Pin It My neighbor knocked on my door one Saturday holding a bag of avocados that were about to turn, and I had just fried bacon for breakfast. The smell was still hanging in the air, and I thought, why not throw everything good into one sandwich? What came out of that skillet was so ridiculously satisfying that I made it again the next day, and the day after that. Sometimes the best recipes happen because you refuse to let good ingredients go to waste.
I made this for my brother once after he helped me move furniture, and he didnt say a word until the sandwich was gone. Then he just looked at me and said, I need you to write that down. Thats when I knew it wasnt just another grilled cheese. It had become the kind of thing people remember, the kind of meal that turns a regular afternoon into something a little bit special.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or country white bread: Sourdough gives you that slight tang and sturdy structure that holds up to all the fillings without getting soggy.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter spreads easily and crisps up into a golden shell that tastes like childhood and comfort.
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Cheddar brings sharpness, Monterey Jack melts like a dream, either way you want something that gets gooey and holds everything together.
- Thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon stays crispy and doesnt disappear into the sandwich, it announces itself with every bite.
- Ripe avocado, sliced: A ripe avocado should yield gently when you press it, and it adds a creamy richness that makes this sandwich feel luxurious.
- Medium tomato, sliced: Fresh tomato brings brightness and a little acidity that cuts through all the richness.
- Romaine or butter lettuce: Lettuce adds crunch and freshness, and butter lettuce is especially tender if you want something more delicate.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning the avocado and tomato directly makes every layer taste intentional, not like an afterthought.
Instructions
- Crisp the bacon:
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until its crispy and the edges curl up just slightly. Drain it on paper towels so it stays crunchy and doesnt make your bread greasy.
- Butter the bread:
- Lightly butter one side of each slice, spreading it all the way to the edges so every bite has that golden, toasted flavor.
- Build the sandwiches:
- Lay two slices buttered side down, then layer cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado on each. Season the avocado and tomato with salt and pepper, then top with more cheese and the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Grill until golden:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and place the sandwiches in. Cook for three to four minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove from the skillet and let the sandwiches cool for a minute or two before slicing in half. This keeps the fillings from sliding out and gives the cheese a chance to set just a bit.
Pin It The first time I served this to friends, I watched one of them take a bite and immediately close her eyes. She didnt say anything for a second, just chewed slowly, and then she smiled. That moment reminded me why I love cooking, not for the complexity or the technique, but for the way a really good sandwich can make someone stop and just be present.
Making It Your Own
I started swiping a thin layer of mayonnaise or pesto on the inside of the bread before building the sandwich, and it added a subtle richness that made everything taste more cohesive. If youre not a bacon person, turkey bacon works just fine, or you can skip the meat entirely and add roasted red peppers or sauteed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Sometimes I use pepper jack instead of cheddar when I want a little heat, and it never disappoints.
Choosing Your Bread
Sourdough is my go-to because it has enough structure to hold all the fillings and toasts up beautifully, but country white bread works if you want something softer and more neutral. I tried this once with rye and it was interesting, but the caraway flavor competed with the avocado in a way I didnt love. Whatever you choose, make sure the slices are thick enough to support everything without falling apart in the skillet.
Serving and Storing
This sandwich is best eaten right away while the bread is still crispy and the cheese is gooey. If you have to wait, keep it in a warm oven loosely tented with foil, but dont expect it to stay perfect for long. Leftovers dont really work here because the lettuce wilts and the bread gets soggy, so I always make just what Ill eat in one sitting.
- Serve with a handful of kettle chips or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
- If youre feeding a crowd, set up a DIY station and let people build their own while you manage the skillet.
- A cold beer or iced tea is the perfect pairing, something crisp and refreshing to cut through all that buttery goodness.
Pin It Every time I make this, I remember that cooking doesnt have to be complicated to be memorable. Sometimes all you need is good bread, ripe avocado, crispy bacon, and a hot skillet.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?
Slice the avocado just before assembly and consider lightly brushing the cut surfaces with lemon juice to help preserve its color and prevent oxidation.
- → What's the best way to cook bacon for this sandwich?
Cook thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, which typically takes 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before layering.
- → Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?
It's best served fresh for optimal crispness and to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. However, you can prep ingredients in advance and assemble just before grilling.
- → What cheese works best for this grilled cheese?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack both melt beautifully. For extra flavor, try a combination of both, or experiment with gruyere or aged white cheddar.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute the bacon with turkey bacon, tempeh bacon, or smoked paprika-seasoned mushrooms for a hearty, savory element that complements the avocado and cheese.
- → What temperature should I cook the sandwich at?
Use medium-low heat on your skillet or griddle. This allows the cheese to melt completely while giving the bread time to turn golden brown without burning.