Crispy Bacon Cheddar Sandwich

# What You Need:

→ Bread and Cheese

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread

02 - 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or grated

→ Meats

03 - 4 slices bacon

→ Spreads

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Optionals

05 - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispiness)

06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

02 - Butter one side of each sourdough slice. Optionally, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the opposite side for extra crunch.

03 - Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer with cheddar, bacon, a pinch of black pepper, and additional cheddar if desired. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

04 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts, pressing gently with a spatula for extra crispiness.

05 - Remove from heat, let rest for one minute, slice, and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

The contrast between crispy, buttered bread and melting cheese hits different when bacon's involved.
It comes together in twenty minutes, which means you can have something warm and satisfying before you've even thought about what dinner should be.
Sharp cheddar brings a tang that keeps this from feeling heavy or one-dimensional.

02 -

Medium-low heat is non-negotiable—rushing with higher temperature means burnt bread and cold cheese inside.
Buying good bacon and cheddar transforms this from ordinary to something you'll crave, and it's worth the small splurge.

03 -

A tiny squeeze of lemon juice on the bacon before layering adds brightness without changing the fundamental taste.
Using a cast iron skillet or well-seasoned griddle creates more even browning and crisps the exterior in a way that regular non-stick pans sometimes struggle with.