltability. Their mild, buttery flavors let the bacon flavor shine through while adding creaminess.
Pungent Cheese Pals
Beyond melty cheeses, some more assertive varieties balance out bacon’s pork profile. Bold flavored cheeses like gouda and bleu cheese offer a savory umami bite.
Aged gouda has nutty caramel notes that pair divinely with bacon’s rich saltiness. The firm texture also contrasts crispy pork for more interesting mouthfeel. Gouda is excellent crumbled over a bacon-topped salad.
Bleu cheese offers the boldest flavor pairing for bacon. Pungent bleu cheese crumbles take a basic bacon salad from boring to extraordinary. The tangy sharpness and hint of salt complement bacon while cutting its richness.
Soft-ripened cheeses like brie and camembert have a decadent, earthy flavor that makes a sophisticated match for bacon. Try baking brie wrapped in puff pastry with bacon and apple.
Unique Cheese Adventures
Beyond the classics, some unique cheese varieties complement bacon in exciting ways. Open your mind to new cheese and bacon pairings.
Fresh mozzarella adds creamy, milky flavors that balance salty pork notes. The soft texture contrasts crispy bacon in each bite. Caprese salad is even better with bacon crumbles over fresh tomato and mozzarella.
Queso fresco is another soft, mild cheese that accents bacon’s best qualities. Its light saltiness highlights the pork’s smokiness. Crumble this Mexican cheese over bacon for next-level tacos.
Even goat cheeses like chèvre pair well with bacon. Thetangy, acidic flavors cut through bacon’s richness. Crumble chèvre over a spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette.
Ideal Preparations for Bacon and Cheese
Certain cooking methods and dishes are ideal for enjoying bacon and cheese together:
Grilled Cheese and Melts
The ultimate blank canvas for bacon and melty cheese! A touch of sweet jam or tomato balances the savory duo.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Adding cheese and bacon to sandwiches amps up the flavor. Cheeseburgers get even better with some crumbled bacon.
Salads and Tacos
Bacon bits and shredded cheese make tasty toppings for green salads, wedge salads, and taco fillings.
Soups and Dips
Mix bacon into cheese-based soups like broccoli cheddar. Sprinkle over spinach artichoke dip.
Pizza
Pizza allows you to layer bacon and assorted cheeses for customized flavor.
Breakfast Dishes
Wake up to Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon or a bacon-cheddar omelet.
Appetizers
Wrap bacon around cheese-stuffed dates. Bake cheese and bacon bites for snacking.
With endless tasty combinations, the possibilities are endless for pairing bacon with cheese. Cheddar, pepper jack, and bleu cheese are safe bets, but try gouda, brie, or queso fresco for exciting new flavors. Melt, crumble, or layer cheese with crispy pork bacon to take any dish from basic to brilliant.
What Bread to use?
Most varieties will work. Something like a Sourdough or White Bloomer!
Steps: Place the bread with the butter side down (photo 1), add cheese (photo 2), bacon (photo 3), and more cheese (photo 4). Then place the bread with the butter side up (photo 5), and fry both sides until golden (photo 6).
How to make the best Bacon Grilled Cheese (Full Recipe & Video)
Gordon Ramsay’s Bacon Cheesy Toast in Under 10 Minutes
FAQ
Is cheese and bacon good?
What cheese is best on bacon, egg, and cheese?
What kind of cheese is good on a breakfast sandwich?
What is a bacon egg and cheese called?
What cheese goes well with bacon?
The first cheese I use is a smoked variety, something like Applewood Cheese. This compliments the bacon insanely well. For the second cheese I tend to go for a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. However, most kind of melty cheeses will work great: Monterey Jack, Brie, Gruyere to name a few. What Bread to use? Most varieties will work.
Does Bacon taste good with grilled cheese?
Bacon is a delicious flavor on its own but luckily it tastes great with many different kinds of cheese. Consider Colby, Mild Cheddar, Muenster, Provolone, or even Monterey Jack. Do You Butter Both Sides Of The Bread For Grilled Cheese? While you could apply butter to both sides of a piece of bread to add better flavor, that might be overkill.
Can you add bacon to a grilled cheese sandwich?
Between the bacon-filled grilled cheese and towering club sandwiches, there’s something for everyone on this list. Because really, you can add bacon to almost any sandwich recipe, and it’ll be yummy! So serve up a big platter of bacon sandwiches at your next game night and watch as they disappear. 1. Best Bacon Sandwich
What to eat with bacon & pepper jack cheese?
Combining bacon with cheddar and pepper jack cheeses takes a classic grilled cheese sandwich to the next level! Perfect for lunch served alongside tomato soup or with a smear of tomato jam. They are great for game day or movie night. Grilled cheese with bacon is a fancy, filling and flavorful take on a family favorite!