The Ultimate Grilled Cheese with Irresistible Bacon Jam: A Gourmet Comfort Food Masterpiece

Three distinct cheeses melt perfectly with a rich, savory, sweet, and tangy bacon jam to create the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich experience.

This post has been sponsored by Jones Dairy Farm, bringing you premium bacon for exceptional flavor.

There are sandwiches, and then there are *sandwiches*. A classic grilled cheese often evokes childhood memories of simple comfort, but what if we told you there’s a way to elevate this beloved dish to an entirely new level of gourmet indulgence? Imagine a golden-brown, perfectly crisped exterior giving way to a warm, gooey blend of three exquisite cheeses, all harmonized by a sweet, salty, and subtly tart bacon jam. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary revelation, a symphony of flavors that will forever change your perception of grilled cheese.

My journey to discovering this masterpiece began, surprisingly, during a trip to Seattle. Known for its vibrant food scene, Seattle offers a plethora of culinary delights. While researching local eateries, I stumbled upon a gem called Skillet. Originally a food truck concept, Skillet gained legendary status serving American-style comfort food from a charming vintage Airstream trailer. Today, they boast multiple brick-and-mortar locations, and during our visit to the Seattle Center, Skillet Counter became our convenient and highly anticipated lunch spot.

What made Skillet truly famous, however, wasn’t just their innovative approach to classic American fare, but one particular condiment that quickly garnered a cult following: Bacon Jam. Yes, you read that correctly – bacon jam. This isn’t your average spread; it’s a concoction of caramelized bacon, onions, and a medley of sweet and savory ingredients that transforms into an intensely flavorful, spreadable delight. Skillet initially introduced this magical jam on their burgers, and it wasn’t long before its popularity exploded. Soon, you could even buy jars of their signature bacon jam to enjoy at home. It’s truly that addictive, and its unique flavor profile elevates everything it touches.

My order at Skillet was their Ultimate Grilled Cheese with Bacon Jam, and from the very first bite, I knew I had found something extraordinary. It was glorious—a wonderfully messy affair, with rich cheese oozing from every side, complemented by bursts of sweet and savory bacon jam. This wasn’t just a sandwich; it was an experience, a moment of pure, unadulterated food heaven that left an indelible mark on my culinary memory. The blend of textures and tastes was simply unparalleled, making it a strong contender for the best grilled cheese sandwich I’d ever tasted.

Upon returning home, recreating this sensational sandwich became an immediate mission. There were no “ifs, ands, or buts” about it. I was determined to bring that unforgettable flavor to my kitchen. The sandwich itself, despite its luxurious taste, was surprisingly straightforward in its construction: a harmonious blend of American, cheddar, and brie cheeses. This trio creates a perfect balance—the American cheese offers classic meltiness, cheddar provides a sharp, familiar tang, and brie introduces a creamy, sophisticated richness. But, of course, the real star, the game-changer, was the bacon jam. While it requires a little time to simmer and develop its deep flavors, the hands-on effort is minimal, making it a truly rewarding kitchen project. And trust me, once you make it, bacon enthusiasts will be sneaking spoonfuls directly from the bowl!

For a recipe where bacon plays such a pivotal role, selecting a high-quality product is absolutely essential. That’s why I turned to my all-time favorite: Jones Dairy Farm Cherrywood Smoked Bacon. Their dry-aged, thick-sliced bacon boasts an incredible depth of smoky flavor that truly shines through in the jam. Using premium bacon ensures that every bite of your jam is packed with robust, authentic bacon goodness, making all the difference in the final taste of your ultimate grilled cheese.

This bacon jam recipe yields a generous amount, far more than you’ll need for just a single batch of sandwiches. But don’t worry about it going to waste; its versatility is one of its greatest assets. I’ve found myself happily spreading the leftovers on toast, topped with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg for a luxurious breakfast. It’s also incredible on burgers, stirred into scrambled eggs, or even as a unique accompaniment to a cheese board. You’ll quickly discover countless ways to enjoy this delicious condiment, making it a staple in your refrigerator.

Ultimate Grilled Cheese with Bacon Jam

No ratings yet

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

1 hour
hour
30 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

1 hour
hour
45 minutes
minutes

Servings:

4
servings

Print
Pin

Three cheeses are combined with a sweet, salty and tart bacon jam for the Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwich.

Ingredients

Bacon Jam*

• 1
  pound
  Jones Dairy Farm Dry Aged
  Cherrywood Smoked Bacon, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 1/2
  cups
  diced onion
• 3/4
  cup
  water
• 1/2
  cup
  pure maple syrup
• 1/2
  cup
  balsamic vinegar
• 1/4
  cup
  brown sugar
• 2
  tablespoons
  Dijon mustard

Sandwiches

• 8
  slices
  good quality white bread
• butter
• 4
  slices
  American cheese
• 4
  slices
  Cheddar cheese
• 6
  oz
  Brie cheese
  sliced

Instructions

To make the Bacon Jam

• In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until browned and crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the pot. Add in the onion and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in the water, maple syrup, vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the bacon back in. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 1-2 hours. If it gets too thick, add in a little more water.
• Transfer the mixture to a food processor. Pulse a few times to break it down into a spreadable consistency.

To make the Sandwiches

• Butter the outsides of each of the pieces of bread. Place a slice of Cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of 4 pieces of the bread. Spread a generous layer of the bacon jam on top of the Cheddar cheese. Divide the Brie between the sandwiches and layer on top of the jam, followed by a slice of American cheese. Place the remaining bread on top of the cheese, buttered side out.
• Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese has melted beautifully, approximately 3-5 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula for even browning and melting.

Recipe Notes:

*This will make more bacon jam than you will need for these sandwiches. Save the remainder to top hamburgers, scrambled eggs, or more grilled cheese sandwiches! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week.

More Tempting Grilled Cheese Sandwiches to Explore

If the idea of an ultimate grilled cheese has piqued your interest, you’re in luck! The world of grilled cheese is vast and wonderfully creative. Beyond the classic, there are countless ways to transform this simple sandwich into an extraordinary meal. Here are a few more tempting grilled cheese creations that offer unique flavor combinations and satisfying textures, perfect for any craving or occasion:

Pimiento Grilled Cheese

This Southern-inspired take on grilled cheese features a creamy, zesty pimiento cheese spread that brings a delightful kick and unparalleled richness to the sandwich. It’s a comforting classic that’s both familiar and exciting, perfect for those who love a bit of tang with their melty cheese.

Italian Style Monte Cristos

For something truly decadent, the Italian Style Monte Cristo is a must-try. This isn’t your average grilled cheese; it’s a sweet and savory sensation, typically featuring ham, cheese, and a light dusting of powdered sugar, often served with a jam or syrup for dipping. Our Italian version infuses Mediterranean flavors, creating a gourmet brunch or lunch option that feels wonderfully indulgent.

Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese

Inspired by the popular dip, this spinach artichoke grilled cheese combines creamy, savory spinach and artichoke hearts with gooey melted cheese between two slices of golden-brown bread. It’s a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option that’s perfect for a satisfying meal, bringing the comfort of a beloved appetizer into a handheld format.

Discover More Gourmet Grilled Cheese Ideas from Across the Web

The culinary world is constantly innovating, and the grilled cheese sandwich is no exception. Food bloggers and chefs alike are continually finding new and exciting ways to reimagine this beloved comfort food. From sweet and savory combinations to exotic flavor profiles, these recipes promise to inspire your next grilled cheese creation:

• Bacon, Apple, and Applewood Cheddar Grilled Cheese from Sweet Basil: A delightful blend of smoky bacon, crisp apples, and sharp applewood cheddar creates a truly balanced and comforting sandwich.
• Guacamole Grilled Cheese from What’s Gaby Cooking: An unexpected yet utterly delicious pairing of creamy guacamole with melted cheese, offering a fresh and vibrant twist.
• Garlicky Avocado Grilled Cheese with Tomato Pesto from FoodieCrush: This sandwich takes the avocado trend to new heights with garlic-infused avocado and a bright, flavorful tomato pesto, making it a sophisticated and satisfying option.

**A special thank you to Jones Dairy Farm for sponsoring this post. Partnerships with quality brands like Jones Dairy Farm make it possible to bring you delicious and inspiring recipes here.**