The Ultimate British Grilled Smoked Bacon & Cheese Toastie on the Arteflame

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the comfort of a British-style toastie, especially when it is elevated by the smoky kiss of an open fire. This recipe for a Grilled Smoked Bacon and Cheese Toastie takes a beloved classic and transforms it into a gourmet outdoor feast using the Arteflame grill. Unlike a standard kitchen pan, the Arteflame’s flat cooktop provides an even, intense heat that crisps the bread to golden perfection while rendering the bacon irresistible. The combination of salty, smoked back bacon and sharp, melting cheese creates a flavor profile that is both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. Whether you are hosting a backyard brunch or looking for a quick, hearty lunch, this toastie delivers a crunch and melt that you simply cannot replicate indoors. Get ready to redefine your grilled cheese game with this British-inspired masterpiece.

Ingredients

The Essentials

• 4 slices of thick-cut sourdough or white bloomer bread
• 8 rashers of British smoked back bacon
• 1 cup Mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup Red Leicester cheese, grated (for color and flavor depth)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon English mustard (optional, for a kick)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Start by lighting your Arteflame grill. Build a medium fire in the center using charcoal or wood.
2. Allow the flat steel cooktop to reach a medium-high temperature. You want the griddle hot enough to sear, but not so hot that it burns the bread before the cheese melts.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface with a high-heat oil to season it before cooking.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

1. Place the smoked back bacon rashers directly onto the hot flat top.
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the fat renders and the edges become crispy.
3. Move the bacon to the cooler outer edge of the grill to keep warm while you prepare the bread. Do not remove it completely; let it rest in the residual heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Toastie

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread generously. This buttered side will be the outside of the sandwich, creating that golden crust.
2. On the non-buttered side of two slices, spread a thin layer of English mustard if desired.
3. Pile the grated Cheddar and Red Leicester mixture onto the bread.
4. Top the cheese with the crispy bacon rashers, adding a crack of black pepper.
5. Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

1. Place the assembled sandwiches onto the flat cooktop.
2. Grill for 3-4 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even contact with the heat.
3. Flip the toastie carefully. The cooked side should be a deep golden brown.
4. Grill the second side for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is oozing out the sides and the bread is crispy.
5. Remove from the grill, let cool for a minute, slice in half, and serve immediately.

Tips

Achieving the perfect British toastie on an Arteflame requires managing your heat zones effectively. Because the center is hotter, start your bacon closer to the middle to render the fat quickly, but cook the sandwiches slightly further out. This prevents the bread from charring before the generous amount of cheese has fully melted. Using grated cheese instead of slices is a crucial pro tip; grated cheese melts faster and more evenly, creating that desirable "cheese pull" without overcooking the bread. Additionally, do not skimp on the butter for the outside of the bread. It is the key to that signature crunch. If you find the cheese is taking too long to melt, you can briefly place a basting dome over the sandwich on the grill to trap the steam and heat, accelerating the melting process without burning the crust.

Variations

While the classic bacon and cheese combination is timeless, the versatility of the Arteflame allows for delicious experimentation. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different palates or seasonal ingredients. Here are a few popular British-inspired twists to try:

• The Ploughman’s: Add a layer of chunky pickle or onion chutney inside the sandwich for a tangy contrast to the sharp cheese.
• The Brie & Cranberry: Swap the Cheddar for creamy Brie and the bacon for turkey (or keep the bacon!) and add cranberry sauce.
• The Heatseeker: Add sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
• The Mushroom Melt: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic on the flat top before adding them to the sandwich for an earthy flavor profile.
• The Breakfast Stack: Add a fried egg (cooked on the flat top) inside the sandwich just before closing it up.

Best pairings

A rich, salty, and savory dish like this British Grilled Smoked Bacon & Cheese Toastie deserves a beverage and side that cuts through the richness. The most classic pairing is, without a doubt, a bowl of creamy tomato soup. Dip the crispy corners of the toastie into the soup for the ultimate comfort food experience. For beverage options, a crisp, cold British apple cider works wonders; the acidity and bubbles cleanse the palette between bites of gooey cheese. Alternatively, a pale ale with citrus notes complements the smokiness of the bacon and the grill perfectly. If you are serving this for brunch, a strong cup of English Breakfast tea or a Bloody Mary makes for an excellent companion. Serve with a side of pickles or hand-cut chips (fries) cooked right on the Arteflame to round out the meal.

Conclusion

Mastering the British Grilled Smoked Bacon & Cheese Toastie on your Arteflame grill changes the way you look at simple sandwiches. It transforms a humble snack into a smoky, crispy, and indulgent meal that celebrates the joy of outdoor cooking. The combination of the flat top sear and the high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is packed with texture and flavor. This recipe is more than just a method; it is an invitation to slow down and enjoy the process of grilling. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with our suggested variations, the result is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, light up the grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy the best toastie you have ever tasted.