BLT Grilled Cheese Delight

$- 4 slices of whole grain or sourdough bread - 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened - 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese - 8 slices of crispy cooked turkey bacon (or regular bacon) - 1 medium tomato, sliced - 1 cup fresh arugula or spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder You can add extra flavor with garlic powder. It gives a nice kick. Cherry tomatoes also work well instead of regular tomatoes. For a spicy touch, try adding sliced jalapeños. If you want to switch up the bread, use rye or gluten-free options. For cheese, try mozzarella or gouda for a different taste. You can use veggie bacon or tempeh for a meatless choice. If you don't have arugula, fresh spinach or even mixed greens will fit nicely. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easy and fun. 2. Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. This helps cook the sandwich evenly. 3. Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This gives it a nice flavor. 4. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, onto the skillet. This creates the base of your sandwich. 5. On each slice, layer 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese. This cheese melts well and adds great taste. 6. Next, add 4 slices of crispy cooked turkey bacon. You can use regular bacon if you prefer. 7. Top the bacon with 2-3 slices of tomato. Fresh tomatoes add juicy flavor. 8. Add a handful of fresh arugula or spinach on top. This gives extra crunch and nutrition. 9. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you like. This boosts the taste. 10. Place another slice of cheese on top of each sandwich. This keeps the fillings together. 11. Finish by topping each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up. 1. Cook the sandwiches for about 4-5 minutes on medium heat. Watch for the bread to get golden brown. 2. Once the bottom is golden and the cheese starts to melt, carefully flip the sandwiches over. 3. Cook the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes. This ensures the bread is crispy and the cheese melts completely. 4. If you like, you can press down gently with a spatula. This helps the cheese melt faster. 1. Look for a golden brown crust on both sides of the sandwich. This means it is ready. 2. Gently press the sandwich with a spatula. If cheese oozes out, it's a good sign! 3. If unsure, use a thermometer. The cheese should be at least 160°F (71°C) to be fully melted. 4. Let the sandwiches sit for a minute after cooking. This makes them easier to slice and eat. To achieve that perfect crunch, use generous butter. Spread it on the bread before grilling. You can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder for a tasty twist. Another trick is to press the sandwich down with a spatula. This helps the bread toast evenly. Lastly, try using a cast-iron skillet. It holds heat well and gives a nice crispy finish. To boost the flavor, consider adding a few extras. Try thin slices of avocado for creaminess. A bit of hot sauce can add a kick. If you love herbs, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley. These will give your sandwich a fresh taste. Don't forget to season the tomato slices with salt and pepper. This makes the flavors pop. One common mistake is cooking on too high heat. This can burn the bread while the cheese stays cold. Make sure to keep the heat at medium. Also, avoid overstuffing the sandwich. Too many ingredients can make it fall apart. Lastly, let the grilled cheese sit for a minute after cooking. This helps the cheese firm up and makes for easier slicing. Pro Tips Use a Heavy Pan: A heavier skillet or griddle helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring that your grilled cheese cooks uniformly without burning. Don’t Rush the Flip: Wait until the bottom is perfectly golden brown before flipping to avoid a soggy sandwich and to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Experiment with Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is delicious, try mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor profile and creamy texture. Let It Rest: Allowing the grilled cheese to sit for a minute after cooking helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice without spilling out. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your BLT grilled cheese. Turkey bacon works great, but you can also use chicken or even crispy prosciutto. If you want a lighter option, try smoked salmon. All these choices will add unique flavors. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite! Cheese is key to a great grilled cheese. While sharp cheddar is my go-to, you can explore other cheeses too. Gouda adds a creamy touch, while pepper jack gives it a spicy kick. For a rich flavor, try fontina. You can even use a mix of cheeses for a cheesy masterpiece! If you prefer a plant-based version, it’s easy to adapt. Substitute the bacon with crispy tempeh or avocado slices. You can use vegan cheese or even a cashew cheese spread. For added health, throw in some bell peppers or mushrooms. This way, you can enjoy a tasty sandwich without animal products. To store leftover BLT grilled cheese, let it cool first. Place the sandwiches in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers if stacking. This keeps the bread from getting soggy. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat leftovers, heat a skillet over medium. Place the sandwich in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This helps the cheese melt and the bread to crisp up again. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the crispiness. If you want to freeze your grilled cheese, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to a month. To eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use many types of bread. Whole grain and sourdough work well. You can also try white or rye bread for a twist. Each type gives a different taste and texture. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling. You can serve many things with your BLT Grilled Cheese. A cup of tomato soup is a classic choice. It adds warmth and flavor. You can also pair it with a simple salad. A fresh side salad with arugula or spinach works great. Chips or pickles can add a nice crunch too. To make this dish healthier, consider these tips: - Use whole grain bread for more fiber. - Swap turkey bacon for regular bacon for less fat. - Add more veggies like avocado or cucumber. - Use less cheese or choose a low-fat cheese option. These changes keep the taste while making it better for you. Yes, you can prepare ingredients ahead of time. Slice the tomatoes and cheese and store them in the fridge. You can also cook the bacon in advance. Just reheat it quickly when you’re ready to cook. Having everything prepped makes cooking faster and easier. In this post, I covered ingredients, from key items to helpful substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for prep and cooking, ensuring perfect doneness. I offered tips for making your dish crispy and yummy, while avoiding common errors. We explored variations, like different proteins and dietary options, plus storage and reheating tips to save time. Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Enjoy experimenting and finding what works best for you!$

A delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, tomato, and arugula.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings 2

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 slices whole grain or sourdough bread
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
8 slices crispy cooked turkey bacon (or regular bacon)
1 medium tomato, sliced
1 cup fresh arugula or spinach
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

Preheat a skillet or a griddle over medium heat.
Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, onto the skillet.
On each slice, layer 2 slices of cheddar cheese, followed by 4 slices of bacon, 2-3 slices of tomato, and a handful of arugula.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) before topping each sandwich with another slice of cheese.
Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
Cook for about 4-5 minutes on medium heat until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
Carefully flip the sandwiches over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side until the bread is golden and the cheese is completely melted.
Remove from the skillet and let sit for a minute before slicing in half.

Notes

Serve warm on a rustic board, garnished with extra arugula and tomato slices. Pair with homemade tomato soup for dipping!

Keyword bacon, grilled cheese, sandwich