fine dining experience

Bacon & Pimiento Grilled Cheese

Kick up your grilled cheese game with this savory, easy-to-make sandwich.

Ingredients

  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon

  • 1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 cup)

  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup chopped and drained pimientos

  • 1/2 tsp cayenne

  • 1/4 tsp onion powder

  • 6 Tbsp mayonnaise

  • 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

  • 8 1/2-inch-thick slices sourdough bread

  • 8 1/4-inch-thick slices tomato

Directions

  1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium. Working in batches if needed, cook bacon, flipping often, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Remove skillet from heat and discard drippings. 

  2. Meanwhile, stir together Cheddar, cream cheese, pimientos, cayenne, onion powder, and 2 tablespoons mayonnaise in a medium bowl until combined.

  3. Spread 1 1/2 teaspoons mayonnaise on 1 side of each bread slice. Arrange 4 bread slices, mayonnaise side down, on a work surface. Spread evenly with Cheddar mixture. Top each with 1 tablespoon basil, 2 bacon slices, 2 tomato slices, and 1 more tablespoon basil. Top with remaining bread slices, mayonnaise side up.

  4. Heat skillet over medium. Cook 2 sandwiches until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and cook remaining 2 sandwiches. Slice in half and serve.