I ran across this recipe probably 20 years ago. I like to think it takes the humble grilled cheese to a whole new level. It starts with the bread. I make this with Tomato Basil bread from Panera Bread. You will need to order this the day before to make sure they have it. Have it sliced thin. If you think you might not like that bread, or it is not available in your area, you can use another bread as long as it is a “hardy” bread like sourdough, Italian, or another coarse bread. The next decision is the cheese. I use a minimum of 3, and up to 5 different cheeses. I use sharp cheddar, Swiss, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella. You can use sliced cheese, but I don’t. Shredded cheese will melt better. The ingredient that makes all the difference is Bacon. I, of course, use Wrights bacon, but any thick bacon will work. Not like the Wrights, but it will work.
Put the bacon on an aluminum foil lined pan. Start it off in a cold oven. Set the oven to 400 and start checking at 15 minutes once the bacon is done, place on a cutting board and chop it up.
Reset the oven to 250 degrees.
Spread mayonnaise on both pieces of bread. Mix the cheeses together in a bowl, put a half portion of the shredded cheese on one piece of bread followed by sprinkling some chopped bacon on that cheese. Put the rest of the portion of cheese on top of the bacon so it is between the cheese. Put the other piece of bread on top.
Now, you can use butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread to brown the bread in the pan. It is your choice. Both will work, the butter has a lower smoke point than the mayo. Put one of the two on the outside of the bread. Then sprinkle Italian seasoning on the bread. Heat a large pan, put the sandwich in pan butter/mayo side down. As that side is browning put the butter/mayo and Italian seasoning on the other side. Flip and brown the other side. Put the sandwich on a pan, put the pan inside the oven to allow the cheese to fully melt. Repeat for all sandwiches.
Remove from the oven and enjoy. You’re welcome!
Ingredients:
Bread- Panera Tomato Basil, Sourdough, or anything crusty of your choice.
Cheese-Shredded, your choice 3 to 5 different varieties
Dukes mayonnaise, or mayo of your choice, “If you choose to risk it”
Kerry Gold Irish Butter
Italian seasoning-dry
Wright Bacon- or a bacon of your choice, but “Results can and will vary”
If you would like to hear my random thoughts on food, please listen to my Talking Lamar Podcast “Mayonnaise Sandwiches and Red Eye Gravy” It drops on July 26th. While you are at it catch up on all of my Talking Lamar Podcasts. You can get Talking Lamar at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.bobandsheri.com, or the Bob&Sheri App.
As always, thank each and every one of you for listening to the show. You truly are the greatest listeners in the world!
Love Ya’ll,
Lamar
Hi Lamar, just finished listening to the latest Oddcast. How about you try out for Outchef’d, on Food Network. That would be a fantastic show!!!!!