Korean BBQ Bacon Jam Grilled Cheese | Sweet, Spicy & Ultra-Cheesy
by Kevin Cossairt
I’ll be honest—I was surprised at just how good this grilled cheese turned out. I expected it to be delicious, but the sweet, smoky bacon jam paired with tangy kimchi and gooey Gruyère? Absolute perfection. And let’s not forget about the garlic powder on the buttered bread—such a simple trick, but it added an extra depth of flavor that made this sandwich even more irresistible.
Oh, and the Sriracha drizzle at the end? Game-changer. That extra bit of heat and zing brings everything together for a sweet, spicy, cheesy masterpiece that’s anything but basic. If you’re ready to take your grilled cheese game up a notch, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of sweet, smoky, spicy, and cheesy flavors.
- Crispy, buttery bread meets melty, stretchy cheese for an unbeatable texture.
- A creative twist that elevates the classic grilled cheese.
- Simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.
- The fusion of Korean flavors with a comfort food favorite makes it unique.
How to Make It
Step 1: Make the Korean BBQ Bacon Jam
Cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan. Add chopped onions and cook over medium-low heat until soft and caramelized, about 10–12 minutes. Stir in brown sugar, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, letting it simmer for 5 minutes before adding the crispy bacon back in. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until thick and jammy. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Grilled Cheese
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread and sprinkle garlic powder over the buttered side. Place the buttered side down on a cutting board. Layer Gruyère and mozzarella cheese, then spoon on a generous amount of bacon jam. Add chopped kimchi, top with more cheese, and close the sandwich with another slice of bread (buttered side facing up).
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Remove from heat, let rest for a minute, then slice and drizzle with Sriracha (or honey for a sweet contrast).
Tips for Best Results
- Let the bacon jam cool slightly before assembling to prevent the bread from getting too soggy.
- Use Texas toast for an even thicker, crispier bite.
- Homemade kimchi adds extra depth and authenticity.
- Try different cheeses like smoked gouda, cheddar, or brie for a new twist.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like spicy mayo or extra Sriracha for even more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this grilled cheese masterpiece on its own or pair it with:
- Tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combo.
- A side salad with an Asian-inspired dressing.
- Pickled vegetables to enhance the sweet and spicy flavors.
More Delicious Recipes
If you love this recipe, check out:
- Spicy Kimchi Quesadilla – A fun, cheesy fusion twist.
- Homemade Korean BBQ Sauce – Perfect for marinades and dips.
- The Ultimate Gourmet Grilled Cheese – Another next-level grilled cheese variation.
Leave a Comment & Share!
Have you tried this Korean BBQ Bacon Jam Grilled Cheese? Let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your version!
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Korean BBQ Bacon Jam Grilled Cheese | Sweet, Spicy & Ultra-Cheesy
Description
Take your grilled cheese game to the next level with this Korean BBQ Bacon Jam Grilled Cheese! A rich and smoky bacon jam made with gochujang, brown sugar, and soy sauce perfectly complements gooey Gruyère and mozzarella cheese. The magic touch? Chopped kimchi for crunch and bold umami flavor, all grilled to golden perfection on buttery, garlic-brushed brioche or Texas toast.
For the perfect finishing touch, drizzle with honey for a sweet-spicy contrast or sriracha for an extra kick!
Ingredients
For the Korean BBQ Bacon Jam:
- 1/2 lb bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For the Grilled Cheese:
- 4 slices brioche or Texas toast (or your favorite thick-cut bread)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheese (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup chopped kimchi (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: Honey or Sriracha for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Korean BBQ Bacon Jam
- Cook the Bacon:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the diced bacon.
- Cook until crispy, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook over medium-low heat until they are soft and caramelized, about 10–12 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Make the Jam:
- Stir in brown sugar, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
- Return the crispy bacon to the pan, stirring to coat.
- Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until it reaches a jam-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Grilled Cheese
- Prepare the Bread:
- Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the buttered side for extra flavor.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Place the buttered side down on a cutting board.
- Evenly sprinkle a layer of Gruyère and mozzarella cheese on the bread.
- Spoon bacon jam over the cheese.
- Add a generous layer of chopped kimchi.
- Top with more cheese and place another slice of bread on top, buttered side facing up.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
- Preheat a Skillet or Griddle:
- Heat a nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat.
- A lower temperature allows the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and cook the other side until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve Hot with a Drizzle:
- Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice.
- Drizzle with honey for a perfect sweet-spicy contrast OR sriracha for extra heat!
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
- Use Texas Toast for an even thicker and crispier bite.
- Homemade Kimchi for extra freshness and depth of flavor.
- Fried Egg on Top for a breakfast twist.
- Drizzle with Both Honey & Sriracha for a sweet-heat explosion!
Equipment
Presto 22-Inch Extra Large Griddle, 22″x 13″
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