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Korean BBQ Bacon Jam Grilled Cheese | Sweet, Spicy & Ultra-Cheesy


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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Prepare the Bread:
    • Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
    • Sprinkle garlic powder over the buttered side for extra flavor.
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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