Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Hot Honey Butter

There’s something comforting about a warm, melty grilled cheese sandwich. But when you add crispy bacon and a touch of hot honey butter, it becomes something truly special. These Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Hot Honey Butter are an easy way to add flavor to your day, and everyone will love them!

Anyone can make a grilled cheese sandwich with gooey cheese, but the real magic happens with the hot honey butter—a sweet and slightly spicy drizzle that takes these sandwiches to the next level. It’s a simple addition that makes these sandwiches both comforting and a little bit special.

Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner, these sandwiches are always a hit, and my family gobbles them up. I serve them with soup, a salad, or just a handful of chips. The ingredients are straightforward, but the flavors are anything but. Plus, they’re just as easy to make as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For the Sandwiches:

• Bacon – Cook it until crisp so it stays crunchy in the sandwich.
• Applewood smoked cheddar – I buy it by the block and slice it myself for the smoothest melt.
• Butter – I use salted butter, but unsalted works just as well.
• Sliced bread – A sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast grills up especially well.
• Thyme – Optional garnish; use fresh thyme if you have it.

For the Hot Honey Butter:

• Butter – Let it soften before mixing so the honey blends in smoothly.
• Honey – A mild honey lets the smoky cheese and bacon shine.
• Red pepper flakes – Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat; you can always stir in more.

How to Make Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Hot Honey Butter

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.

Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread butter-side down on a preheated griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Cooking over medium heat allows the bread to become golden and crisp while giving the cheese plenty of time to melt.

Layer one slice of cheese onto each piece of bread, followed by three slices of bacon, then top with a second slice of cheese. Placing the cheese on both sides of the bacon helps hold the sandwich together as it melts.

Spread the hot honey butter on the unbuttered side of the remaining slice of bread, then butter the outside. Place the bread on top of the sandwich with the hot honey butter facing the cheese.

Cook until the bottom is golden brown and crisp, then carefully flip the sandwich using a wide spatula. Continue cooking until the second side is evenly browned and the cheese is fully melted. If needed, reduce the heat slightly to prevent the bread from browning too quickly before the cheese melts.

Slice in half and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.

Enjoy!

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• To get the cheese perfectly melted without overcooking the bread, you can cover the sandwich with a stainless steel dome or lid while it cooks. I use an upside down stainless bowl, just watch ‘cause they get hot. This traps the heat and helps the cheese melt evenly.
• If you’re making several sandwiches at once, keep the cooked ones warm in the oven at a low temperature until ready to serve.
• Use a good quality sourdough bread for the best flavor and texture. The tangy sourdough pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and sweet honey butter.

Make It A Meal

These Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Hot Honey Butter are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but if you want to round out your plate, consider serving them with a bowl of tomato soup, a simple green salad, or some crispy sweet potato cubes. The sweet and spicy notes in the honey butter make these sandwiches versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides.

Storage

If you have any leftovers, you can store the sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again. The hot honey butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before using.