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Bite into this gooey grilled cheese stacked with crispy bacon and a drizzle of sweet maple syrup. Melty Cheddar and sturdy bread bring big comfort vibes. It's awesome when you're hungry for something quick, warm, and delicious—makes a super laid-back lunch or easy dinner.
I came up with this on a rainy Sunday because my kids wanted something cozy. Now it's a family weekend thing at our place, and my friends always want the details after they take a bite.
Tasty Ingredients
- 8 slices precooked bacon: brings smoky crunch and major flavor, use good bacon if you can
- 8 slices Armstrong medium Cheddar: melts down smooth and tastes rich but balanced
- 8 pieces hearty whole grain bread: sturdy enough to hold all the good stuff
- 75 mL softened butter, split: helps that crispy, browned outside and adds creamy flavor
- 30 mL pure maple syrup: use real maple for the best hit of sweetness
Simple Steps to Make It
- Perfect pan grilling:
- Warm up your frying pan to medium-low for about 2 minutes. Carefully put the sandwiches in, let them cook 5 or 6 minutes before flipping. Finish them off for another 5 to 6 minutes until the bread's gold and the cheese inside is nice and melted.
- Stack your sandwiches:
- Spread maple butter thick on one side of every slice of bread. Lay a cheese slice on half the pieces, then add two bacon strips to each. Top with another slice of cheese and close up your sandwiches. Don't forget to smear the rest of the maple butter on the sandwich outsides.
- Blend your maple butter:
- Thoroughly mix up the soft butter and maple syrup until it's smooth and creamy. Make sure the syrup is stirred in well so the flavor's even throughout.
The trick is all about the maple butter—it gets a little caramelized around the edges when you cook it. One time I used extra syrup by accident and it made this sweet, crackly crust that everyone totally loved.
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Storing & Planning Ahead
You can put these grilled cheeses together up to a day early. Just wrap them each in parchment and foil, keep them cold in the fridge. When you wanna eat, gently toast them up in a pan on low so the bread stays crispy and the cheese melts all the way.
Tasty Twists
Want it even fancier? Try stacking thin Granny Smith apple slices between layers of cheese. That tart bite plays off the maple sweetness. Or swap out the Cheddar for something like brie or camembert for a creamy upgrade. Sprinkle a little cinnamon in your maple butter if you wanna add some warm spice.
Easy Sides to Serve
This grilled sandwich is awesome with homemade tomato soup. Or just toss together a crisp green salad with punchy vinaigrette. For a fun brunch, plate up with orange wedges and a strong cup of coffee—the citrus and coffee balance out the rich sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Swap out Cheddar for semi-soft cheese like Gouda or Havarti to change the flavors up.
- → What type of bread works best?
Whole grain bread is great for texture and taste, but white or nut bread works well too—pick what you enjoy!
- → Can I make it without bacon?
Sure thing! Skip the bacon or use a plant-based option for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- → How do I stop it from burning?
Keep the heat at medium-low and flip the sandwiches as soon as they turn golden to avoid burning.
- → Can I add extra ingredients?
Of course! Toss in some apple slices, pear pieces, or nuts for extra crunch and sweetness.