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Crispy Four-Cheese Bacon Grilled Cheese
Crispy on the outside and impossibly gooey within, this loaded sandwich takes a classic comfort food to the next level. You'll layer sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and white cheddar with smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, and creamy avocado between thick slices of sourdough. A savory parmesan-butter crust ensures the bread toasts to a perfect golden brown. It's a hearty, flavor-packed meal that turns an ordinary lunch into something truly special.
Equipment
- Microwave
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 8 microwave bacon slices
- 2 large tomatoes, each cut into 4 slices
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 large avocado, cut into 8 slices*
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar*
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 8 sourdough bread slices
- 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, sliced
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, sliced
- 4 ounces white Cheddar cheese, sliced
- ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- 1Cook the bacon according to package directions, then drain the slices on paper towels.
- 2Season the tomato slices evenly with salt and pepper, and toss the avocado slices with rice vinegar. The vinegar prevents the avocado from browning and adds a bright tang. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- 3Spread mayonnaise on one side of four bread slices. Layer each with one slice of sharp Cheddar, a tomato slice, two avocado slices, two strips of bacon, one slice of pepper Jack, another tomato slice, and one slice of white Cheddar.
- 4Spread the remaining four bread slices with Thousand Island dressing. Place them on top of the assembled sandwiches, dressing side down.
- 5Spread half of the Parmesan butter mixture evenly over the top exterior of the sandwiches. Place two sandwiches, buttered side down, in a hot nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. The Parmesan in the butter creates a deeply savory, crispy crust.
- 6Spread the remaining butter mixture on the ungrilled, upward-facing sides. Flip the sandwiches and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts completely. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches, then slice in half and serve.
Notes
- Swap: Substitute half a cup of guacamole for the sliced avocado and rice vinegar if you prefer.
- Temperature control: Keep the skillet at medium heat so the cheese has time to melt before the bread burns.
- Prep: For the best melt, let the cheese slices sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before assembling.