# What You’ll Need:
→ Bacon Jam
01 - 8 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
05 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
06 - 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
07 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
08 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Grilled Cheese
10 - 8 slices sourdough or country bread
11 - 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
12 - 4 oz Gruyère cheese, sliced
13 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
# Directions:
01 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
02 - Add diced onion to the reserved bacon fat and cook until caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
03 - Return cooked bacon to the pan. Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Simmer on low, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
04 - Arrange bread slices on a working surface. Spread a generous layer of bacon jam onto four slices. Top each with sliced sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Cover with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
05 - Spread softened unsalted butter evenly on the outside of each sandwich.
06 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and cheese has melted.
07 - Allow sandwiches to rest for 1 to 2 minutes before slicing and serving.
