Hey there, grilled cheese enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you probably find yourself strapped for time more often than not. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just life’s little surprises, finding the time to cook a decent meal can feel like a Herculean task.
But fear not, my friends, for I’ve got your back with some delicious grilled cheese that will have you saying ‘bon appétit’ in no time! Indulge in this ooey-gooey grilled cheese made with artisanal sourdough bread, crisp bacon slices, quality sharp cheddar cheese, savory caramelized onions, and ripe tomato slices. With these quality ingredients, you can create a gourmet grilled cheese experience right in your own kitchen.
You can find these ingredients in your local stores or you could make your own. Plus if you have a Panini Press you could use that in place of the microwave and toaster oven.
- Crispy Bacon: Many grocery stores offer pre-cooked bacon slices that are crispy and ready to use. Look for them in the refrigerated or deli section.
- Caramelized Onions: Some grocery stores sell pre-made caramelized onions either in the refrigerated section or sometimes in jars in the condiments aisle. These can be a convenient option if you’re short on time.
- Sliced Cheese: While the recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, you can easily find pre-sliced cheese varieties in most grocery stores. Look for sharp cheddar slices or other cheese varieties like Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone depending on your preference.
- Sourdough Bread: Many bakeries and grocery stores offer freshly baked sourdough bread. If you don’t have time to make it yourself, purchasing a loaf from the store is a convenient option.
- Prepared Tomato Slices: While fresh tomatoes are ideal, you can also find pre-sliced tomatoes in the produce section of most grocery stores. Look for ripe tomato slices that are ready to use. Or just buy a ripe juicy tomato and slice it up.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of artisanal sourdough bread
- 2-3 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
- 2 slices of crispy bacon (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup of caramelized onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 slices of ripe tomato
- Butter (for spreading)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
- On a microwave-safe plate, place one slice of bread, buttered side down.
- Layer ingredients on the bread in the following order: half of the sliced cheddar cheese, crispy bacon slices, caramelized onions, tomato slices, and the remaining sliced cheddar cheese. Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
- Wrap the sandwich loosely in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture while microwaving.
- Microwave the wrapped sandwich on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the cheese starts to melt.
- While the sandwich is microwaving, place the preheated toaster oven tray in the toaster oven for 1-2 minutes to warm it up.
- Carefully transfer the microwaved sandwich onto the warmed toaster oven tray.
- Toast the sandwich in the toaster oven for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Flip the sandwich until you get both sides evenly crispy.
- Remove the sandwich from the toaster oven and let it cool for a moment.
- Slice the sandwich in half and serve hot.
Suggestions for Variations:
- Add greens: For an extra burst of freshness, layer some baby spinach or arugula leaves between the cheese and other fillings.
- Upgrade cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Try adding avocado slices, roasted red peppers, or even a dollop of pesto for added depth of flavor.
Stay tuned for more quick and tasty recipes! Remember, even when time is short, you can still indulge in delicious homemade meals. Happy sandwich-making!
Before you go, you can transform your grilled cheese experience with the Hamilton Beach Panini Press Sandwich Maker! With a 4.5 star rating and over 17,000 ratings on Amazon, this is the panini press for you.
Its non-stick plates and adjustable floating hinge, this appliance ensures perfectly crispy and gooey sandwiches every time. Whether you’re craving classic cheddar or gourmet combinations, the Panini Press delivers even heating and melty goodness in minutes. Its compact design makes it a convenient alternative to bulky microwaves and toaster ovens, fitting seamlessly into any kitchen space. Elevate your sandwich-making game with the Hamilton Beach Panini Press for consistently delicious results with every bite. Get yours today!
