Bushra Griffith
The grilled cheese sandwich is a beloved comfort food for many. But what happens when you add bacon to the mix? Is it still a grilled cheese, or does it become a melt? This question has sparked a lot of debate, with some people arguing that any addition to the classic grilled cheese turns it into a melt, while others claim that as long as cheese is the main focus, it's still a grilled cheese. Some even go as far as to say that the term melt is just an internet meme and not a real-life definition. So, is there a clear answer to this melting pot of opinions?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a melt | A grilled cheese with the addition of meat or fish |
| Definition of a grilled cheese | Only cheese, bread with spread (usually butter) |
| Number of fillings | A melt can have more than two auxiliary fillings |
| Protein | A grilled cheese can have a single protein source |
| Bread | Thick slices of bread |
| Calories | 743 calories |
| Fat | 51g fat (22g saturated fat) |
| Cholesterol | 124mg |
| Sodium | 1263mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36g (4g sugars, 2g fiber) |
| Protein | 37g |
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What You'll Learn
What is a melt?
The definition of a melt is a grilled cheese sandwich with the addition of meat or fish. However, some people disagree with this definition, arguing that the term "melt" is just an internet meme and not an actual definition used in real life. They argue that a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon is still a grilled cheese as long as the cheese is the main focus. Others argue that adding any protein to a grilled cheese sandwich takes away from the cheese and makes it a melt.
A grilled cheese sandwich typically consists of cheese, bread, and a spread such as butter. However, some people add various ingredients to their grilled cheese sandwiches, such as bacon, tomato, onion, spinach, mushrooms, or different types of bread and cheese. These additional ingredients can blur the line between a grilled cheese sandwich and a melt, as some people consider a melt to be a sandwich with more fillings or non-cheese toppings.
For example, a bacon grilled cheese sandwich might include mayo, mustard, tomato, onion, and two types of cheese in addition to the bacon. This sandwich could be considered a melt by some people due to the multiple ingredients added to the basic grilled cheese. However, others might still consider it a grilled cheese as long as the cheese is the predominant ingredient.
Ultimately, the definition of a melt versus a grilled cheese sandwich can be subjective and vary depending on personal preferences and opinions. Some people might consider any grilled cheese with added ingredients to be a melt, while others might reserve the term "melt" for sandwiches with a higher proportion of non-cheese toppings.
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What is a grilled cheese?
Grilled cheese is a beloved sandwich consisting of melted cheese between two slices of bread. The bread is typically buttered and toasted on a griddle or in a pan, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior. While some purists insist that a grilled cheese should only contain cheese, others enjoy experimenting with additional ingredients.
The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food that has inspired numerous variations. One popular variation is the bacon grilled cheese, which includes bacon as an additional ingredient. This sandwich typically features a combination of cheeses, butter, and bacon, along with other ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, tomato, and onion. The bacon grilled cheese offers a delicious blend of creamy, melted cheese and crispy, buttery bread, complemented by the savoury flavour of bacon.
There is some debate among enthusiasts regarding the definition of a "melt." Some consider it an internet meme, while others define it as a grilled cheese sandwich with the addition of meat or fish. According to this definition, a bacon grilled cheese sandwich could be considered a melt. However, others argue that a melt refers specifically to a tuna sandwich with added cheese, distinguishing it from a grilled cheese.
Ultimately, the definition of a grilled cheese can be flexible, and personal preference plays a significant role. Some enthusiasts insist that a grilled cheese should only contain cheese, while others allow for a limited number of additional ingredients. For instance, some may accept a grilled cheese with bacon as long as the cheese remains the main focus, while others may consider the addition of bacon to be a melt.
Regardless of the specific ingredients or the name it goes by, the grilled cheese sandwich is a beloved dish that has inspired numerous variations and passionate discussions among food enthusiasts.
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Is bacon grilled cheese a melt?
The definition of a melt is a grilled cheese sandwich with the addition of meat or fish. Therefore, a bacon grilled cheese sandwich is a melt. However, some people argue that as long as cheese is the main focus, it is still a grilled cheese sandwich.
A bacon grilled cheese sandwich is made with mayonnaise, mustard, tomato, onion, and two different types of cheese. Some people add spinach, mushrooms, green peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to their sandwiches. The sandwich is made by mixing mayonnaise and mustard and spreading the mixture over four slices of bread. The bread is then layered with the cheese, tomato, onion, and bacon. The remaining slice of bread is placed on top, and the outside of the sandwich is buttered. The sandwich is then toasted on a griddle or in a cast-iron pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, which takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
Some people argue that a grilled cheese sandwich should only consist of cheese and bread with spread (usually butter). They believe that adding other items, such as bacon, turns it into a melt. Others argue that a melt is just an internet meme and not an actual definition used in real life. They believe that a grilled cheese sandwich can include a few additional ingredients, such as apples, bacon, or caramelized onions, and still be called a grilled cheese.
Ultimately, the definition of a bacon grilled cheese sandwich as a melt or a grilled cheese may depend on personal preference and how much the addition of bacon is emphasized.
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Is bacon grilled cheese a sandwich?
The definition of a melt is a grilled cheese with the addition of meat or fish. So, a bacon grilled cheese sandwich is a melt. However, some people disagree with this definition and believe that a grilled cheese with bacon is still a grilled cheese, especially if the cheese is the main focus. They argue that the term "melt" is just an internet meme and not an actual definition used in real life.
A bacon grilled cheese sandwich is typically made with mayo, mustard, tomato, onion, and two different types of cheese. It can be made more nutritious by adding sauteed spinach, mushrooms, green pepper, or sun-dried tomatoes. The bread is buttered on the outside and toasted on a griddle or in a cast-iron pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Some people consider any protein added to a grilled cheese to drastically detract from the cheese itself. They argue that a BLT is a sandwich and is often ordered without the bacon. In their opinion, a grilled cheese with bacon would be considered a melt.
On the other hand, some people believe that adding a single ingredient like bacon to a grilled cheese does not change its identity as a grilled cheese. They argue that a grilled cheese can still be called a grilled cheese if it has a few additional ingredients, such as apples, bacon, or caramelized onions. However, if it has more than two auxiliary fillings or a single protein source that could stand on its own as a sandwich, it becomes a melt.
Ultimately, the definition of a "melt" versus a "grilled cheese" is a matter of personal opinion and preference. Some people may consider a bacon grilled cheese sandwich a melt, while others may still refer to it as a grilled cheese.
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Recipes for bacon grilled cheese
Bacon grilled cheese is a delicious combination of bacon and cheese grilled to perfection. While there is some debate about whether a bacon grilled cheese is a melt or a sandwich, most people agree that it is a type of grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some mouth-watering recipes for bacon grilled cheese:
Classic Bacon Grilled Cheese
This classic recipe combines crispy bacon with the sharp tang of cheddar and the creamy texture of pepper jack cheese. Start by cooking your bacon until it's nice and crisp. Drain off the bacon fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan. Spread mayonnaise on the outside of two slices of sourdough bread (or your preferred choice of bread). Layer the cheese and bacon over one slice of bread and top it off with the other slice. Grill your sandwich in a skillet over low heat until both sides are golden and the cheese is melted.
Three-Cheese Bacon Grilled Cheese
Take your grilled cheese to the next level with this three-cheese recipe. Spread mayonnaise on one side of two slices of bread. On the uncoated side, place a slice of American cheese and two slices of bacon. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack cheese on top. Finish it off with another slice of bread, mayonnaise side out. Grill your sandwich in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Maple Bacon Grilled Cheese
This recipe takes your bacon grilled cheese to the next level with a sweet and salty twist. Start by making a maple glaze by whisking together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Brush both sides of your bacon strips with the glaze and bake them in the oven at 350°F/175°C for 20-30 minutes until they're caramelized and crispy. For the sandwich, spread butter on two slices of sourdough bread. Add smoked cheese, followed by the maple bacon, and then some shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Top it off with another slice of bread and butter. Grill your sandwich until both sides are golden. If you're feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some extra maple syrup over the sandwich.
Bacon, Brie, and Cranberry Grilled Cheese
For a touch of sweetness, try this recipe that combines the creaminess of Brie with the tartness of cranberries. Spread butter on the outside of two slices of bread. Layer Brie cheese, crispy bacon, and cranberry sauce on one slice and top it with the other. Grill your sandwich until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Whether you call it a melt or a sandwich, these bacon grilled cheese recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings for a warm and cheesy treat!
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on who you ask. Some people consider any grilled cheese with ingredients other than cheese and bread to be a melt. Others argue that a melt specifically refers to a sandwich with meat or fish, so a bacon grilled cheese would be a melt according to this definition. Ultimately, it's up to you what you call it.
A melt is a type of sandwich that typically includes meat or fish in addition to other ingredients. However, some people have a stricter definition of a melt as a sandwich with any ingredient in addition to cheese and bread.
A grilled cheese is a sandwich that typically includes only cheese and bread. Some people consider a grilled cheese to still be a grilled cheese as long as the cheese is the main focus, even if other ingredients are included.
A bacon grilled cheese typically includes bacon, cheese, bread, butter, mayo, mustard, tomato, and onion.
To make a bacon grilled cheese, mix mayo and mustard in a small bowl and spread the mixture over four slices of bread. Layer the bread with cheese, tomato, onion, and bacon. Top with the remaining bread slices, then butter the outsides of the sandwiches. Toast the sandwiches on a griddle or in a cast-iron pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
