South Carolina Moon Grilled Cheese

Introduction

This South Carolina Moon Grilled Cheese is a next-level twist on a Southern favorite. Featuring smoky bacon, creamy pimento cheese, and golden, crispy cornbread, it’s grilled to perfection using the Arteflame Grill. With the grill's high-heat center grate and flat-top cooktop, every element of this sandwich is seared and sizzled with incredible flavor, without ever burning. Whether you're serving up lunch on game day or planning the ultimate backyard cookout, this grilled masterpiece will steal the show.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of cornbread (cut 1/2 inch thick)
• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 1/2 cup pimento cheese (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional: sliced pickled jalapeños
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack dry firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the bacon

1. Place the bacon slices on the flat cooktop griddle in the hotter zone close to the center grate.
2. Cook until crispy, flipping once for even cooking.
3. Remove and set aside. Keep warm off heat.

Step 3: Butter and grill the cornbread

1. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each cornbread slice.
2. Place each buttered side down on the flat top cooktop.
3. Grill until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes. Keep an eye out—they'll crisp quickly without burning thanks to the solid steel surface!

Step 4: Assemble and melt

1. Reduce heat zone slightly by moving to the mid-range of the flat top.
2. Add pimento cheese to two slices of cornbread on the griddle, then top each with 2 slices of bacon and optional jalapeños.
3. Top with the other grilled cornbread slices (grilled side facing outward).
4. Press lightly and grill the sandwich on each side for 1–2 minutes until cheese is gooey and melted and the sandwich is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from grill, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use cornbread that’s slightly firm to prevent crumbling during grilling.
• Make your own pimento cheese with sharp cheddar, mayo, diced pimentos, and a touch of smoked paprika for flavor depth.
• Grill everything at once—bacon, cornbread, and sandwiches—thanks to the large surface of the Arteflame flat cooktop.
• Keep a close eye when grilling cornbread—since it’s dense, it grills faster and more evenly on the Arteflame flat top.
• Butter adds rich flavor and helps achieve crispy edges—don’t skip it!

Variations

1. Spicy Carolina Moon: Add sliced fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce inside the sandwich for a fiery kick.
2. BBQ Carolina Moon: Swap pimento cheese with smoked gouda and add a drizzle of Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
3. Fried Green Tomato Moon: Add a slice of grilled green tomato in the middle for extra Southern flavor.
4. Pulled Pork Moon: Layer in some Arteflame-grilled pulled pork for a smoky, protein-packed sandwich.
5. Breakfast Moon: Add a flat-top fried egg and substitute bacon with grilled sausage patties.

Best pairings

• Sweet tea or peach iced tea
• Grilled coleslaw or Southern potato salad (grilled cabbage works great!)
• Pickled okra or grilled pickles
• Arteflame grilled peach cobbler for dessert
• Local craft beer (try a citrusy pale ale!)

Conclusion

South Carolina Moon Grilled Cheese brings the magic of Southern comfort food to your backyard. Perfectly grilled cornbread, melty pimento cheese, and crispy bacon come together for a sandwich that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make right on your Arteflame grill. Elevate your next lunch or brunch and wow your guests with this fiery, flavorful showstopper!