Is there anything better than a really good grilled cheese? I’m pretty sure it’s that classic comfort food we all know and love. As a kid, my grilled cheese sandwiches consisted of whatever bread we had laying around the kitchen, cheese, and butter. Three ingredients that can do no wrong. My dad would make my brothers and I grilled cheese on nights when he didn’t have a lot in the kitchen. He was always heavy on the sharp cheddar and made them extra buttery. They were perfect, and we loved them! The one thing that always missing from dad’s grilled cheese dinners though? A bowl of tomato soup, which I feel is such a classic combo in the summer. But the funny thing about my dad? He’s always despised tomato soup. His memories of tomato soup are from the eighties. To him, tomato soup came from cans of Cambell’s that his mom would serve him at least once a week…or so he says anyway. This means instead of grilled cheese with a side of soup, my brothers and I grew up with just the grilled cheese. We didn’t complain, we didn’t know any different. But since then I’ve learned just how delicious a good bowl of tomato soup is when paired with an extra cheesy grilled cheese. Such delicious summery flavors. And that combination is the inspiration behind this recipe. I took all the flavors from tomato soup and sandwiched them between sourdough bread with crispy bacon and a bit of everything bagel spice. It’s extra special, but yet still so simple. These few added touches make this grilled cheese better…and exciting…and fun…and oh my gosh just so delicious! Sorry for the run-on sentence there, but it’s hard to express my excitement. This grilled cheese is a new favorite and I already know it’s going to be a repeat recipe for the remainder of the summer.
The details.
Start with the tomatoes. Find some delicious ones, preferably heirloom, and then salt them. This helps to draw out any excess moisture the tomatoes may have. This step is key and ensures that your grilled cheese sandwich will never become soggy. While the tomatoes are sitting, toss together a mix of extra sharp cheddar cheese, Havarti cheese (fontina would be great too), fresh basil, thyme, and chives. The cheddar adds the bulk of the flavor, while the Havarti acts as the super melty, gooey cheese. Yum! Mixing the herbs in with the cheese creates an even more flavorful sandwich. Plus I’m just obsessed with all the fresh summer herbs from the garden right now. I love them so much. Crisp up some bacon. Of course, this is optional. But if you’re a bacon lover, I would be sure to use it. It kind of makes this like a BLT grilled cheese. And yes, it’s just as delicious as it sounds. Finally, the everything bagel spice…oh how I love this flavor combo! It’s a mix of sesame seeds, onion, and herbs. If you love the classic everything bagel, then you’ll love this spice. And guys, it makes this grilled cheese, so don’t skimp on it.
And now you layer.
Butter the outside of the bread, sprinkle with parmesan (yes, that is the third cheese), and then add the everything spice. Layer the cheese mix, tomatoes, and bacon between the slices of bread. If you want to add even more flavor, sprinkle the tomatoes with a bit of everything spice too. Now, add the sandwiches to a skillet and cook until the cheese has melted and the crust is deep golden and crunchy. The cheese on the inside becomes that melty goodness we love so much. While the outside of the bread becomes crisp from the parmesan, which is literally pan-fried into the bread. And the everything spice? Well…
It. Is. So. Good! Melted cheese, ripe summer tomatoes, crispy bacon, and everything spice equals perfection on so many levels. Make this one tonight as an easy Thursday dinner, trust me, you’re going to be very happy you did.
Looking for other grilled cheese recipes? Here are a few ideas: French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Kimchi Grilled Cheese Breakfast Grilled Cheese Lastly, if you make this everything cheddar tomato bacon grilled cheese, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
