Avocado BLT Grilled Cheese

The skillet was too hot, the butter browned in seconds, and I panicked. My first attempt at grilled cheese as an adult was supposed to be simple, but I forgot that low and slow wins every time. Then I added avocado one afternoon on a whim, and suddenly it wasn't just comfort food anymore. It became something I craved, something that felt a little indulgent without any fuss.

I made this for my neighbor after she helped me move furniture, and she stood in my kitchen eating it over the sink because she could not wait. She kept saying she could not believe it was just a sandwich. That is when I realized how a few good ingredients and a hot skillet can make something feel special without trying too hard.

Ingredients

• Sourdough or country white bread: A sturdy bread with a little chew holds up to all the fillings without getting soggy, and it crisps beautifully in butter.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter spreads evenly and prevents tearing the bread, plus it gives you that golden crust without burning.
• Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Both melt smoothly and have enough flavor to stand up to the bacon and avocado without disappearing.
• Thick cut bacon: Thicker slices stay crispy and give you actual texture instead of just crumbling into nothing.
• Ripe avocado, sliced: A ripe avocado should yield gently when you press it, and it brings creaminess that makes this sandwich feel decadent.
• Medium tomato, sliced: Fresh tomato adds brightness and a little acidity that cuts through all the richness.
• Romaine or butter lettuce: Crisp lettuce gives you that fresh crunch and keeps this from feeling too heavy.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning the avocado and tomato right before you close the sandwich makes all the difference.

Instructions

Crisp the bacon:

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is crispy and golden, then drain it on paper towels. Do not rush this step because limp bacon ruins everything.

Butter the bread:

Lightly spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread, making sure you go all the way to the edges. This is what creates that perfect golden crust.

Build the sandwiches:

Place two slices buttered side down on a clean surface, then layer each with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Season the avocado and tomato with salt and pepper, add another slice of cheese, and top with the remaining bread buttered side up.

Grill low and slow:

Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium low heat, place the sandwiches in, and cook until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, about three to four minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to help everything meld together.

Rest and serve:

Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for one to two minutes so the cheese sets slightly. Slice in half and serve immediately while everything is still warm and crispy.

Save

I remember making this late one night after a long shift, and the smell of the butter and bacon brought my roommate out of her room. We sat at the counter in our pajamas, not saying much, just eating and feeling like we had discovered something small and perfect. Sometimes that is all you need.

Choosing Your Bread

Sourdough has a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the avocado and bacon, while country white is softer and a little sweeter. I have tried both, and honestly it comes down to what you are in the mood for. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to hold everything without falling apart in the pan.

Bacon Alternatives

Turkey bacon works if you want something a little lighter, and I have even used tempeh bacon when cooking for vegetarian friends. The key is making sure whatever you use is crispy, because that texture contrast is what makes the sandwich work. If you skip the crispness, it all turns into mush.

Serving and Storing

This sandwich is absolutely best when it is fresh and hot, right off the skillet. If you need to make it ahead, keep the components separate and assemble just before grilling. Leftovers do not really work because the bread gets soggy and the avocado browns, so just make what you will eat.

• Serve with a handful of chips or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
• If you want to make it even richer, add a thin layer of mayonnaise or pesto inside.
• Pair it with iced tea or lemonade for a casual lunch that feels like a treat.

Save

There is something about a sandwich that is crispy, creamy, and just a little messy that makes you feel like you are taking care of yourself. I hope you make this on a day when you need that.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?

For best results, assemble and cook the sandwich fresh. However, you can prepare ingredients in advance and cook when ready to serve to maintain the bread's crispness and cheese's optimal melting texture.

→ What type of bread works best?

Sourdough or country white bread are ideal choices. Other sturdy options include ciabatta, focaccia, or thick-cut white bread. Avoid thin sandwich bread as it won't hold the filling well.

→ How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Slice the avocado just before assembly and add a light squeeze of lemon or lime juice to prevent oxidation. Use ripe but firm avocados that hold their shape better during cooking.

→ What temperature should I cook the sandwich at?

Use medium-low heat for even cooking and proper cheese melting. Medium-low prevents the bread from burning before the cheese melts. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, replace bacon with turkey bacon, tempeh bacon, or plant-based alternatives. You can also add roasted mushrooms or smoked tofu for a smoky flavor that complements the creamy avocado.

→ What condiments pair well with this sandwich?

Mayonnaise, pesto, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo all enhance the flavors beautifully. Spread thinly on the bread before assembly to avoid sogginess while adding depth of flavor.