Description
A quick and savory weeknight dinner featuring crispy turkey bacon, melted sharp cheddar, and garlic aioli on toasted thick-cut bread. This comfort food classic comes together in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8–10 slices thick-cut turkey bacon
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or sturdy white)
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or 1 cup shredded)
- 2 tablespoons garlic aioli
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Optional: Tomato slices, lettuce, pesto, jalapeños, avocado, or fresh herbs
Instructions
- Place turkey bacon strips in a cold skillet and turn heat to medium. Cook until crispy, flipping once (3-4 minutes). Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve 1 teaspoon of rendered fat in the pan.
- Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on one side of each bread slice. This side will face inward.
- On two slices of bread, place the cheese slices. Layer the crispy turkey bacon on top of the cheese. Top with the remaining two slices of bread, aioli-side down.
- Add the reserved turkey bacon fat (or butter) to the skillet over medium-low heat. Once shimmering, place sandwiches in the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Press down gently with a spatula.
- Flip sandwiches and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until golden and cheese is fully melted. If needed, cover with a lid for 30 seconds to help melt the cheese.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute.
- Cut sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately.
Notes
Start turkey bacon in a cold pan to render fat slowly and prevent burning. Ensure cheese is at room temperature for better melting. Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if making multiple sandwiches. For a gluten-free option, use sturdy almond flour-based bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: turkey bacon, melt sandwich, quick dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, easy recipes, garlic aioli, cheddar cheese