Save My neighbor knocked on my door one afternoon with a bag of avocados from her tree, and I had bacon in the fridge that needed using. I stared at both for a minute, then grabbed the cheese and bread. What came out of that skillet was so good I actually texted her a photo before I even sat down to eat it. Sometimes the best recipes happen because you just start layering things that make sense together.
I made these for my brother the weekend he helped me move furniture, and he ate both sandwiches before I even finished mine. He kept saying it was just grilled cheese, but then he asked for the recipe three times. That's when I knew this wasn't just another sandwich. It's the kind of thing that makes people stop talking and just eat.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or country white bread: Sourdough adds a slight tang that balances the richness, but any sturdy white bread works as long as it can hold all the fillings without getting soggy.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter spreads evenly and gives you that golden, crispy crust without burning; I leave mine on the counter for about fifteen minutes before I start.
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Cheddar brings sharpness, Monterey Jack melts like a dream; I usually use one slice of each per sandwich for the best of both.
- Thick-cut bacon: The thicker the bacon, the better the texture contrast; thin bacon can get lost in all the other flavors.
- Ripe avocado, sliced: A ripe avocado should give slightly when you press it, and it adds a creamy coolness that makes the whole sandwich feel more balanced.
- Medium tomato, sliced: I like to use tomatoes that are firm enough to slice cleanly but juicy enough to add moisture; too ripe and they'll make the bread soggy.
- Romaine or butter lettuce: Romaine gives you crunch, butter lettuce gives you softness; either works, but I lean toward romaine for the texture.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Just a pinch on the avocado and tomato makes everything taste more like itself.
Instructions
- Crisp the bacon:
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy and the fat has rendered, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain it on paper towels so it stays crisp and doesn't make the sandwich greasy.
- Butter the bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice, making sure to go all the way to the edges. This is what gives you that golden, crunchy outside.
- Build the sandwiches:
- Lay two slices of bread buttered side down, then layer each with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Season the avocado and tomato with a little salt and pepper, then add another slice of cheese and top with the remaining bread, buttered side up.
- Grill until golden:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two before slicing in half. This keeps the fillings from sliding out when you cut.
Save I brought one of these to a picnic once, wrapped in foil, and even though it had cooled down a little, people still asked what it was. There's something about the combination that just works, hot or warm. It's the kind of sandwich that makes you realize comfort food doesn't have to be boring.
How to Pick the Right Avocado
I used to grab avocados without thinking and ended up with rock-hard ones or brown mush inside. Now I gently press the top near the stem, if it gives just a little, it's ready. If it's hard as a stone, leave it on the counter for a day or two. If it feels mushy, skip it unless you're making guacamole.
What to Do with Leftover Bacon
I always cook extra bacon because it keeps in the fridge for up to a week and makes everything better. You can crumble it over salads, toss it into scrambled eggs, or just eat it cold straight from the container when you open the fridge at midnight. Once it's cooked, it's basically a condiment.
Ways to Make It Your Own
This sandwich is flexible, and I've tried a bunch of variations depending on what I had around. A swipe of mayonnaise or pesto inside adds another layer of flavor without overwhelming anything. If you want to skip the bacon, turkey bacon or even roasted mushrooms work surprisingly well. Sometimes I add a thin layer of caramelized onions, and it makes the whole thing taste a little fancy.
- Try smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños if you want a little heat and tang.
- Use ciabatta or a rustic Italian loaf if you want something heartier than sourdough.
Save This sandwich has become my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but doesn't require much effort. It's proof that you don't need a long ingredient list to make something people remember.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?
For best results, assemble and cook the sandwich fresh. However, you can prep ingredients in advance—cook bacon, slice vegetables, and soften butter ahead. Assemble and cook just before serving to maintain the bread's crispness and cheese's melt.
- → What's the best way to prevent soggy bread?
Slice tomatoes and avocado just before assembly. Pat tomato slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Butter the bread generously as a moisture barrier. Cook immediately after assembling for optimal texture.
- → What cheese works best for this sandwich?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are excellent choices for their melting quality and flavor. American cheese, Swiss, or provolone also work well. Use cheese that melts smoothly and complements the bacon and avocado.
- → How do I get the bread perfectly golden and crispy?
Use medium-low heat and butter the bread generously. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even browning. A nonstick skillet or griddle prevents sticking and promotes even heat distribution.
- → Can I make this without bacon?
Absolutely. Substitute with turkey bacon, tempeh bacon, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. The sandwich remains satisfying with the avocado's richness and melted cheese. Consider adding a fried egg for extra protein.
- → What condiments would enhance this sandwich?
Mayonnaise, pesto, or aioli complement the flavors beautifully. A light spread of these adds creaminess and extra flavor. Keep condiments minimal to avoid overwhelming the other ingredients or making the bread soggy.