Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Bacon and Spicy Honey
Familiar comfort food, but with a bright sweet-and-spicy accent. Crisp golden bread, gooey melted cheese, salty bacon and a generous drizzle of spicy honey make a combination that's hard to put down. First the creamy cheese and crunchy bread, then the smoky bacon, and finally a honeyed sweetness with a pleasant piquant warmth.
Preparation
- 1
Prep the bread. Spread half the mayo or butter on one side of each slice — mayo helps achieve an even golden crust.
- 2
Lay the bread spread-side down on a pan heated over medium.
- 3
Add a slice of cheese to each piece and cook 2–3 minutes until the bottom is golden and the cheese starts to melt.
- 4
Lay the crispy bacon on one half (thick-cut with a smoky note works best).
- 5
Generously drizzle the bacon and cheese with spicy honey — it balances the saltiness and adds the sweet-heat accent.
- 6
Top with the second slice, cheese-side in, press gently with a spatula and hold 20–30 seconds.
- 7
Transfer to a board, rest ~1 minute, cut in half and serve immediately.
Chef's tips
- —Cook over medium heat — on too high the bread burns before the cheese melts.
- —Mayo gives an especially crisp crust; spread it thin and even.
- —Don't overload the cheese — the filling should heat through and not leak out.
- —Want a richer taste? Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack.
- —Want more heat? Add chilli flakes or a little more spicy honey.
- —For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add tomatoes, mushrooms or caramelised onion.
- —For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread.
- —Let the sandwich rest a minute so the cheese won't spill right after cutting.
What to pair it with
The hot cheese, bacon and spicy honey sandwich is at its best with light tangy or fresh additions that balance its richness.
- tomato soup
- green salad
- honey-balsamic salad
- pickles
- fries
- crispy potatoes
- coleslaw
- fresh tomatoes
- vegetable soup
- grilled corn
✨ Perfect match
An especially classic combination is a crispy cheese sandwich and hot tomato soup. The tomato tang balances the richness of the cheese and bacon, and the spicy honey makes the familiar combo much more interesting.
