Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon & Maple Glaze – A Sweet and Savory Delight! 

Instructions for Making Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon & Maple Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Glaze

The maple glaze is a key part of what makes this dish so irresistible, so let’s start by making it!

1. Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, add the maple syrup, butter, and vanilla extract (if using).
2. Simmer the glaze: Stir occasionally until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to simmer. Allow the glaze to cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
3. Finish with salt: Add a pinch of sea salt to the glaze and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

While the glaze is simmering, cook the bacon to crispy perfection.

1. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. You can crumble the bacon or leave the slices whole, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Donut Grilled Cheese

Now comes the fun part: putting everything together!

1. Prepare the donuts: Slice the donuts in half horizontally, creating a “sandwich” shape. You’ll be using the donut halves as the bread for your grilled cheese.
2. Add cheese and bacon: On the bottom half of each donut, layer the cheese slices. Then, add a generous portion of crispy bacon (either crumbled or whole). Place the other half of the donut on top to create a sandwich. Pro Tip: If you want extra gooey cheese, feel free to add more cheese or even a mix of cheeses for added depth of flavor.

Step 4: Grill the Donut Sandwich

Next, we’ll cook the sandwich to get that crispy, golden exterior.

1. Butter the outsides: Spread butter on the outside of the top and bottom halves of the donut sandwich. You can also add a thin layer of mayonnaise to the outside for an extra crispy finish (this is optional but highly recommended for that golden, crunchy crust).
2. Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwich in the pan and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to help it brown evenly. The goal is to get a crispy, golden crust on the outside while the cheese melts inside.

Step 5: Drizzle with Maple Glaze

Once your donut grilled cheese is crispy and golden on both sides, it’s time to drizzle on that sweet maple glaze.

1. Drizzle the glaze: While the sandwich is still warm, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. You can pour it over the whole sandwich or drizzle just a little bit on the edges to let the glaze pool for dipping.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is assembled, take a moment to appreciate the gooey, cheesy goodness with the crispy bacon and sweet maple glaze. Cut the sandwich in half to reveal the melty interior, and serve immediately with a side of extra maple glaze for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon & Maple Glaze

• Choose the right donut: The key to a perfect donut grilled cheese is the donut itself. Opt for a soft, yeasty donut that will absorb the flavors and stay tender when grilled. A brioche donut or a classic glazed donut works great.
• Customize the cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can get creative with your cheese selection. Try using sharp cheddar, fontina, Gruyère, or even smoked gouda for extra flavor.
• Add extra fillings: If you want to amp up the savory aspect, consider adding caramelized onions, fresh arugula, or even a fried egg to the sandwich for an elevated twist.
• Grill carefully: Donuts are soft and can be delicate when grilling, so keep the heat on medium and flip the sandwich gently to avoid any mishaps. Using a heavy pan or pressing the sandwich down lightly with a spatula will help ensure even grilling.
• Serving suggestion: Serve the donut grilled cheese with a side of crispy fries, a simple green salad, or some fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.

Variations on Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon & Maple Glaze

• Vegan Version: For a vegan version, swap the regular donut for a vegan donut, use plant-based cheese, and cook up some tempeh bacon or crispy mushrooms in place of the bacon.
• Spicy Twist: Add a kick of heat by incorporating jalapeños, spicy hot sauce, or sriracha into the glaze or within the sandwich itself. The spicy element will contrast beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors.
• Breakfast-Style Donut Grilled Cheese: For a breakfast-inspired version, add a fried egg inside the sandwich along with the cheese and bacon. The runny egg adds richness and enhances the comfort food factor.
• Sweet Tooth Delight: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, replace the savory bacon with candied bacon for an even sweeter and more decadent sandwich.

Conclusion

The Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon & Maple Glaze is the ultimate sweet-and-savory indulgence that combines the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich with the irresistible sweetness of maple syrup and the rich crunch of crispy bacon. Whether you’re enjoying it as a special breakfast, a decadent brunch treat, or a guilty-pleasure late-night snack, this sandwich is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

So next time you’re in the mood for something different, skip the traditional grilled cheese and treat yourself to this creative, irresistible twist on a classic. One bite and you’ll understand why the Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon & Maple Glaze is the ultimate sweet-and-savory delight!