British Grilled Smoked Bacon and Cheese Toasties

Introduction

Nothing beats a classic British grilled smoked bacon and cheese toastie—crispy, golden bread oozing with melted cheese and smoky, crispy bacon. Using the Arteflame grill, we take this comfort food to the next level, grilling it to perfection on the flat cooktop for a perfectly even sear. Get ready for the ultimate toastie experience!

Ingredients

• 8 slices thick-cut smoked British bacon
• 4 slices high-quality sourdough or rustic bread
• 2 cups shredded mature cheddar cheese
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to build.
5. In about 20 minutes, your grill will be ready to cook.

Step 2: Cook the smoked bacon

1. Place the bacon directly on the flat griddle cooktop near the center for a crispier texture.
2. Grill until crispy, flipping occasionally to cook evenly.
3. Once crispy, move bacon to the cooler side of the flat top griddle to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the sandwiches

1. Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
2. On the unbuttered side of two slices, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar.
3. Top with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of black pepper.
4. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if desired.
5. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.

Step 4: Grill the toasties

1. Place sandwich onto the Arteflame griddle cooktop in a medium heat zone.
2. Press down slightly with a spatula for even grilling.
3. Grill until deep golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Flip carefully and grill the other side until the cheese melts and both sides are golden.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from the grill and let rest for a minute before slicing.
2. Cut into halves or quarters and enjoy hot.

Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and flavor.
• Butter the bread generously for a richer, more golden crust.
• Shred your cheese instead of using slices for better meltability.
• Adjust heat zones on the Arteflame griddle to prevent burning.

Variations

1. Caramelized Onion & Cheddar: Add sweet caramelized onions for a rich depth of flavor.
2. Tomato & Basil: Add fresh tomato slices and a hint of basil for a fresh twist.
3. Spicy Jalapeño: Mix diced jalapeños into the cheese for a spicy kick.
4. Garlic Butter Toastie: Use garlic butter instead of regular butter for extra flavor.
5. Brie & Bacon: Substitute cheddar with creamy brie for a gourmet experience.

Conclusion

With crispy smoked bacon, perfectly melted cheese, and a golden-brown crust, this British grilled smoked bacon and cheese toastie is the ultimate comfort food. Using the Arteflame grill ensures it is cooked to perfection with incredible flavor! Enjoy making this delightful dish and experiment with different variations.

Best pairings

• Pair with a classic British tomato soup.
• Serve alongside a light arugula salad with balsamic drizzle.
• Enjoy with a glass of dry cider or a cup of English breakfast tea.