BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
If there’s one thing that makes a sandwich truly unforgettable, it’s the magical combination of simplicity and flavor. Enter the BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich—a mouthwatering mash-up of two classic comfort foods: the beloved BLT and the indulgent grilled cheese. As a professional chef who has spent years crafting sandwiches that strike the perfect balance of texture, taste, and presentation, I can confidently say this one is a showstopper.
Whether you’re looking for a gourmet lunch, a decadent brunch option, or a casual dinner that still feels elevated, this recipe delivers in spades. Think crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce (yes, we’ll talk about how to keep that lettuce crisp and cool!), and melty cheese, all nestled between two golden-brown, buttery slices of bread. The result? A crunchy, creamy, savory, and satisfying bite every single time.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master this BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe—from ingredients and prep to pro tips, variations, and serving ideas.
🥓 Why You’ll Love This BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s talk about why this sandwich deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- Ultimate Flavor Combo: The smoky richness of bacon, the freshness of tomatoes and lettuce, and the gooey pull of melted cheese? Yes, please.
- Easy Yet Impressive: It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but delicious enough to wow guests at brunch.
- Customizable: You can tweak the cheeses, breads, and even add sauces or extra fillings to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food Perfection: It’s everything you crave—crispy, melty, salty, and satisfying.
🛒 Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For the best BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich, quality ingredients are key. Here’s what you’ll need for two hearty sandwiches (scale up as needed):
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut sourdough or country white bread (or your favorite sandwich bread)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 large vine-ripened tomato, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce (or use baby arugula for a peppery twist)
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra melt)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- Mayonnaise or garlic aioli, for spreading on the inside
- Avocado slices, for extra creaminess
- Hot honey or sriracha, for a spicy-sweet kick
🔪 Prep Work: Set Yourself Up for Sandwich Success
Before we assemble and cook, a little mise en place (French for “everything in its place”) will make this process smooth and enjoyable.
1. Cook the Bacon
Lay the bacon on a cold skillet and bring the heat up to medium. Let the fat render slowly—it will crisp up better this way. Turn occasionally until golden and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. For extra crispy bacon, try baking it in the oven at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: Save the rendered bacon fat! Use it in salad dressings, fry eggs, or toast croutons for added flavor.
2. Prep the Veggies
- Tomatoes: Slice and lightly salt them. Let them sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.
- Lettuce: Shred and chill it in the fridge. Cold lettuce against hot grilled cheese is an unbeatable texture contrast.
3. Butter the Bread
Spread butter generously on one side of each slice. This will be the outside that hits the pan, giving that classic golden crunch.
4. Cheese Selection
Layer your cheese to your liking. If you love a dramatic cheese pull, use mozzarella as one of your slices. For deep flavor, stick with sharp cheddar or add a bit of fontina.
🔥 How to Make the Perfect BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Let’s put it all together. Here’s the step-by-step method to achieve grilled cheese greatness.
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to toast the bread without burning it before the cheese melts.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Start by placing a slice of bread, buttered side down, on a cutting board. Layer in this order:
- 1 slice cheese
- 2 slices bacon
- 1–2 tomato slices
- A handful of shredded lettuce
- Another slice of cheese
- Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up
Pro Tip: Putting cheese on both sides helps seal in the fillings and provides maximum melt.
Step 3: Grill to Golden Perfection
Place the sandwich in the skillet and press down lightly with a spatula. Grill for 3–5 minutes per side, flipping once, until the bread is deep golden brown and the cheese is melted through.
Step 4: Rest, Slice, Serve
Let the sandwich rest for 1 minute before slicing—it gives the cheese a moment to set slightly so it doesn’t ooze everywhere.
💡 Pro Tips for BLT Grilled Cheese Excellence
Here are a few professional chef tricks to make your BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich not just good—but unforgettable:
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re cooking multiple sandwiches, give them space. A crowded pan will steam the bread instead of crisping it.
- Use a Pan Press: A cast iron press or even a smaller skillet can help evenly compress the sandwich for better browning.
- Dry the Tomatoes: Again, moisture is the enemy of crisp sandwiches. Pat those tomato slices dry!
- Cheese Melting Hack: Cover the pan with a lid for the last minute of cooking to help the cheese melt faster without burning the bread.
🧀 Variations to Try
This sandwich is a canvas. Here are some creative spins on the classic BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
1. California BLT Grilled Cheese
Add avocado slices, use multigrain bread, and drizzle with a bit of lemon juice before closing the sandwich.
2. Spicy Sriracha BLT
Mix mayo with sriracha or chipotle and spread it on the inside of the bread for a smoky heat kick.
3. BLT Caprese Grilled Cheese
Add fresh basil leaves and a thin slice of fresh mozzarella with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
4. Double Decker Diner-Style
Use three slices of bread (like a club sandwich), add an extra cheese layer in the middle, and serve cut into quarters on skewers.
5. Pesto BLT Grilled Cheese
Swap the lettuce for arugula and spread a thin layer of pesto inside the sandwich for herby brightness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich with one (or a few!) of these tasty sides:
- Classic tomato soup – for that nostalgic, creamy combo
- Crispy kettle chips or homemade fries
- Pickles – their acidity balances the richness of the sandwich
- Side salad – like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Sweet potato wedges with garlic aioli
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
While grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, you can store leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Re-crisp in a skillet over low heat for best texture. Avoid microwaving—it will make the bread soggy.
Chef’s Note: Lettuce doesn’t reheat well. If you’re meal prepping, add it fresh after reheating the sandwich.
📌 Final Thoughts: Why This BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe Is a Must-Try
The BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comfort food symphony that hits all the right notes. It combines the time-tested appeal of a classic BLT with the indulgent melty magic of grilled cheese, all tied together in one beautifully golden, crispy bite.
Perfect for lazy Sundays, quick lunches, or even breakfast-for-dinner situations, this sandwich delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and endless versatility. Whether you stick to the classic or try a fun variation, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.
BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
For 2 Sandwiches:
- 4 slices thick-cut sourdough or country white bread
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 large ripe tomato sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or garlic aioli
- ½ avocado sliced
- Drizzle of hot honey or sriracha
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
- Place bacon in a cold skillet and bring to medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 8–10 minutes, flipping as needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Prep Tomatoes & Lettuce:
- Lightly salt tomato slices and let sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry. Shred lettuce and keep chilled.
Butter the Bread:
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice (this side will be on the outside of the sandwich).
Assemble the Sandwich:
- On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer one slice of cheese, two slices of bacon, 1–2 tomato slices, shredded lettuce, and another slice of cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat a skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3–5 minutes per side, pressing down slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Rest & Serve:
- Let sandwiches rest for 1 minute before slicing in half. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Best served fresh. If needed, refrigerate for up to 2 days without lettuce and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the bacon in advance and store in the fridge until ready to use.
- Variations:
- California Style: Add avocado and a lemon squeeze.
- Spicy Kick: Spread sriracha mayo on the inside.
- Pesto Twist: Use arugula and pesto for a Mediterranean vibe.