Best Cheeses To Pair With Bacon: Ultimate Guide

Bacon and cheese are two ingredients that go incredibly well together. Whether it's a grilled cheese sandwich, a quesadilla, or a dip, combining bacon with cheese is a surefire way to take your dish to the next level. But with so many types of cheese available, which one goes best with bacon? In this discussion, we will explore the ultimate cheese and bacon pairing to elevate your culinary creations.

Best cheeses for a bacon grilled cheese sandwich

There's nothing quite like a grilled cheese sandwich, and adding bacon takes it to the next level! But what's the best cheese to use?

First, let's talk about bread. You'll want to choose a bread that's thick and hearty, something that can stand up to the weight of the cheese and bacon. Sourdough is a popular choice and goes well with many different types of cheese.

Now, for the cheese! There are several options that pair well with bacon:

• Swiss cheese: This is a classic choice for a grilled cheese sandwich. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the bacon, and it melts beautifully.
• Cheddar cheese: A sharp cheddar adds a nice tanginess to the sandwich. It also melts well and has a strong flavour that stands up to the bacon.
• Pepper Jack: This cheese adds a bit of spice and a nice kick to your sandwich.
• Colby: Colby has a mild, creamy flavour that pairs well with the saltiness of bacon.
• Muenster: Muenster is another mild, creamy cheese that melts well and lets the flavour of the bacon shine through.
• Provolone: Provolone has a slightly stronger flavour than some of the other options, but it still pairs well with bacon and has a nice, smooth texture.
• Monterey Jack: This cheese has a mild flavour and melts easily, making it a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.

You can also get creative and mix and match different cheeses to find your perfect combination! And don't be afraid to experiment with other ingredients like avocado, caramelised onions, or even a splash of hot sauce.

So, there you have it! The perfect bacon grilled cheese sandwich is just a few slices of cheese away. Get creative, and enjoy!

Best bread for a bacon grilled cheese sandwich

There are several types of bread that can be used to make a delicious bacon grilled cheese sandwich. The most popular option is sourdough, which is a type of fermented dough with a slightly tangy taste. The fermentation process gives the bread a distinctive flavour and texture, making it a perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Another option is white bread, which is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a neutral flavour and a soft texture, making it versatile and easy to work with. White bread is widely available and can be a good choice if you're looking for a simple, comforting sandwich.

If you're looking for something a little more hearty and healthy, multigrain bread could be a good option. It contains a variety of grains, adding texture and a nutty flavour to your sandwich. The grains also provide extra nutrients, making it a more nutritious choice.

For a unique flavour and appearance, consider using Pullman bread. This type of bread has a distinct rectangular shape and a soft, fluffy texture. It is often used for sandwiches due to its ability to hold up well to fillings without becoming soggy.

Lastly, if you're feeling adventurous, dark rye bread can add a deep, earthy flavour to your sandwich. It has a strong, distinctive taste that pairs well with robust cheeses and meats like bacon. However, it may be an acquired taste for some.

Each type of bread has its own unique characteristics, so it's important to consider the overall flavour profile and texture you want to achieve for your bacon grilled cheese sandwich.

Best condiments for a bacon grilled cheese sandwich

There are many great condiments that can elevate a bacon grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas:

Mustard

Mustard is a bold condiment that can make your grilled cheese pop. You can use classic yellow mustard, spicy Dijon, or even honey mustard for a touch of sweetness. The sharpness of Dijon pairs particularly well with rich cheeses like Gruyere and sharp Cheddar.

Mayo

Mayonnaise can be used as a spread to make the melted cheese creamier and add a tangy flavour. It can also be used as a cooking grease to get the perfect colour and crunch, as it has a higher smoke point and more spreadable consistency than butter.

Pesto

Pesto is a spread made with summery flavours of fresh basil, nutty Parmesan cheese, rich olive oil, and pine nuts. It pairs well with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, sliced tomatoes, and a crusty bread like focaccia.

Aioli

Aioli is a type of fancy mayonnaise that can infuse herbs and spices into your sandwich. Try a chipotle aioli for a smoky flavour, or garlic aioli for a punchy allium kick.

Peanut Butter and Jelly

The nutty undertones of peanut butter combined with the sweetness of jam or jelly can add depth to your sandwich. Try an Elvis-style grilled cheese with bacon, goat cheese, bananas, and peanut butter.

Tomato Sauce

A swipe of red tomato sauce on the inside of your sandwich can make it more savoury. Pair it with herby basil, oregano, and soft mozzarella for a pizza-inspired grilled cheese. You can also try it with American cheese, creamy goat cheese, or provolone.

Guacamole

Guacamole adds a creamy, fresh contrast to the heaviness of the cheese. It pairs well with breakfast grilled cheese items like bacon and egg. You can also spice up your guacamole with chopped red onions, cilantro, and garlic.

Mostarda

Mostarda is an Italian condiment with fruity undertones from apricots, figs, and dates in a mustardy spread. It pairs well with a smooth, well-rounded gouda cheese. Spread it between the bread and cheese to let the flavours intertwine.

Apple Butter

Apple butter is a treat during the autumn months, with deeper caramel notes and a thicker consistency than applesauce. It pairs well with sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, and bacon on grainy, whole-wheat bread.

Gochujang

Gochujang is a versatile condiment that adds umami, saltiness, and spiciness to your sandwich. Use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way. It pairs well with Monterey Jack, gouda, or brie cheeses.

Bacon Jam

Bacon jam is a sweet and savory spread that adds a bright note of vinegar and a subtle touch of brown sugar and onion. It's an excellent addition to grilled cheese, providing a spreadable consistency that ensures every bite is bacon-y.

Chakalaka

Chakalaka is a South African chutney made with beans, tomatoes, onions, and warming spices. It's a popular addition to grilled cheese in the region, cutting through the richness of the cheese. Pair it with a well-aged cheddar.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with different condiments and combinations to create your ultimate bacon grilled cheese sandwich!

Best side dishes for a bacon grilled cheese sandwich

A bacon grilled cheese sandwich is a tasty upgrade to a traditional grilled cheese sandwich. The crunchy, golden toasted bread, melted cheese, and cooked bacon make for a delicious meal. Here are some side dish ideas to serve with your bacon grilled cheese sandwich:

Tomato Soup

A bowl of hot, comforting tomato soup is a classic pairing with grilled cheese sandwiches. The tanginess of the tomatoes complements the salty, savoury flavours of the bacon and cheese.

Green Salad

A fresh green salad can provide a healthy and refreshing contrast to the indulgent sandwich. Add your favourite greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or rocket, and maybe some crunchy vegetables like cucumbers or carrots.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is another side dish option that can add some substance to your meal. The starchy potatoes go well with the sandwich, and you can customise the salad with your choice of herbs, spices, and dressings.

Chips

For a classic side dish, serve your bacon grilled cheese sandwich with a portion of chips. The crispiness and saltiness of the chips complement the sandwich perfectly.

Fruit Salad

For a sweeter side dish, a bowl of fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury sandwich. Add a variety of your favourite fruits, such as apples, bananas, berries, and melon.

Best recipes for bacon and cheese

Bacon and cheese is a classic combination that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to casseroles to salads. Here are some mouth-watering recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of bacon and cheese:

Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This sandwich takes the classic grilled cheese to the next level by adding bacon, mustard, mayo, tomato, onion, and two types of cheese—Swiss and cheddar. The key to a perfect bacon grilled cheese is to cook the bacon until it's brown and starting to crisp

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