Oh, you know those days when only a heaping plate of pure comfort will do? That’s exactly when my Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich comes to the rescue! It’s like the hug your grandma would give you, but in sandwich form. Seriously, this isn’t just any grilled cheese; it’s an elevated classic, a true comfort food hero that takes simple ingredients and makes them sing. I remember making these for my dad when he’d come home after a long day, and the smell of sizzling bacon and melting cheese always made the house feel so much warmer. It’s the kind of sandwich that just makes everything feel right with the world, and let me tell you, this version is truly something special!
Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This isn’t just any grilled cheese, folks. It’s a little slice of happy that’s ridiculously easy AND incredibly delicious. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Crazy Easy to Whip Up: Seriously, you can have this warm, cheesy goodness on your plate in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those days when you need comfort *fast*.
- The BEST Flavor Combo: Salty, crispy bacon plus gooey, melted cheddar? Yes, please! It’s a flavor explosion that just tastes like home.
- Pure Comfort in Every Bite: This sandwich is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, it’s cheesy, and it just makes everything feel right.
- So Versatile: Perfect for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a fun weekend brunch. It fits right into any meal!
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour this. It’s a fail-proof way to make everyone happy.
- An Easy Upgrade: It takes the classic grilled cheese and kicks it up about ten notches with that irresistible bacon crunch.
Ingredients for Your Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this little bit of heaven. It’s pretty straightforward, but paying attention to a couple of details really makes a difference:
For the Star of the Show:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon (you want that satisfying crunch, trust me!)
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (I’m partial to sourdough, but white or even brioche works beautifully)
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or your go-to melty cheese—Monterey Jack is also a winner!)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (key for that golden-brown crust)
Seriously, that’s it! These simple things combine to make magic.
Essential Equipment for the Perfect Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese
You don’t need a whole fancy kitchen setup for this sandwich! Just a few basic things will get you there:
- A good large non-stick skillet because nobody wants their masterpiece sticking.
- A sturdy spatula for flipping that glorious sandwich without losing any cheesy goodness.
- A little plate lined with paper towels to soak up all that wonderful bacon grease.
- A good old-fashioned butter knife or spreader for getting that butter just right on the bread.
That’s really all there is to it! Simple tools for simple, delicious perfection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese
Alright, ready to turn these simple ingredients into a sandwich masterpiece? It’s easier than you think! Let’s get cooking.
Preparing the Bacon
First things first, let’s get that bacon nice and crispy. Lay your bacon slices in a cold skillet – this helps render out the fat slowly, giving you that perfect crunch. Cook it over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and just irresistible. Once it’s done, carefully transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a soggy sandwich start! If you’re a bacon fanatic like me, you might even want to check out this bacon and egg sandwich recipe for more inspiration!
Assembling Your Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese
Now for the fun part – building this beauty! Take your buttered bread slices and lay two of them, butter-side down, into your skillet (make sure it’s still over medium heat). On top of these bread slices, pile on your cheddar cheese—divide it evenly! Then, lay your crispy bacon right on top of the cheese. Finally, place the other two buttered bread slices on top, butter-side up. See? Easy as pie… I mean, sandwich!
Grilling to Golden Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens. Let those sandwiches grill for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and for the cheese to start getting melty. Carefully flip them over with your spatula and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want perfectly toasted bread and oozy, gooey cheese. If things are browning too fast, just turn the heat down a notch. Once they’re golden and the cheese is fully melted, they’re ready to come out!
Tips for the Ultimate Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese
Okay, so making a truly *phenomenal* bacon grilled cheese isn’t just about throwing ingredients together. It’s about a few little tricks that make all the difference, turning a good sandwich into a spectacular one! I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, and I want to share them with you.
First off, bread choice is huge. While sourdough is my go-to for its tang and structure, don’t be afraid to experiment! A nice challah or even a really good white bread can be amazing. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even try my Grandma’s homemade bread – wowza! Second, bacon crispiness is key. You want it crunchy enough to give you a good bite, but not so burnt it shatters. Cook it slow and low! And for that perfect golden crust? Make sure that butter is spread all the way to the edges of the bread. It ensures every bite is buttery and delicious. And if you’re looking for another amazing sandwich recipe, you’ve GOT to check out this Philly cheesesteak; it’s a game-changer!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Alright, let’s talk ingredients for a sec! While I adore this sandwich just as it is, don’t be afraid to play around. For the bread, sourdough is fantastic because it holds up well and has a nice tang, but a good sturdy white bread, a fluffy brioche, or even a hearty whole wheat would be delicious. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s not too thin! When it comes to cheese, sharp cheddar brings a lot of flavor, but Monterey Jack melts like a dream and is super mild. A mix of both is heavenly! And the bacon? Thick-cut is my favorite for that serious crunch, but regular bacon works too, you might just need to cook it a tad longer to get it super crisp. Use what makes you happy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Bacon Grilled Cheese
Now, this sandwich is a star on its own, right? But sometimes, it’s fun to round out the meal a bit! It’s just divine paired with a warm bowl of tomato soup – maybe my Ultimate Bean with Bacon Soup for an extra bacon boost! A simple side salad with a zesty dressing, like this Strawberry Spinach Salad, adds a nice fresh contrast. And honestly, who can resist some crispy dill pickles or a side of golden french fries alongside?
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store, let the sandwich cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for up to two days. Reheating is best done in a skillet over low to medium heat with a little extra butter, just like the first time, until the cheese is gooey again. You can also use a toaster oven or even a regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) – just keep an eye on it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making the best Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make this grilled cheese without bacon?
Absolutely! While the bacon is fantastic and brings that “Southern Style” flair, this sandwich is still incredible as a classic grilled cheese. Just skip the bacon step and load up on extra cheese! It’s still a glorious comfort food creation.
What’s the best bread for a Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese?
Honestly, the best bread is the one you love! But for this sandwich, I really think a sturdy sourdough or a good country white bread works like a charm. They toast up beautifully and hold all that melty cheese and crispy bacon without getting soggy. You want something with a little substance!
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out of my grilled cheese?
Oh, the dreaded cheese leak! It happens! A good trick is to make sure your heat isn’t too high – you want the bread to get golden *before* the cheese gets super liquidy. Also, try not to overstuff it. Layering just enough cheese on each slice of bread and making sure the bread slices meet nicely in the middle usually does the trick. If a little escapes, that’s just more tasty bits to scrape up with your spatula!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, yes, and yes! While sharp cheddar is my personal favorite for that tangy kick, feel free to mix it up. Monterey Jack is a super melter and perfect here. Gruyere adds a nutty depth, and even a mild Colby would be yummy. Combining cheeses is always a good idea for extra flavor and perfect meltiness!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers for this dreamy sandwich. Keep in mind these are estimates, as your exact calories and macros can change depending on the specific bread, cheese, and bacon you use. But for this glorious Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese, you’re looking at roughly:
Per sandwich: Calories: 600, Fat: 40g, Protein: 25g, Carbohydrates: 35g, Sodium: 1200mg.
Print
Southern Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic grilled cheese sandwich with the addition of crispy bacon, Southern style.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
- Top each slice with 2 slices of cheddar cheese and 2 slices of bacon.
- Place the remaining two slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use your favorite type of bread.
- Adjust cheese and bacon quantity to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: bacon grilled cheese, Southern grilled cheese, easy sandwich, comfort food, cheese sandwich