Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Caramelized Pears

Spread bread with a bit of mustard before building the sandwich if you like. A bit of arugula will add a nice bite to the creamy cheese and sweet pear.

Serves: 4 Save

Ingredients (6)

  • 5 tablespoon butter, softened, divided
  • 1 firm ripe pear, cored and cut into 16 slices
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 8 slices smoked bacon
  • 8 ounce Dubliner cheese, cut into 16 slices
  • 8 slices soft sourdough sandwich bread

Directions

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the pears in a bowl with sugar and add to pan. Cook until tender and golden, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
  2. Return pan to heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate covered with paper towel and drain. Discard fat from skillet and wipe out.
  3. To assemble, place 4 slices of bread on a work surface. Layer each with 1 slice of cheese, 4 pear slices, 2 bacon slices, 1 more slice of cheese, and remaining slices of bread. Spread outside of each sandwich with remaining butter.
  4. Heat pan over medium heat until hot. Add 2 of the sandwiches, cover the skillet, and cook until golden, about 4 minutes. Turn sandwiches, cover and cook until golden and the cheese has melted, about 3 minutes longer. Repeat with the remaining 2 sandwiches. (Can be made in a panini maker if you like.)