Crispy Bacon Cheddar Sandwich (Print)

Crunchy sourdough loaded with smoky bacon and melted cheddar for a satisfying meal.

# Components:

→ Bread and Cheese

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread
02 - 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or grated

→ Meats

03 - 4 slices bacon

→ Spreads

04 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Optionals

05 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispiness)
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
02 - Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Optionally, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the other side for extra crunch.
03 - Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer with cheddar cheese, bacon, a pinch of black pepper, and additional cheese if desired. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
04 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to enhance crispiness.
05 - Remove sandwiches from the pan, let rest for 1 minute, slice, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sourdough gets impossibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, creating this textural contrast that never gets old.
  • Sharp cheddar melts into creamy richness that actually tastes like something, paired with bacon that adds real smokiness and depth.
  • It's ready in under 20 minutes but tastes like you've spent hours thinking about lunch.
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is your friend here—I learned this the hard way by charring the outside before the cheese even thought about melting, and now I'm religious about it.
  • Pressing the sandwich with a spatula as it cooks isn't just for show; it helps the bread make better contact with the skillet and the cheese melt more evenly.
  • That one-minute rest after cooking might seem fussy, but it lets the cheese set just enough so it doesn't ooze out when you cut it, keeping every bite together.
03 -
  • If you slice your cheddar instead of grating it, it melts more evenly and you get better coverage across the sandwich.
  • Let your butter soften at room temperature before you spread it—cold butter tears the bread and warm butter distributes like a dream.
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