Bleu Cheese Bacon Jam Grilled

Nothing satisfies quite like biting into a grilled sandwich oozing with melty cheese and that incredible sweet and savory bacon jam. If you are in the mood for indulgence and bold flavors but want something you can whip up with just a few ingredients, this is your answer. I have made this sandwich to use up little bits of fancy cheese or leftover Sunday brunch bacon and every single time it stops conversation. It is that good.

I first paired bleu cheese and bacon jam on a whim and was blown away by the punch of flavor. It is now my secret weapon for turning a regular lunch into something memorable for friends or kids.

Ingredients

• Bread: Sturdy enough to hold up to the fillings white sourdough or a crusty loaf all work beautifully
• Butter: High quality unsalted butter gives the best golden crust
• Bacon jam: Pure umami and adds a sweet salty accent you cannot get from anything else store bought is fine but homemade is worth the minimal effort
• Bleu cheese crumbles: Bold creamy cheese that stands up to the richness choose a variety you really like the taste of funky or mild
• Shredded gruyere cheese: Melty with a nutty flavor that pairs well with everything and helps glue the sandwich together
• For homemade bacon jam: Use good quality smoky bacon Medjool dates for stickiness aged Dijon for depth good vinegar and real maple syrup for balance

Instructions

Select and Prep the Ingredients:

Make sure the bread you pick is not too thin or soft since it needs to hold the filling without falling apart. Crumble your bleu cheese and grate the gruyere yourself for the smoothest melt

Heat the Skillet:

Set your skillet over medium or medium low heat. Let it warm slowly so the butter does not burn and the bread browns evenly instead of scorching

Butter and Assemble the Bread:

Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. This step is what gives that magical crust. Place one slice butter side down in the skillet

Spread the Bacon Jam:

Top the bread in the pan with a thick but even layer of bacon jam reaching out to the very edges so every bite gets a taste

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle bleu cheese crumbles generously across the bacon jam then layer on the gruyere making sure both cheeses touch the edges as well

Top and Grill:

Place the second slice of bread buttered side up right on top. Do not press down yet let everything start to melt first

Cook to Perfection:

Let the sandwich cook for at least five minutes then check the bottom. It should be deep golden and crispy. Flip carefully using a spatula and cook the other side the same way. If needed turn the heat down a little so the cheese fully melts

Slice and Serve:

When both sides are beautifully browned lift from the pan and let it rest for a minute or two. Slice diagonally for the classic grilled cheese experience and serve while warm

For Bacon Jam:

Blend cooked bacon pitted dates Dijon mustard cider vinegar maple syrup and salt in a food processor until smooth and glossy. Store in the fridge in an airtight container

Gruyere is my personal favorite ingredient here. I love how gooey and creamy it gets after melting and the way it cushions the boldness of the bleu cheese. My kids started out skeptical but after one bite they actually asked for second sandwiches and wanted bacon jam on their burgers too

Storage Tips

Leftover sandwiches can be wrapped tightly and chilled then reheated in a hot skillet so the crust stays crisp. Store bacon jam in a glass jar in the fridge for up to three weeks. To freeze bacon jam portion into small containers and thaw just enough for each use

Ingredient Substitutions

Try rye or whole-grain bread instead of white for deeper flavor. Goat cheese or brie can be swapped for bleu cheese if you want something mellower. Sharp cheddar stands in well for gruyere if that is what you have on hand

Serving Suggestions

Serve with tomato soup for a cozy lunch. Cut smaller sandwiches to turn these into decadent sliders at parties. Add a handful of arugula inside before grilling for a peppery fresh bite

A Bit of History

Grilled cheese as we know it became popular in the twentieth century in America. The pairing of bacon and bleu cheese gives this comforting classic a bistro touch. Bacon jam is a modern twist that started showing up on menus around a decade ago thanks to creative chefs

Seasonal Adaptations

Add thin slices of ripe pear for a fall treat Mix in a touch of rosemary to the jam for a winter herb flavor Serve with fresh cherry tomatoes in summer for brightness

Success Stories

One rainy afternoon this sandwich drew in my whole family from their separate rooms just because the kitchen smelled so good. My friend who claimed not to like bleu cheese finished hers and asked for the recipe. It is the perfect conversation starter and never fails to get rave reviews

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can assemble these sandwiches and freeze them individually before grilling. Pop straight from freezer to skillet and cook over low until hot throughout then finish with a quick sear for crispness. Bacon jam freezes beautifully on its own

Let your creativity run wild with variations on this classic. Every melty bite will be worth the effort and your kitchen will smell irresistible.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best?

Thick-cut sourdough or rustic white bread holds up well to the filling and creates a golden, crunchy exterior.

→ Can I use store-bought bacon jam?

Yes, store-bought bacon jam is convenient, but homemade adds depth with fresh bacon, dates, and maple syrup.

→ What can I substitute for bleu cheese?

Try gorgonzola, goat cheese, or feta for a milder or slightly different tang in the sandwich.

→ Is gruyere necessary or can I use other cheeses?

Gruyere adds meltiness, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella are good alternatives if preferred.

→ How do I achieve a perfectly crisp crust?

Use softened butter on the outside and cook over medium-low heat to prevent burning while the cheese melts.