Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar
Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar — The ultimate comfort food, this bacon grilled cheese sandwich is packed with flavor and texture. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect crispy sourdough crust and melty cheese center. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Strawberry Rhubarb Scones Recipe and Cheesy Spinach Artichoke & Mushroom Stuffed Baguette Bliss.
Why This Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy sourdough crust for the perfect crunch
- Gooey, melted sharp cheddar cheese
- Smoky, salty bacon in every bite
- Easy to make and ready in 20 minutes
What You'll Need for Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Sourdough bread
- Bacon
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Tomato soup
- Optional: Lettuce and tomato
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Sourdough bread: Day-old sourdough works best for a crispy crust.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds more flavor and crunch.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat for perfect toasting and crispy crust. → See on Amazon
- Non-stick spatula — Prevents the sandwich from sticking and helps flip easily. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar
- Step 1: Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Butter two slices of sourdough bread. Flip one slice over and add a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Top with crispy bacon and another slice of cheese. Close the sandwich with the remaining slice of bread, buttered side out.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, toast the sandwich over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy. Use a large skillet or toast the sandwiches in batches.
- Pro tip: For extra flavor, use a cast iron skillet to cook the bacon and toast the sandwich. The residual heat will help create a crispy crust.
- Pro tip: For an even crispier crust, use day-old sourdough bread.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The sandwiches can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to cook.
Freezing Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar
Freeze individual sandwiches for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until crispy and warmed through.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and reheat sandwiches on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Microwave for 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to make the bread soggy.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a thin slice of jalapeño to the sandwich before cooking.
- Best substitution: You can use any type of cheese you like, but sharp cheddar provides the best flavor.
- Make-ahead: The sandwiches can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese isn't melting, try covering the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to create some steam.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality sharp cheddar cheese — Makes a huge difference in flavor. Pays for itself vs. takeout. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Sourdough bread
- Bacon
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Butter
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Tomato soup
- Lettuce and tomato
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Butter two slices of sourdough bread. Flip one slice over and add a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Top with crispy bacon and another slice of cheese. Close the sandwich with the remaining slice of bread, buttered side out.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, toast the sandwich over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a thin slice of jalapeño to the sandwich before cooking.
- Best substitution: You can use any type of cheese you like, but sharp cheddar provides the best flavor.
- Make-ahead: The sandwiches can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese isn't melting, try covering the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to create some steam.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual sandwiches for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until crispy and warmed through.
- Oven reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and reheat sandwiches on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Microwave for 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to make the bread soggy.
- Make ahead: The sandwiches can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to cook.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 42g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sat. Fat: 21g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar FAQs
Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. However, it's best to cook them fresh for the crispy crust.
Overcrowding the skillet can lead to a soggy sandwich. Use a large skillet or toast the sandwiches in batches to prevent this.
Yes, you can make this sandwich in the air fryer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Gouda or Gruyère cheese can be used as a substitute for sharp cheddar cheese. Both provide a similar flavor profile and melt well.
Yes, you can make this sandwich in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the sandwiches on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Sourdough Bacon Grilled Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
