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.
