Fall Maple Bacon Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Toasty bread, crispy bacon, maple, cheddar, and brie—autumn flavors melted into golden, comforting sandwiches.

# Components:

→ Bread & Cheese

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread
02 - 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
03 - 2 ounces brie cheese, sliced

→ Bacon

04 - 4 slices thick-cut bacon

→ Condiments

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
06 - 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
07 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional

→ Extras

08 - 1/2 small apple, thinly sliced
09 - Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and brush both sides lightly with maple syrup while still warm.
02 - Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
03 - On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, layer cheddar cheese, brie cheese, maple-coated bacon, and thin apple slices if desired. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves if using.
04 - Spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of the remaining bread slices if desired, then place them on top of the sandwiches, buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, gently pressing until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
06 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick weeknight comfort ready in under thirty minutes
  • Perfect balance of savory bacon smoky cheddar creamy brie and sweet maple
  • No fancy equipment needed and uses regular pantry ingredients
02 -
  • Rich in protein and calcium from two types of cheese
  • Maple-glazed bacon offers a sweet and smoky twist you cannot get from regular sandwiches
  • Easy to adapt for vegetarians by skipping bacon and adding hearty mushrooms or more apple
03 -
  • Always start your sandwich on medium-low heat to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts completely.
  • Do not skip brushing bacon with maple syrup—it caramelizes in the pan for incredible depth.
  • Use a weighted pan or another skillet to press sandwiches gently as they grill for extra crispness.
  • If you have leftover cheese or bacon this recipe scales easily for a crowd. Serve hot from the pan and watch everyone fall in love with your new autumn tradition.
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