Save My skillet was still warm from breakfast when I decided to raid the fridge for lunch. I had bacon left over, a perfectly ripe avocado begging to be used, and a block of cheddar that needed attention. What started as a simple grilled cheese turned into something I now crave at least twice a week. The moment that first bite cracked through the golden crust and hit creamy avocado mixed with salty bacon, I knew I'd stumbled onto something worth repeating.
I made this for my sister one rainy Saturday afternoon when she dropped by unannounced. She took one look at the sandwich oozing cheese and avocado and said it looked too pretty to eat. Then she devoured it in about four minutes flat. Now she texts me photos every time she tries to recreate it at home, which happens more often than I expected.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or country white bread: The thicker the slice, the better it holds up to all the fillings without getting soggy, and sourdough adds a slight tang that balances the richness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter spreads evenly and creates that perfect golden crust without tearing the bread or burning in patches.
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Cheddar brings sharpness while Monterey Jack melts like a dream, so pick based on your mood or use both for extra depth.
- Thick-cut bacon: The thicker the bacon, the more satisfying the bite, and it stays crispy even after being sandwiched between all that melted cheese.
- Ripe avocado, sliced: A ripe avocado should yield gently to pressure, and its creamy texture turns this sandwich into something luxurious without any extra effort.
- Medium tomato, sliced: Fresh tomato adds juicy brightness that cuts through the richness, just make sure to blot it lightly so it does not make the bread soggy.
- Romaine or butter lettuce: Crisp lettuce provides a refreshing crunch and a bit of lightness in every bite, keeping the sandwich from feeling too heavy.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: A light seasoning on the avocado and tomato wakes up their natural flavors and ties everything together.
Instructions
- Crisp the bacon:
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches that perfect crispy texture, then drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease. This step fills your kitchen with the best smell and sets the tone for the whole sandwich.
- Butter the bread:
- Lightly spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice, making sure to cover all the way to the edges. This ensures an even golden crust that crackles when you bite into it.
- Assemble the layers:
- Place two bread slices buttered side down, then stack each with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado, seasoning the avocado and tomato with salt and pepper before topping with more cheese and the remaining bread buttered side up. The double layer of cheese acts like glue and melts into every crevice.
- Grill to golden perfection:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat, place the sandwiches in, and cook until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, about three to four minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. Low and slow is the secret to melted cheese without burnt bread.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool for one to two minutes so the cheese sets slightly, then slice in half and serve immediately. That brief rest makes all the difference between a messy bite and a perfect one.
Save The first time I served this to friends during a casual game night, someone called it the ultimate hangover cure even though none of us were hungover. It just has that kind of comforting, fix-everything energy. We ended up making a second round because no one could stop talking about it, and it became our unofficial house sandwich from that night on.
Choosing Your Bread
Sourdough is my go-to because the slight tang plays beautifully with the creamy avocado and salty bacon, plus it holds up under pressure. Country white works if you want something softer and more neutral, but avoid thin sandwich bread because it will get overwhelmed by the fillings. I learned this the hard way when I tried it with regular white bread and ended up with a soggy mess halfway through cooking.
Getting the Bacon Just Right
Thick-cut bacon is non-negotiable here because it stays crispy even after being pressed between hot cheese and bread. If you only have regular bacon, cook it until it is extra crispy and consider using an extra slice per sandwich. I also save the bacon grease in a jar because a tiny spoonful added to the skillet before grilling gives the bread an irresistible savory edge.
Make It Your Own
This sandwich is endlessly adaptable depending on what is in your fridge or what you are craving. I have added pesto when I wanted something herbaceous, swapped cheddar for pepper jack when I needed a kick, and even used turkey bacon when cooking for someone who does not eat pork. The core formula stays the same, but small tweaks can make it feel brand new every time.
- Try a swipe of mayo or garlic aioli on the inside for extra richness and tang.
- Add a fried egg on top if you want to turn it into the ultimate brunch situation.
- Use whole grain bread for a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture.
Save This sandwich has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation, and I hope it does the same for you. It is proof that sometimes the best meals come from throwing together whatever you have on hand with a little bit of care and a hot skillet.
Common Questions
- → What type of bread works best for this sandwich?
Sourdough and country white bread are excellent choices due to their sturdy structure and ability to hold up to the melted cheese and fillings without becoming soggy. You can also use Texas toast or thick-cut white bread for a heartier texture.
- → How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Slice the avocado just before assembling the sandwich and season it immediately with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Avoid cutting it too far in advance, as exposure to air causes browning. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to help preserve its color.
- → Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
For best results, assemble and cook the sandwich fresh. However, you can prepare the ingredients individually ahead of time—cook the bacon, slice the vegetables, and soften the butter. Assemble and cook just before serving to maintain optimal crispness and cheese melt.
- → What cheese alternatives work well with this sandwich?
Monterey Jack, Swiss, or American cheese are great substitutes for cheddar. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile—Monterey Jack is creamy and mild, Swiss adds a subtle nuttiness, and American cheese provides classic gooey melting qualities.
- → How can I customize this sandwich?
Try spreading mayonnaise or pesto inside the bread for extra flavor, add crispy fried onions or caramelized garlic, or incorporate red onion slices for a sharp bite. You can also substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- → What temperature and heat level should I use for cooking?
Medium-low heat is ideal to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly before the bread burns. If the heat is too high, the bread will brown too quickly while the cheese remains cold. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula for even contact with the skillet.