Creative Pairings: Elevating Bacon And Cheese Experiences

Bacon and cheese are a classic combination, and for good reason—they're a match made in heaven. But what if you want to take this dynamic duo to the next level? The answer is simple: get creative with your cheese choices. From the humble grilled cheese sandwich to the more adventurous apple and bacon grilled cheese, there are endless possibilities to explore. So, let's dive into the delicious world of bacon, cheese, and their perfect partners.

Grilled cheese sandwich

The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a tasty, comforting dish that is hard to improve upon. However, adding bacon to a grilled cheese sandwich takes it to the next level. The salty, crunchy bacon and melted cheese encased in golden toasted bread is a delicious combination.

Choosing your cheese

There are endless possibilities when it comes to the type of cheese to use in a grilled cheese sandwich. Popular options include mild cheddar, Colby, Muenster, Provolone, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyere, and American cheese. For a stronger flavour, you could try smoked gouda, or for a tangier taste, opt for super sharp cheddar. If you want to get creative, you could even mix a few different cheeses together.

Bread options

While you can use any bread you have to hand, some types of bread are more popular for grilled cheese sandwiches than others. These include sourdough, white, multigrain, Pullman bread, pumpernickel, and dark rye. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a deli roll.

Adding bacon

To make a grilled cheese bacon sandwich, cook your bacon until it is brown and crispy. Cut the bacon into small pieces and place them on your sandwich along with your chosen cheese. You can also try candied bacon for a sweet and salty contrast. To make candied bacon, whip up a simple glaze with maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Brush the glaze onto your bacon before baking it in the oven.

Crispy bacon

There are many ways to cook bacon, but if you're looking for that crispy texture, there are a few methods you can try. One popular way is to cut the bacon into small pieces and cook them on a griddle or in a pan until they're brown and starting to crisp. This method helps to ensure that the bacon doesn't all pull out in strips when you take a bite of your sandwich. You can also brush bacon strips with a glaze made from maple syrup, brown sugar, dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and cayenne pepper, and then bake them in the oven until caramelized and crispy.

Bacon and Cheese

When it comes to cheese, there are several varieties that pair well with crispy bacon. Some popular choices include Colby, mild cheddar, muenster, provolone, Monterey Jack, and gouda. For a grilled cheese sandwich, you'll want to choose a cheese that melts nicely but still has a nice flavour. Getting a cheese that is stringy when you bite into it is an added bonus.

Bread

The type of bread you use for your crispy bacon and cheese creation is also important. Sourdough is a popular choice, but you can also use white, multigrain, pullman bread, pumpernickel, or dark rye, depending on your preference. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a deli roll or a bagel!

Extras

While bacon, cheese, and bread are the stars of this dish, you can also add a few extras to take it to the next level. Some people like to spread butter or mayonnaise on the bread before assembling the sandwich. You can also try adding arugula, avocado, jalapeno, or caramelized onions for a bit of extra flavour and texture.

Cooking Method

To cook your crispy bacon and cheese sandwich, simply assemble the sandwich with your chosen ingredients and cook it in a pan or on a griddle over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. If you're using a griddle, preheat it to about 375 degrees. You can also cover the pan with a lid towards the end of cooking to ensure that the cheese is nice and melty.

Best cheeses to pair with bacon

There are many cheeses that can be paired with bacon, and the best option depends on the specific dish being prepared, as well as personal preference. Here are some of the top cheeses to consider when looking for the perfect bacon companion:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice when it comes to pairing with bacon. Its sharp and tangy flavour can complement the savoury, salty notes of bacon. Cheddar is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to breakfast plates. It melts well, making it ideal for grilled cheese and bacon combinations. For an extra kick, opt for super sharp or extra-aged cheddar, which will add a grainy texture to your bite.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild and creamy cheese that pairs beautifully with bacon. Its soft texture and subtle flavour make it a perfect match for the smokiness of bacon. Mozzarella melts easily, creating a delightful, gooey texture when combined with bacon in sandwiches or on pizzas. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, enhancing the flavour of the bacon without overwhelming it.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a slightly nutty and sweet flavour. It has a rich, creamy texture that makes it an excellent pairing with bacon. Gruyere melts exceptionally well, making it a top choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or bacon-topped crostini. Its unique flavour adds depth to dishes, creating a sophisticated taste profile when combined with the salty, crispy bacon.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a pungent and tangy cheese that can stand up to the bold flavour of bacon. Its strong personality shines when paired with bacon, especially in dishes like salads or paired with sweet accompaniments. The creaminess of blue cheese balances out the saltiness of the bacon, creating a complex and satisfying flavour combination.

Brie

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, nutty flavour. Its unique texture and taste make it a delightful pairing with bacon. Brie melts beautifully, adding a touch of luxury to dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or breakfast flatbreads. The smokiness of bacon enhances the subtle flavours of brie, creating a harmonious combination.

Experimenting with Flavours

While these are some of the most popular cheeses to pair with bacon, there are endless combinations to explore. From American cheese to Muenster, Gouda, and beyond, each type of cheese brings its own personality to the plate. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties and find your own perfect match for bacon!

How to make a bacon grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients

• Bacon (regular, turkey, or apple)
• Cheese (smoked gouda, smoked applewood, cheddar, mozzarella, gruyere, American, or a mix of cheeses)
• Bread (sliced, preferably sourdough)
• Butter or mayonnaise
• Arugula (optional)
• Hot honey (optional)

Method

Start by shredding your gouda cheese—pre-shredded cheese won't melt as easily. If you're using a different type of cheese, you can skip this step.

Next, cut your bacon into small pieces. You can use unsmoked bacon and add smokiness with your cheese, or use smoked bacon and complement it with your choice of cheese.

Preheat your griddle or pan to a medium heat. Melt some butter or mayonnaise in the pan, and dip one side of each slice of bread into it. You can also use leftover bacon fat for this.

Place one slice of bread, buttered-side down, into the pan. Pile on your cheese and bacon, then top with the other slice of bread, keeping the buttered-side up. Periodically flip the sandwich so that both sides get buttered and crispy.

Cover the pan with a lid toward the end to ensure that the cheese melts. Remove the sandwich from the heat, and slowly pull apart the bread. If using arugula and honey, lay down a single layer of arugula and drizzle with honey before putting the sandwich back together. Slice the sandwich in half, and enjoy!

Best bread for grilled cheese

There are many options for the best bread to use for grilled cheese. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sourdough

Sourdough is a versatile option for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its tangy, crusty, and naturally leavened characteristics make it an excellent choice for pairing with rich, melty artisan cheeses. Try it with a blend of mild and extra sharp cheddar for a classic grilled cheese experience.

Brioche

Brioche is an airy and buttery bread that adds an extra touch of decadence to your grilled cheese. It pairs well with mild and melty cheeses such as young Gouda or thin slices of Brie. For a unique twist, add some raspberry jam to your sandwich.

Pullman Loaf

The rectangular shape of Pullman loaves makes them ideal for sandwiches. This type of bread is typically soft and tender, yet sturdy enough to hold your favourite fillings. Top it with cheddar, juicy ripe tomato slices, and crispy bacon for a delicious and satisfying grilled cheese.

Pumpernickel

Pumpernickel bread is a unique option for grilled cheese, as it is made with molasses and brown sugar, giving it a deep brown colour, sweetness, and soft texture. Try pairing it with Alpine cheeses like Gruyere or Emmental, or opt for a mild cheese like young cheddar or Colby with thin slices of tart apple.

Multigrain

Nutty multigrain bread adds both flavour and fibre to your grilled cheese sandwich. Its hearty texture stands up well to a variety of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella to pungent and creamy blue cheese. For a sweet and savoury combination, pair it with sweet fig jam.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta's crusty exterior and bubbly interior make it a great choice for grilled cheese. Stuff it with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and a dollop of pesto for a flavourful and satisfying sandwich.

Experiment with different types of bread and cheese combinations to find your favourite grilled cheese sandwich. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own unique twist!

Frequently asked questions