Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers: The Ultimate Indulgent Comfort Food
Introduction
Welcome to the pinnacle of decadent snacking: Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers. This recipe transforms the humble, beloved grilled cheese sandwich into a crispy, savory, shareable (or not!) finger food, encased in a perfectly cooked bacon shell. Imagine the best parts of a grilled cheese—the crispy, buttery bread and the oozy, melted cheese—combined with the smoky, salty crunch of bacon in every bite. It’s the star of game day, the hit of party platters, and a glorious treat for anyone who believes that more is more when it comes to comfort food.
A Brief History & Formation
This dish is a modern fusion masterpiece, born from the American love affair with bacon-wrapped everything and the timeless classic, the grilled cheese sandwich. The grilled cheese itself dates back to the 1920s, when sliced bread and processed cheese became widely available. The concept of “wrapping in bacon” gained massive popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, thanks to restaurant appetizer menus and food innovation shows. Combining the two creates a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts—a perfect bite of nostalgia and modern indulgence. The “finger” formation makes it social, dippable, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
(Makes 12 fingers)
· For the Grilled Cheese:
· 8 slices of thick-cut white bread (like Texas Toast or sourdough)
· 6 slices of American cheese, OR 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar/Gouda blend
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
· 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (for extra crispness, optional)
· For the Wrap & Cook:
· 12 slices thin-cut bacon
· 12 sturdy toothpicks, soaked in water for 30 minutes
· For Serving (Optional):
· 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
· 1 cup ranch dressing
· Sriracha or hot honey for drizzling
Equipment
· Skillet (cast iron preferred) or griddle
· Baking sheet
· Wire rack
· Tongs
· Sharp serrated knife
Methods & Instructions
Method 1: The Classic Skillet-Grill Method (Recommended for Ultimate Crispness)
1. Prepare the Sandwiches: Spread softened butter (or a mix of butter and mayo) on one side of each slice of bread. Place 1.5 slices of American cheese or a generous mound of shredded cheese between two slices of bread, buttered sides facing out.
2. Grill to Perfection: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes.
3. Slice into Fingers: Using a sharp serrated knife, trim the crusts off each sandwich. Cut each sandwich into three even “fingers.”
4. Wrap in Bacon: Take one slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around one grilled cheese finger in a spiral, starting at one end and finishing at the other. Overlap the bacon slightly. Secure the end with a pre-soaked toothpick. Repeat.
5. Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet over medium heat (no need to clean it), cook the wrapped fingers. Use tongs to turn them every 2-3 minutes, cooking for about 8-10 minutes total until the bacon is crispy and rendered on all sides. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Method 2: The Oven-Baked Method (Easier for Crowds)
1. Follow steps 1-4 above to assemble and wrap the fingers.
2. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Arrange the bacon-wrapped fingers on the rack.
3. Bake for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
4. For extra browning, you can broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
Nutritional Information (Per Finger, Approximate)
· Calories: ~220 kcal
· Total Fat: 16g
· Saturated Fat: 7g
· Cholesterol: 35mg
· Sodium: 480mg
· Total Carbohydrates: 11g
· Protein: 8g
Note: This is an indulgent treat. The high sodium, saturated fat, and calorie content mean it’s best enjoyed occasionally and in moderation.
Benefits (The Joys, Not the Health Kind!)
· Ultimate Comfort: Delivers a powerful hit of nostalgia and satisfaction.
· Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering.
· Versatile: Endlessly customizable with different cheeses, breads, and bacon types.
· Dippable Fun: The perfect vehicle for your favorite sauces.
· Texture Paradise: Achieves the holy trinity of crispy, chewy, and gooey.
For the True Lovers of This Dish
This recipe is for you—the ones who believe cheese should be molten, bacon should be crisp, and the combination should be celebrated. Take it to the next level:
· Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a dab of pepper jelly inside the sandwich before wrapping.
· Use pepper jack cheese and a drizzle of hot honey.
· Swap bacon for prosciutto for a finer, saltier twist.
· Serve with a creamy tomato bisque for the ultimate dunking experience.
Conclusion
The Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Finger is more than just a recipe; it’s a statement. It takes two iconic comfort foods and merges them into a single, spectacular bite-sized phenomenon. While it won’t win any awards for health food, it scores a perfect 10 on flavor, fun, and sheer indulgence. So gather your ingredients, embrace the decadence, and prepare to create the most talked-about snack at your next gathering. Just make extra—they go fast
