This BLT grilled cheese sandwich features crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, all nestled between buttery grilled sourdough.
It takes two classic comfort foods and mashes them together into an indulgent creation that’s part crispy, part gooey, part fresh, and 100% craveable.
It’s the kind of sandwich you’ll dream about for days after it’s gone. And luckily, it’s super easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Comforting Classic: This sandwich puts a delicious twist on two beloved comfort food favorites – the BLT and grilled cheese – making it the ultimate satisfying and nostalgic meal.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, it’s straightforward and quick to prepare. So it’s ideal for busy weeknights or as a weekend treat.
Versatile Meal: This sandwich can be enjoyed as a hearty lunch, a quick dinner, or even a late-night snack. And it’s so easy to make it your own with fun extras and sauces.
Ingredients
- Thick-Cut Bacon: I like to oven-bake the bacon, but you can cook it on the stove if you prefer.
- Sourdough Bread: The tangy, sturdy foundation. Cut it nice and thick to hold all the fillings.
- Butter: Essential for achieving that crispy, buttery exterior. Don’t be shy – spread it on thick.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Bold and assertive, it adds a tangy kick to the cheesy filling.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mild and marvelously melty, it creates perfect cheese pull in every bite.
- Large Ripe Tomato: Juicy slices of tomato add a burst of freshness and brighten up the rich flavors.
- Butter Lettuce: Tender and delicate, it provides a light crunch and pop of green.
- Mayonnaise (optional): It’s not a BLT without it if you ask me. But you can leave it out if you like.
How to Make BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich
As we’ve already established, this ain’t your average BLT or grilled cheese – it’s the best of both worlds combined into one epically delicious sandwich.
And believe it or not, it’s ready in just 20 minutes.
1. BAKE: Cook the bacon in the oven until crispy, then set aside to drain on a paper towel.
2. TOAST: Preheat a skillet over medium heat, butter the bread slices and toast one side.
3. MELT: Flip the bread, spread the mayo, and sprinkle the cheese evenly over each slice. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
4. ASSEMBLE: Remove the bread from the pan and stack the fillings onto half of the slices. And the tops, then slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips For the Best BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The best part about this sandwich? It’s totally customizable with your favorite cheeses, breads, and toppings.
So, while this version keeps things classic with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, sourdough, and butter lettuce, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Here are some great ideas and a few tips for good measure.
- Bread choice. Use a sturdy bread like sourdough that can hold up to the fillings without getting soggy. Other good options include thick-sliced Texas toast, panini bread, or ciabatta.
- Crispy bacon. Cook the bacon until crispy so it doesn’t get chewy or soggy in the sandwich.
- Lettuce choice. Go for anything that’s crispy, such as Boston, Bibb, Romaine, or even Iceberg. You could also use fresh spinach if you prefer. Just don’t add it until right at the end, or it’ll go soggy.
- Ripe tomatoes. Use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor. I like heirloom tomatoes, but you can also use beefsteaks.
- Cheese varieties. Experiment with different melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Gouda, Fontina, or Provolone for added flavor. Grate your own cheese for better melting and texture.
- Low heat. Cook the bread low and slow so the cheese has time to melt completely without burning the bread.
- Bacon alternatives. Try prosciutto, pancetta, or even smoked salmon for a twist on the classic bacon. Vegetarian options include tempeh bacon or coconut bacon.
- Mayo option. Spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter for a tangy flavor and beautifully browned, crispy crust.
- Serving suggestions. Pair your BLT grilled cheese with tomato soup, potato chips, fries, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
More Jazzed-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches You’ll Love
French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
BLT Grilled Cheese Sandwich
2
servings10
minutes30
minutes1155
This BLT grilled cheese sandwich features crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, all nestled between buttery grilled sourdough.
Ingredients
8 slices thick-cut bacon
4 slices sourdough bread
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons mayonnaise, optional
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1 large ripe tomato, sliced
4-8 leaves butter lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lay the bacon slices in a single layer. Bake until crispy, about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place them, butter side down, in the skillet. Butter the top sides and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly toasted.
- Flip the bread slices, then spread the mayo on each slice, if using. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the slices. Cover with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bottom is toasted and the cheese has melted.
- Remove the bread slices from the skillet. Arrange the cooked bacon, tomato slices, and lettuce leaves over 2 slices, then top with the remaining bread slices.
- Cool for 1-2 minutes, then cut in half and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using a combination of cheddar for sharpness and mozzarella for meltability creates the perfect cheesy filling.
- Sourdough bread holds up well to the fillings and develops a nice crispy exterior when grilled.
- Covering the skillet helps melt the cheese fully without burning the bread.
When my wife was alive, I used to make her tomato sandwiches all the time. I decided one time to place a slice of velveta cheese on it. Her reaction was great I never made another tomato sandwich again without a slice of cheese.
I love when people share memories like this. <3 Sending love and good vibes across the netways to you, Theodore.