Crispy bacon, melted cheese what more is there to say? Then there’s the Bacon Melt, a sandwich loved by many that has become something of a staple comfort food. Served up as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a late-night munchie the Classic Melt is sure to please and fill with each savory bite.
This mouthwatering sandwich is normally made up of layers upon layers of crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese(s), and occasionally other tasty components like tomatoes, onions, or sometimes even avocado wedged between two slices of golden brown bread hamburger king menu.
The result was a delectable combination of flavors and textures that is humble yet divine. In this blog post, we will discuss all that you must know about the Bacon Melt. Whether going over the original recipes from childhood or finding new fusions with alternatives and extras we have got you king burger prices.
New to the kitchen or a seasoned chef, my Bacon Melt will be sure and provide you with tips that help excite your inspirations. Grab your skillet, turn on the stove, and be ready to dive into this all-time classic.
The classic bacon melt, an evergreen recipe
The bacon melt is a time-enduring favorite sandwich that generations have cherished, with endless craving satisfaction while filling bellies everywhere. The three main components are crispy bacon, melted cheese, and nicely toasted bread on rye! How to make a classic bacon melt:
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 4 slices of sourdough (or any bread)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Optional; tomato slice, lettuce, or avocado
Instructions:
- Fry the bacon: Heat a pan over medium heat. Place bacon strips in the pan without overlapping. Cook on both sides until they are crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- To Make the Bread: Spread a light coating of butter across one side of each slice.
- Prepare the Sandwich: Spread about a tablespoon of sesame seeds on each unbuttered side and pile some processed cheese inside in 2 slices for serving. Evenly layer the cheese with four strips of bacon. Top with tomato, lettuce, or avocado if you want. Place another cheese slice on top and the remaining bread, buttered side up.
- Other: Grill the Sandwich 1. Heat a skillet over medium heat Add the sandwiches to the skillet and cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve: To serve, cut the sandwiches in half and well enjoy! with some pickles on the side maybe or a light salad.
Gourmet bacon melt: take your sandwiches to the next level
Give your bacon melt a gourmet boost with this indulgent interpretation. You can elevate this classic by adding some high-quality ingredients using unique flavors.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices applewood-smoked bacon
- slices of artisanal sourdough bread, 4
- 4 slices of Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
- 2 tablespoons truffle butter
- Arugula or mixed greens
Instructions:
- Bacon: Same method as the classic recipe, using applewood-smoked bacon to reinforce that cunning smoky flavor.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet, cook sliced onions with olive oil and just a little pinch of salt until they are caramelized to golden brown sweetness which takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Make the Bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread with truffle butter.
- To assemble the sandwich: Layer one slice of bread (unbuttered side up, buttered down) with a piece of Gruyère cheese and 3-4 slices bacon on top. Top each with another slice of Gruyère and the rest of the bread, buttered side up.
- Grilled Sandwich: Prepare in a skillet over medium heat until the bread looks golden and the cheese is melted, flipping about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Serve: With a plate of sweet potato fries or some mixed greens on the side for ultimate sandwich luxury.
Perfect cheeses for the ultimate Bacon Melt
Select your cheese: You have to pick the right kind of cheese for an ideal bacon melt. Here is a list of some of the better choices:
- Cheddar: Sharp and tangy, it’s a popular option that particularly loves being paired with bacon.
- Swiss: A mild, nutty cheese that melts well and pairs with the bacon perfectly due to its salty flavor.
- Gruyere: It has a creamy texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor which makes any automatically classy.
- Provolone: Semi-soft cheese with a mild, smoky flavor that complements the crunch of bacon.
- Pepper Jack: Adding a nice little zing, pepper jack cheese introduces the spice factor to your sandwich.
| Item Description | Price Range |
| Classic Bacon Melt | $6.99 – $10.99 |
| Gourmet Bacon Melt | $8.99 – $14.99 |
| Vegetarian/Vegan Bacon Melt | $7.99 – $12.99 |
| Breakfast Bacon Melt | $7.99 – $11.99 |
| Specialty Bacon Melt (e.g., with premium ingredients) | $10.99 – $16.99 |
Healthier Bacon Melt Alternatives: Delicious and Nutritious
There are ways to indulge in a bacon melt for those who prefer to keep track of their health, without losing out on the taste. Here are a few healthier substitutes.
- Turkey Bacon: The classic lower fat and calorie option.
- Whole Grain Bread: Instead of white get whole or multi-grain bread for some fiber and nutrients.
- Avocado Spread: In place of butter for those healthful fats
- Low-fat cheese: Lower the overall intake of calories by using reduced-fat cheese.
- Veggie Add-Ons: When building your sandwich, fill it with fresh veggies such as spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers to create a balance.
Traditional to Trendy Bacon Melt Variations
The bacon melt is the chameleon of sandwiches and holds up nicely to just about every variation from diet-friendly, no-carb versions (lettuce leaves instead of bread) and its more alien cousin the UFO-winged thing on Instagram that garners thousands of likes.
- BLT Melt: Into a BLT Melt with fresh lettuce and tomato slices.
- Breakfast Melt: Make an egg sandwich using two pieces of bread or one bagel and any result is golden.
- Southern Melt: (Pimento Cheese and Jalapeño)
- Italian Melt: prosciutto/ instead of bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil on this one.
- Mexican Melt: Gets a bit fatty with some avocado, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime.
How to Cook the Perfect Bacon for Your Melt
The Key to A Great Bacon Melt? How to cook perfectly crispy bacon every time:
- Pick the Right Bacon: It is Thick Done Properly: Because this would be a meaty sandwich, I enjoy using thick lower bacon
- Begin with a Cold Pan: Use the cold pan to render fat slowly.
- Cook on medium flame: This allows the gyoza to cook through evenly without burning.
- Flip it: It may seem like a no-brainer, but be sure to flip the bacon regularly so that a crispy degree is reached throughout.
- Get Rid Of Excess Grease: Put the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain.
Pairing Your Bacon Melt with Sides and Beverages
Here are some tasty side orders and beverages to pair with your bacon melt:
Sides:
- Fries: Choice of our classic potato fries or sweet potato
- For Salad: A light and fresh salad to contrast with the heaviness or rich sandwich.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles help to offset the savory bacon and cheese
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a great way to add some cool, crisp crunch.
Beverages:
- Cold fresh Iced Tea: The perfect iced tea is great with a hot sandwich
- Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or a malty amber ale will complement the flavors.
- Lemonade (to help balance the sweet with some tang)
- Red Wine: Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon in Boe Plage (Photo courtesy of Trip by Skyscanner).
Bacon Melt Breakfast: The Right Way to Begin Your Day
Back to breakfast with a bacon melt. Check out these options to start your day in a punch:
- Classic Breakfast Melt: Bacon, egg, and cheese on an English muffin.
- Avocado Bacon Melt: Avocado, poached egg on whole-grain toast.
- Spinach and Bacon Melt: Succulent spinach sauteed with a fried egg on an onion bagel
- Brie Breakie Melt: Brie cheese and cranberry sauce combine for a fancy flair.
- Breakfast Quesadilla: A quesadilla filled with a, scrambled egg, and salsa.
The Past, Present, and Future of the Bacon Melt
The story of the bacon melt is also a sordid saga that reflects how American food has slowly moved away from sensibly portioned meals. This sandwich was a diner fare, then a deli classic, and now popular in homes as well as restaurants.
History: The history of the bacon melt may go back as far as mid-20th-century diner culture in America. Bacon, cheese, and bread were inexpensive staples commonly offered by bars that the customers loved.
Increased Popularity: Like most deli sandwiches, the has evolved as more and different types of delis have opened. It quickly became a fan favorite due to its simplicity and tastiness.
Modern Variations: With gourmet variations and options like the ‘healthy’, it is clear that we have more flexibility in making a good first impression of ourselves. As a new blank slate, the grilled cheese is not enough, chefs and home cooks expand to all kinds of bacon, cheeses, or bread making them a culinary version of what could bacon melt.
FAQS
What is a bacon melt?
Most bacon melt is made with fried crisp bacon and melted cheese on toast bread. Other Ingredients: Optional: To further expand the flavor add diced tomatoes, lettuce on top of some slices or list on bottom and Lastly tortilla chips distributed we liked Fritos for added stability.
What makes a good old-fashioned bacon melt?
To make a classic bacon melt:
- Crispy thick-cut bacon
- Spread butter (I used around 1/2 to an ounce) on one side of each bread slice
- Place cheese and bacon on the unbuttered side of two slices of bread
- Optionally garnish with tomatoes, tomato slices, or lettuce.
- Add the second slice of cheese and top with the other piece of bread, butter-side out.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich until golden on both sides, crispy from the outside & cheese is melted.
What Kind of Cheese for a Bacon Melt?
Just a few of my favorite cheeses for this cheesy include:
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- Gruyère
- Provolone
- Pepper Jack
How about a lighter bacon melt?
And of course, you can health it up by:
- Swapping out pork bacon for turkey bacon
- Whole or multi-grain bread
- Using mashed avocado in place of butter
- Using low-fat cheese
- Fresh Spinach, Tomatoes as well Cucumbers
What are some gourmet variations of the bacon melt?
A couple of gourmet-style variations
- Using applewood-smoked bacon
- Adding caramelized onions
- Using truffle butter
- With Arugula or Mixed Greens
- Opting for high-quality cheeses Gruyère or Brie
What is the perfect way of cooking up bacon for a bacon melt?
To cook bacon perfectly:
- Choose thick-cut bacon.
- Start with a cold skillet.
- They should be cooked in medium flame, to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Flip the bacon frequently.
- Drain the bacon on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
What sides and beverages pair well with a bacon melt?
Sides:
- Fries or sweet potato fries
- Salad
- Pickles
- Coleslaw
Beverages:
- Iced tea
- Craft beer
- Lemonade
- Red wine
Can I make a bacon melt for breakfast?
Well, this bacon melts and rustico breakfast sandwich can be made for:
- A fried egg
- Avocado
- Sautéed spinach
- Cranberry Brie
- Served on an English muffin, bagel, or in a quesadilla
Can you make a veggie or vegan bacon melt?
Indeed, some of those options are vegetarian and vegan.
- Tempeh bacon or mushroom bacon to replace the regular pig kind of course!
- Opting for plant-based cheeses, such as cashew cheese or almond cheese
- Adding sliced avocado
- Spreading hummus on the bread
- Grilled bell peppers, zucchini and eggplant
What is the history of the bacon melt?
Although the bacon melt probably came to life in American diners during the mid-20th century, it consisted of basic ingredients like bacon and cheese; items not expensive by any measure.
This sandwich had been a staple on deli menus, but would soon take off and branch out into more regional flavors as well as gourmet options. The praise is to this day a favorite accepted sandwich.