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This crispy bacon cheeseburger sandwich takes the classic grilled cheese to a whole new level by adding juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a sweet-spicy bang-bang sauce. It's a perfect indulgent lunch or dinner that combines crunchy, savory, and tangy flavors all in one bite.
I first made this during a casual weekend hangout and it instantly became everyone's favorite. The bang-bang sauce adds just the right amount of zing to the rich bacon and beef.
Ingredients
- One pound ground beef: for juicy homemade patties that are easy to season and cook evenly
- Eight slices of bacon: cooked to crispiness for texture and smoky flavor
- Four slices of sharp cheddar cheese: to melt perfectly and add richness
- Eight slices of your favorite bread: such as sourdough or brioche, both offering great structure and taste
- Quarter cup mayonnaise: mixed with two tablespoons of bang-bang sauce which brings a creamy, spicy contrast
- Salt and pepper: to bring out the natural flavors of the beef
- Butter for grilling: to achieve a golden, crispy crust on the bread
Ingredients
Choose fresh bacon with good marbling and firm ground beef for the best results. Brioche bread gives a slightly sweet balance while sourdough adds a tangy bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Patties:
- Season your ground beef with salt and pepper then divide into four equal portions. Form each into thin patties slightly wider than your bread so they fit nicely. Heat a skillet over medium-high and cook the patties for two to three minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl combine mayonnaise with bang-bang sauce thoroughly. This mix provides the perfect creamy and spicy base for your sandwich.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread the bang-bang mayo generously on one side of each slice of bread. On four of the bread slices placed sauce side up, layer a cooked patty, then two strips of crispy bacon, and a slice of cheddar cheese. Top each with another slice of bread, sauce side down.
- Butter and Grill:
- Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and place the sandwiches in the pan. Grill for three to five minutes per side pressing gently with a spatula for even cooking until the bread is golden and cheese fully melted.
- Slice and Serve:
- Cut the sandwiches in half immediately to enjoy while the cheese is perfectly gooey and the bread is crispy.
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My favorite ingredient is the bang-bang sauce because it lifts the whole sandwich beyond ordinary. I remember making this for a game day and the combination was such a hit everyone kept coming back for more.
Storage Tips
Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melted nicely.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cheddar with pepper jack for a little extra spice or mozzarella for a milder, stretchier melt. Turkey bacon works well as a leaner crisp addition. For bread, any sturdy sandwich loaf will do though brioche adds a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory fillings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these sandwiches with a crisp green salad or some crunchy pickles to cut through the richness. For a real treat, serve with homemade sweet potato fries or classic kettle-cooked chips.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to not skip spreading the bang-bang sauce liberally for maximum flavor impact
- Press the sandwiches gently with a spatula to melt the cheese evenly without flattening the patties too much
- Use medium heat for grilling to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts inside
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get the bread extra crispy?
For an extra crispy exterior, spread mayonnaise on the outer sides of the bread instead of butter before grilling. Maintain medium heat to avoid burning.
- → Can I make the bang-bang sauce at home?
Yes, mix mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce and a pinch of sriracha to create a balanced sweet and spicy sauce that complements the sandwich well.
- → What’s the best way to cook beef patties evenly?
Shape thin patties slightly wider than the bread and cook them over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- → How can leftovers be stored and reheated?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore the sandwich’s crispiness.
- → What type of bread works best for this sandwich?
Sourdough or brioche are recommended for their texture and flavor, helping to hold the juicy ingredients while toasting crisply.