Grilled Cheddar, Tomato And Bacon Sandwiches

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 8 bacon, slices thick-cut
• 8 slices country-style sourdough bread (can sub 7 grain, farmhouse or other hardy bread)
• 2 cups packed grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
• 8 tomatoes, slices seeds removed, slices drained on paper towels
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• fresh basil leaf (optional)
• pickle (optional)

Recipe

• 1 cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes. transfer bacon to paper towels and drain. wash and dry skillet.
• 2 place 4 bread slices on work surface. press 1/4 cup grated cheese onto each slice. top each with 2 tomato slices the optional basil leaves. sprinkle with pepper. place 2 bacon slices atop each, breaking into pieces if necessary to fit. press 1/4 cup grated cheese over bacon on each. top sandwiches with remaining bread slices, then spread 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise over top (outside) of each sandwich.
• 3 spray with non-stick cooking spray 2 heavy large skillets. heat skillets over medium heat. add 2 sandwiches, mayonnaise side down, to each skillet. place plate atop both sandwiches to weigh down. cook sandwiches until bottom is golden brown, about 2 minutes. spread top of each sandwich with 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise. turn sandwiches over, mayonnaise side down. top with plates and cook until golden brown on bottom, about 2 minutes. transfer sandwiches to work surface. cut sandwiches crosswise in half and serve with pickle.