Here I’ll show you a simple way to take your Bacon Grilled Cheese to the next level!
If there’s one thing that improves a grilled cheese, it’s bacon. And if there’s one tweak that takes a bacon grilled cheese further, follow along — it’s simple and delicious.
Maple Bacon
I was slow to warm to candied bacon. My first encounter with syrup-drenched breakfasts felt like overkill. Still, syrup and bacon are a match made in heaven: the sweet-salty contrast, the caramelized edges, the crisp chew — it’s irresistible. If you want to try candied bacon at home, it’s easier than you think.
Start by making a simple maple glaze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Maple Syrup
- Brown Sugar
- Dijon Mustard
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Cayenne Pepper
This combination gives a lovely balance of sweet, tangy and a hint of heat to complement the bacon’s saltiness. As the bacon bakes, the glaze thickens and caramelizes, creating sticky, crispy edges.
What kind of bacon to use?
I prefer a thicker-cut bacon for texture. I often use unsmoked bacon and bring the smoky character in with a smoked cheese — more on that below.
Do you have to make maple bacon?
No — you can skip the glaze and still make a fantastic bacon grilled cheese. That said, the maple glaze really elevates the sandwich, so I recommend trying it at least once.
Process overview: combine glaze ingredients in a small pot, whisk, place bacon on a wire rack over a foil-lined tray, brush both sides with glaze and bake until caramelized.
Bacon Grilled Cheese
With your candied bacon ready, let’s build the grilled cheese.
Best cheese for a bacon grilled cheese?
Start with a smoked cheese — Applewood-style smoked cheese works brilliantly to complement the bacon. For melt and stretch, combine cheddar and mozzarella, or pick any melty cheeses you like: Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Brie and similar options all work well.
What bread to use?
Most breads will work; sourdough or a white bloomer are great choices for a nice crust and tender crumb.
Process overview: place bread butter-side down, add smoked cheese, layer the maple bacon, add more cheese, top with the second slice butter-side up and fry until golden and the cheese melts.
Serving a Bacon Grilled Cheese
I usually serve these sandwiches for brunch or lunch as they are. For a heartier meal, add hash browns or a fried egg on the side. If you enjoyed the maple during cooking, a light drizzle over the finished sandwich is a lovely touch.
Below is the full recipe for this maple bacon grilled cheese.
How to make the best Bacon Grilled Cheese (Full Recipe)
The Ultimate Bacon Grilled Cheese (Maple Bacon)
Equipment
- Baking tray, aluminium foil & wire rack (for baking bacon)
- Brush, small pot and whisk (for glaze)
- Non-stick pan & spatula/turner
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
Maple Bacon
- 6 slices of Bacon
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp each: Dijon Mustard, Balsamic Vinegar
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
Grilled Cheese
- 4 medium slices of Bread
- 3 slices of Smoked Cheese
- 1 cup / 100g Cheddar or Mozzarella (or a mix)
- Butter, as needed
Instructions
- Maple Glaze: In a small pot whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar and a pinch of cayenne until smooth.
- Glaze Bacon: Line a baking tray with foil and sit a wire rack on top. Arrange the bacon on the rack and brush both sides with the maple glaze.
- Bake Bacon: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and crisp. Oven times vary, so watch carefully and reduce the temperature if it starts to char before cooking through.
- Assemble & Cook: Start with two slices of bread in a cold pan, butter the exposed sides, then flip so butter is on the outside. Layer smoked cheese, maple bacon, then cheddar/mozzarella. Top with the second slice of bread, butter the top, heat pan to medium and cook each side until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Notes
a) Cheese — Smoked cheese pairs wonderfully with the maple bacon (Applewood is a favourite), but use any melty cheese you enjoy: Gruyère, Brie, cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, etc.
b) Timings — Oven times can vary based on bacon thickness and fat content. Thinner, fattier cuts can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them.
c) Calories — Nutrition is estimated using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar and about 1 tbsp butter per sandwich; use the values as a guide.
Nutrition:
If you make it, tag @somethingaboutsandwiches on social media with #somethingaboutsandwiches to share your creation!
If you enjoy a touch of sweetness with bacon, try variations like bacon with brie and cranberry or bacon-wrapped sweet potato wedges for more ideas.
For another bacon-focused sandwich, check out a classic Perfect Bacon Sandwich for tips on getting the ideal crispness.
More bacon grilled cheese ideas:
Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese
- Apple and Bacon Grilled Cheese
- Pickle and Bacon Grilled Cheese
- Double Decker Bacon Grilled Cheese
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