Ultimate Crispy Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Easy, Flavorful & Ready in 30 Minutes
Prepare yourself for a truly extraordinary culinary experience, as this incredible Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich transcends mere food to become a taste of pure bliss. It’s the perfect lunch or dinner for everyone in the family, guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whip up this mouthwatering grilled cheese in under 30 minutes, thanks to its simple preparation steps, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.
Heaven is indeed real, and it has undeniably arrived in the form of this glorious sandwich! This Ultimate Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich is not just a meal; it’s a hearty declaration of deliciousness, ready to be devoured in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures, ensuring you stay full and happy throughout the day, truly a comfort food masterpiece.
This magnificent sandwich is generously loaded with a delightful blend of two distinct types of cheese, perfectly crispy bacon, vibrant fresh basil, juicy ripe tomatoes, and a kick from our signature spicy homemade hot mayo sauce. This combination is meticulously crafted to please even the pickiest eaters, transforming a simple grilled cheese into an unforgettable meal. If you’re feeding the little ones, simply skip the hot mayo and red pepper flakes, opting for a classic, mild mayonnaise. The result will still be an incredibly yummy and kid-friendly flavor combo that everyone will adore.
Ingredient Notes for the Perfect Grilled Cheese
Crafting the perfect Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that ideal balance of crispy, creamy, and flavorful goodness.
Bread: The foundation of any great grilled cheese is its bread. For my sandwiches, I swear by a crusty French bread. Its robust structure and perfect texture ensure that the sandwich remains delightfully crunchy and never soggy, even with all those delicious fillings. The thickness and airy crumb of French bread are simply ideal. However, if French bread isn’t available, other excellent options include a thick-cut sourdough bread, which adds a wonderful tang, or a hearty Texas toast, known for its buttery richness. You could also consider a rustic ciabatta or an artisanal country loaf. The key is to select a bread that is at least an inch thick. Thinner sandwich bread varieties tend to become too flimsy and can lead to a soggy result, struggling to hold up against the melted cheese and juicy tomatoes. Opt for quality, substantial slices for the best outcome.
Cheese: The secret to a truly decadent grilled cheese often lies in a harmonious blend of cheeses. I’ve found that a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese offers an unparalleled experience. The sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the smoky bacon and sweet tomatoes, adding depth to each bite. Meanwhile, the Monterey Jack cheese melts wonderfully, creating a creamy, gooey texture that is essential for a grilled cheese. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheese options. White cheddar offers a milder, yet still distinctive, flavor. Havarti cheese provides an incredibly smooth and buttery melt. Mozzarella cheese is fantastic for that classic stretchy, gooey factor, and for those who enjoy a little extra kick, Pepperjack Cheese is an excellent choice, infusing a subtle heat. The goal is a balance of flavor and meltability.
Spicy Mayo: My homemade spicy mayo sauce is truly a game-changer for this bacon grilled cheese sandwich. It introduces a vibrant punch of flavor that perfectly cuts through the richness of the smoky bacon and melds beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the freshness of the herbs. The hint of spice elevates the entire sandwich experience. Of course, this ingredient is entirely customizable. If you prefer a more classic flavor profile or are making this for children, you can easily skip the spicy mayo altogether and opt for regular mayonnaise. This will result in a milder, yet still incredibly delicious and kid-friendly sandwich that everyone can enjoy.
Crispy Bacon: No bacon grilled cheese is complete without perfectly cooked, crispy bacon. The smoky, savory crunch of the bacon adds a vital textural contrast and a layer of umami that elevates the sandwich from good to exceptional. While pan-frying is common, baking your bacon in the oven can yield consistently crisp results with less mess. Ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of crispness before assembling the sandwich.
Fresh Tomatoes: Using fresh, ripe tomatoes is crucial for their bright acidity and natural sweetness. They add a refreshing juiciness that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon. As detailed in the instructions, salting the tomato slices beforehand is a small but mighty step. This process draws out excess moisture, preventing your grilled cheese from becoming soggy, and concentrates the tomato’s flavor. Always pat them dry after resting.
Fresh Basil: The aromatic burst of fresh basil adds a fragrant, peppery note that brightens the entire sandwich. It’s an indispensable herb in this recipe, complementing the tomato and cheese beautifully. Always use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil won’t provide the same vibrant effect.
Why You’ll Fall in LOVE with this Sandwich
Lightning Fast: Ready in Under 30 Minutes
Kid-Friendly & Picky Eater Approved!
Versatile: Perfect for Lunch or a Hearty Dinner
Irresistibly Crispy Exterior with a Gooey Interior
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Grilled Cheese
Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Precision in each step ensures a crispy exterior and a perfectly melted, flavorful interior.
- **Prepare the Hot Mayo:** In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for your hot mayo sauce: mayonnaise, hot sauce (choose your favorite for desired heat), a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a dash of ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly combined and smooth. Set this flavorful sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the other components.
- **Prep the Tomatoes:** Using a small, sharp knife, carefully slice your large tomato into even, thin slices. Arrange these slices on a plate or cutting board and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper. Allow the seasoned tomato slices to rest for at least 5 minutes. This crucial step encourages the release of excess moisture from the tomatoes, which is key to preventing a soggy sandwich. Once moisture has beaded on the surface, gently dab it off with a paper towel.
- **Season the Bread:** Take each slice of your chosen bread and spread a generous, even layer of unsalted butter on one side. This buttered side will be the exterior of your sandwich. Now, sprinkle the buttered side with a light dusting of red pepper flakes, onion powder, and garlic powder. Gently press the spices into the butter with your fingers or a spatula. This ensures the spices adhere to the bread, infusing a delicious savory flavor directly into your crispy crust as it cooks.
- **Assemble the First Layer:** Flip the bread slices over so the seasoned buttered side is facing down. On one half of each sandwich (one slice of bread), spread a layer of your prepared hot mayo sauce. On the other half (the second slice of bread), place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. This dual foundation sets up a harmonious blend of creamy spice and tangy cheese.
- **Layer the Goodness:** Over the hot mayo-covered bread, add a slice of Monterey Jack cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and adds another layer of creaminess. On top of the Monterey Jack, evenly distribute your pre-cooked, crispy bacon strips. Ensure the bacon is broken into smaller pieces if needed for even distribution.
- **Add Freshness and Close:** Finally, generously sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the bacon and then carefully arrange the prepped, dabbed tomato slices on top. Gently close the two halves of your sandwich, pressing down lightly to secure the fillings. Repeat this layering process for your second sandwich.
- **Initial Cook on Low Heat:** Heat a medium-sized skillet (cast iron or non-stick works well) over low heat. Add a knob of butter or a spray of nonstick cooking spray to the pan. Once melted, carefully place the prepped sandwiches into the skillet. Cook on low heat for approximately 10 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through (after about 5 minutes). The low heat is essential here; it allows the cheese inside to melt slowly and become wonderfully gooey without burning the outside of the bread.
- **Achieve Ultimate Crispness:** Once you notice the cheese has melted beautifully and the bread is lightly golden, turn the heat up to medium-high for the last 5 minutes of cooking. This final blast of heat will transform the outside of the bread into that coveted, perfectly golden-brown and extra crispy texture, providing a delightful contrast to the molten interior. Serve immediately and enjoy your masterpiece!
How to Store Leftovers & Reheat for Best Results
When you find yourself with leftover grilled cheese sandwiches, the best method for storing them is to wrap each one individually and tightly in foil. Then, place them in the fridge. Stored this way, your delicious sandwich will remain fresh and flavorful for 1-2 days. For reheating, I highly recommend using an air fryer or a conventional oven. These methods are superior to a microwave as they help the bread regain its crispiness, ensuring your reheated sandwich is almost as good as fresh, with perfectly melted cheese and a satisfying crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Cheese
This is a classic debate among grilled cheese enthusiasts, and truly, both mayonnaise and butter have their merits for achieving a perfectly golden and delicious exterior. I personally lean towards using butter on the outside of my grilled cheese sandwiches. I find that butter offers a more neutral, rich flavor that allows the internal ingredients to shine. It also consistently yields an incredibly crisp crust without the risk of burning too quickly, provided you manage your heat properly. However, mayonnaise is also an excellent option. It introduces a subtle tanginess and an additional flavor element that some absolutely adore. Furthermore, mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, meaning it’s less prone to burning at higher temperatures, which can be advantageous for beginners or if you’re worried about charring. Ultimately, either will work beautifully for your sandwich, and your choice truly boils down to personal preference and what you have readily available in your kitchen. Experiment with both to discover your favorite!
A soggy grilled cheese is a common disappointment, but it’s often easily preventable with a few key considerations. First and foremost, the thickness of your bread is paramount. I always advocate for using bread that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Anything thinner than 1 inch will typically result in a flimsy, weak, and ultimately soggy grilled cheese sandwich, as it simply can’t withstand the moisture from the fillings and the cooking process. Conversely, if your bread is excessively thick, the cheese might not melt thoroughly before the bread overcooks. Secondly, depending on the specific grilled cheese you’re crafting, be cautious not to overload it with an excessive amount of cheese or other moist toppings. Too many fillings can create internal steam and moisture, making the bread soggy. For sandwiches with ingredients like tomatoes, our pro tip of salting and patting dry is essential to remove excess water and maintain crispness. Proper heat management during cooking also plays a role; too low a heat for too long can steam the bread rather than crisp it.
Flipping a grilled cheese can seem daunting, especially if it’s heavily loaded, but it’s quite straightforward with a bit of technique. Most people instinctively use a spatula, sliding it underneath the sandwich from the bottom of the pan and then flipping it as quickly and smoothly as possible to minimize spillage of ingredients. While this works well, I find a slower, more deliberate approach often yields better results, especially for heavier sandwiches. If you’re only grilling one sandwich in a pan, a fool-proof method is to gently lift the grilled cheese out of the pan onto a plate, then flip the pan over so it’s upside down, and finally, carefully slide the sandwich back into the pan. This two-step process allows for maximum control and virtually guarantees a successful flip every time, keeping all your delicious fillings perfectly in place. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try different methods!
The “best” cheese for grilled cheese is subjective, but generally, you want a cheese that melts beautifully, offers good flavor, and isn’t too oily. My go-to combination is sharp cheddar for its robust flavor and Monterey Jack for its exceptional meltiness. Other fantastic options include Gruyère, which provides a nutty, earthy depth; Fontina, known for its creamy, buttery texture; and Provolone or Mozzarella for that classic, satisfying stretch. For a milder flavor, Havarti or mild cheddar works well. If you love a spicy kick, Pepper Jack is ideal. The key is to avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, like fresh goat cheese (unless specifically desired for a different texture), or those that become too oily, which can make the sandwich greasy. Blending two or three types often gives the most complex and satisfying result.
Choosing the Perfect Skillet for Your Grilled Cheese
So, what kind of skillet truly works best for achieving that legendary crispy grilled cheese sandwich? In my opinion, a stainless steel skillet often delivers the best results for crisping the outside of the bread, creating an unbeatable golden-brown crust. However, you have several excellent options depending on your preference and what’s available. A non-stick skillet is a fantastic choice for ease of cooking and cleanup, ensuring your sandwich doesn’t stick. Ceramic or stone pans can also work wonderfully, often providing even heat distribution. A seasoned cast iron skillet is another top contender, offering incredible heat retention and a perfectly even crust. Ultimately, each type of pan will work fine, and the ideal choice truly comes down to your personal preference and what you’re comfortable cooking with. Whichever pan you choose, always be sure to prep it properly with a little oil, butter, or non-stick cooking spray before you begin cooking to prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful, even cook.
Pro Tips for Grilled Cheese Perfection
Elevate your grilled cheese game with these expert tips, ensuring every sandwich you make is nothing short of perfect.
Mastering the Heat: Start on Low, Finish on High: This is arguably the most crucial tip for a perfect grilled cheese. Always start cooking your bacon grilled cheese sandwiches on a relatively low heat. This gentle heat is essential for two reasons: it allows the cheese inside to melt slowly and evenly, creating that irresistible gooey center, and it prevents the bread from burning before the interior is ready. Once you see the cheese has achieved that lovely, molten consistency, you can then increase the heat to medium-high for the final few minutes. This higher heat provides the perfect environment to achieve that beautiful, golden-brown, and exquisitely crispy exterior on your bread. Yes, it takes a little longer to cook using this two-stage method, but the results are consistently perfect, delivering a sandwich with a perfectly melted interior and a wonderfully crisp crust.
The Salted Tomato Secret: Preventing Soggy Sandwiches: It might seem like a small detail, but properly salting the tomatoes before you add them to your sandwich is incredibly important and often overlooked. Salt acts as an osmotic agent, helping to draw out excess moisture from inside the tomato slices. Tomatoes, while delicious, can release a significant amount of water during cooking, which can quickly lead to a soggy grilled cheese. By salting them and letting them rest, then dabbing off the released moisture with a paper towel, you ensure that your sandwich remains wonderfully crisp and firm, allowing the fresh tomato flavor to shine without compromising the texture.
Butter and Spice Adhesion: When applying butter and spices to your bread, don’t just sprinkle them on casually. After spreading the butter, gently press the red pepper flakes, onion powder, and garlic powder into the buttered side. This simple action ensures the spices firmly adhere to the bread, preventing them from falling off in the pan and guaranteeing that every bite of your crispy crust is infused with their savory flavor. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the overall taste profile.
Even Spreading of Mayo and Cheese: For a balanced flavor in every bite, ensure that your hot mayo sauce and cheese are spread evenly across the bread slices. A consistent layer means consistent melting and consistent flavor distribution, avoiding dry spots or areas with too much of one ingredient. This meticulous layering contributes to a harmonious and enjoyable eating experience.
You May Also Enjoy These Delicious Recipes…
- Puff Pastry Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese
- Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich with Pesto & Arugula
Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to explore this recipe! If you made this amazing Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich, I would absolutely love to hear from you below in the comments section. Your feedback and experiences truly make this community special. If you want to keep up with what The Erhardts are Eating (and exploring on our adventures), be sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter& Youtube.
Happy Eating and Happy Cooking!
Bacon and Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Caitlyn Erhardt
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Ingredients
- 4 Slices Crusty Bread
- ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 4 Strips Bacon Cooked
- 1 Large Tomato
- 2 Slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Slices Monterey Jack Cheese
- Fresh Basil To Taste
Hot Mayo
- 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon Hot Sauce Pick your Favorite!
- ⅛ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- Ground Black Pepper To Taste
Instructions
Hot Mayo
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Combine hot mayo ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside
Tomato Bacon Sandwich
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Slice tomato into thin slices with a sharp knife. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and let rest for at least 5 minutes to let the excess moisture be released. Once released dab excess off with paper towel.
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Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle buttered side with red pepper flakes, onion powder, and garlic powder. Press in slightly so the spices will stick to the butter.
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Flip bread over and begin to prepare each sandwich. Spread on half with hot mayo sauce and place cheddar cheese on the other half. Add Monterey Jack cheese over the hot mayo then top with cooked bacon. Finally, sprinkle on fresh basil and then add sliced tomato. Close the two halves of the sandwich and repeat for the second sandwich.
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.Once sandwiches are prepped, heat a medium sized skillet and add butter or nonstick cooking spray. Cook the sandwiches on low heat for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Once the cheese has melted, turn the heat up for the last 5 minutes to get the outside of the bread nice and crispy.
Notes
Kid-Friendly Option for Hot Mayo: If you’re serving this delicious grilled cheese to children or prefer a milder flavor profile, simply skip the hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the mayo. Use plain mayonnaise instead for a creamy and equally tasty alternative.
Storing Leftovers: To keep any leftover grilled cheese sandwiches fresh, wrap each one individually in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to two days. For optimal reheating that preserves crispness, warm them in an air fryer or a conventional oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly toasty. This prevents the soggy texture often associated with microwave reheating.
Nutrition