Pin It My neighbor knocked on my door one Saturday afternoon holding a bag of avocados from her tree, and I had bacon defrosting on the counter. I wasn't planning anything fancy, just a grilled cheese, but then I spotted the tomatoes on the windowsill and thought, why not throw in everything good? That sandwich turned into something I crave on repeat now, especially when I need comfort that feels a little indulgent without any fuss.
I made this for my sister after she spent all morning helping me rearrange furniture, and she said it was the best thing she'd eaten all week. We sat on the porch with our sandwiches still warm, cheese stretching between bites, and she asked for the recipe even though there wasn't really one yet. That's when I realized it wasn't just the ingredients but the way they all melted together that made it special.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or country white bread: The thicker the slices, the better they hold up to all the fillings without getting soggy, and sourdough adds a slight tang that plays nicely with the avocado.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Room temperature butter spreads evenly and crisps the bread into a golden shell without tearing or clumping.
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Cheddar brings sharpness, Monterey Jack melts like a dream, and either one works beautifully depending on your mood.
- Thick cut bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon is the backbone here, and thick slices give you more texture and flavor in every bite.
- Ripe avocado, sliced: Creamy avocado adds richness and a silky contrast to the crispy bacon and toasted bread.
- Medium tomato, sliced: Fresh tomato brings acidity and juice that cuts through the richness and keeps things balanced.
- Romaine or butter lettuce: A little crunch and freshness from the lettuce makes this feel like more than just a grilled cheese.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Just a pinch on the avocado and tomato wakes up their flavor and ties everything together.
Instructions
- Crisp the bacon:
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy and golden, then drain it on paper towels. The rendered fat can stay in the pan if you want extra flavor, or wipe it out for a cleaner cook.
- Butter the bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread, making sure to go all the way to the edges. This is what turns the bread into a crispy, golden crust.
- Build the sandwiches:
- Lay two slices of bread buttered side down, then layer each with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado, seasoning the avocado and tomato with a little salt and pepper. Top with another slice of cheese and the remaining bread, buttered side up.
- Grill until golden:
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium low heat and place the sandwiches in the pan, cooking until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about three to four minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to help everything meld together.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute or two before slicing in half. This keeps the fillings from sliding out and makes them easier to handle.
Pin It One afternoon I made this for lunch and ate it standing at the counter, and I remember thinking it tasted like summer even though it was the middle of winter. The avocado was perfectly ripe, the bacon was still warm, and the cheese had that pull you only get when everything melts just right. It's become my go to whenever I want something that feels like a treat but doesn't require a long recipe or a trip to the store.
Choosing Your Bread
Sourdough is my favorite because the slight tang complements the creamy avocado and salty bacon, but any sturdy white or whole grain bread works as long as the slices are thick enough to hold up to grilling. Avoid soft sandwich bread, it tends to get soggy and fall apart under the weight of the fillings. If you have access to a good bakery loaf, it makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor.
Getting the Bacon Right
I cook my bacon low and slow so it crisps evenly without burning, and I always start it in a cold pan so the fat renders out gradually. If you're in a hurry, you can bake it in the oven at 400 degrees for about fifteen minutes, which frees up your stovetop and gives you consistently crispy strips. Let it drain on paper towels before adding it to the sandwich, otherwise the bread can get greasy.
Variations and Swaps
You can add a thin layer of mayonnaise or pesto on the inside of the bread for extra richness, or swap the bacon for turkey bacon or a plant based alternative if you want to lighten it up. Sometimes I use pepper jack cheese for a little kick, or add a drizzle of hot sauce before closing the sandwich. If tomatoes aren't in season, roasted red peppers from a jar work surprisingly well.
- Try adding a fried egg on top for a breakfast version that's equally satisfying.
- Use whole grain or seeded bread for extra texture and a nuttier flavor.
- If you're feeding a crowd, assemble all the sandwiches and grill them in batches to keep things moving.
Pin It This sandwich has become my answer to lazy weekends and quick dinners when I want something satisfying without a lot of effort. It's proof that simple ingredients, when layered just right, can turn into something you look forward to all week.
Recipe FAQs
- → What's the best bread choice for this sandwich?
Sourdough and country white bread work wonderfully because they have sturdy structure to hold the fillings without falling apart. Sourdough adds a subtle tanginess that complements the creamy avocado and crispy bacon beautifully.
- → How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Slice the avocado just before assembling the sandwich to minimize oxidation. If making ahead, store the sliced avocado with a light coating of lemon or lime juice to prevent browning, and add it to the sandwich right before grilling.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the bacon with tempeh bacon, coconut bacon, or simply omit it entirely. You can add extra vegetables like roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for additional depth of flavor and texture.
- → What temperature should the skillet be?
Medium-low heat is ideal for this sandwich. It allows the cheese to melt completely while the bread crisps and browns evenly. Too high heat may brown the bread before the cheese melts.
- → How do I get the cheese perfectly melted?
Use medium-low heat and don't rush the cooking process. Cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to trap steam, which helps the cheese melt more quickly and evenly without over-browning the bread.
- → What cheese works best for this sandwich?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are excellent choices for their melting quality and flavor. You can also use Gruyère for a more sophisticated taste, or a combination of cheeses for complexity. Avoid using cheese slices that are too thin, as they melt too quickly.