Gouda, Bacon, Pear Grilled Cheese

Sometimes grown-ups need grilled cheese too–and this Gouda, Bacon and Pear Grilled Cheese is high indulgence combined with low difficulty! I’d say you deserve that. So find a time soon to treat yourself and try this grilled cheese recipe. Maybe you can’t believe how good grilled cheese can be until you eat this sandwich. So don’t wait any longer.

While this isn’t a complicated recipe, you do have to prep a few ingredients before assembling the sandwiches. If you are lucky enough to have a great partner like I have, team up and get it done in half the time.  We each took a skillet. One had the bacon going and the other had the pears.  It’s also simple enough to do them both at the same time with only one cook.  Just get that bacon crispy and those pears nice and tender somehow.

Take Sandwiches To The Next Level With Rosemary Mayo

I wanted to add a bright flavor to this smokey sandwich, so that’s when I thought to add this rosemary mayo. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making fancy mayo. I don’t use mayonnaise very often, but it can sometimes add just the right layer to a sandwich.  In this case, I knew it would be such an easy way to incorporate the bright rosemary flavors and add a little more creaminess.  I cheated by using store-bought mayo, and I strongly encourage you to do the same.  All you do is add the chopped rosemary and garlic powder to the mayo, and you seem like such a fancy chef.  It’s definitely worth the few extra steps.

For The Best Sandwiches Use The Best Bread

Of course homemade bread is going to be best, but I have a full time job in addition to this blog and don’t usually have the time to bake fresh bread.  We buy our bread at Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market because we know the quality is amazing and it’s always freshly made that day.  We are so fortunate to have this world market in our neighborhood.  If you are anywhere near the Atlanta area you have to check it out. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.  All of this is to say what a difference buying fresh bread makes for your sandwiches. If you are going to indulge, don’t forget that includes finding the best quality bread.

Don’t Cook Grilled Cheese Too Fast

Now that you have all these amazing ingredients ready to go, make sure you are patient when cooking this grilled cheese. You don’t want your pan to get too hot because the outside of your sandwich will cook very quickly while all those yummy ingredients between the slices remain undercooked and cold. If you take your time and cook on lower heat, the cheese will be able to melt and make the whole sandwich come to life. Perhaps I’m a bit dramatic, but so is this sandwich.  Why take my word for it though? Try it and let us know what you think!

Gouda, Bacon, Pear Grilled Cheese

 

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Author: Oakhurst Kitchen

Yield: 2 sandwiches

Ingredients

• 4 slices whole grain bread
• 1 Bosc pear, thinly sliced
• ½ pound smoked gouda cheese
• 6-8 pieces of bacon, thick cut
• 2.5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• garlic powder

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until it reaches desired crispiness. Remove from pan and allow to cool.
2. Heat a medium skillet on medium-low heat. Melt ½ tablespoon of butter in the pan and then add the pear slices. Allow to cook until the pear slices are fork-tendered and slightly browned, just a few minutes on each side. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Meanwhile, mix your rosemary mayonnaise by combining the mayonnaise, chopped rosemary, and a pinch of garlic powder.
4. Assemble the sandwiches by adding a ½ tablespoon of rosemary mayo to each slice of bread. Then add the cheese, bacon, and pears.
5. Heat a grill pan or skillet on medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on the pan and the add the sandwich. Press on the sandwich with a lid, if desired. Allow sandwich to cook until golden brown. Add remaining tablespoon of butter and flip the sandwich and cook until that side is also golden brown and the cheese has melted.

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