Bagel Grilled Cheese with Bacon

This bagel grilled cheese with bacon is a cheesy inside-out sandwich with basil mayo, sun dried tomatoes, and lots of flavor!

You may never have heard of a bagel grilled cheese before, and if not, I was right there with you until recently! Ever since making this one though, next to sourdough a bagel is definitely my new favorite bread to use for a grilled cheese. When turned inside-out, the insides of the bagel serve as the perfect exterior for that classic crispy grilled cheese bite! Not only is the bagel aspect of this sandwich so good, but the summery ingredients also make this version one that is filled with so much flavor.

This bagel grilled cheese has bacon of course, sun dried tomatoes, two types of cheese, and a basil mayo! The basil mayo is used for coating the bagel, providing the perfect grilled cheese crisp and an herby flavor. Paired with the basil, sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese make for one of the best trios out there! Not only is this bagel grilled cheese packed with flavor, but it's also super easy and ready in just 15 minutes. If you're looking for a fun twist on a regular grilled cheese then we think you'll love this as much as we do. Also, between the bacon and bagel, this sandwich could also totally be a fun breakfast!

If you're looking for another grilled cheese recipe filled with summer ingredients, be sure to try our Havarti Grilled Cheese with Balsamic Peaches and Prosciutto, or if you're looking for another fun grilled cheese with a twist, then we think you'll love our Pickle Grilled Cheese.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love this Bagel Grilled Cheese
• Ingredients for this Grilled Cheese
• Step by Step Instructions
• Tips for Making these Bagel Grilled Cheeses with Bacon
• FAQs
• Storing and Freezing
• 📖 Recipe

Why You'll Love this Bagel Grilled Cheese

It's a different way to enjoy a bagel. A regular bagel with cream cheese is always amazing, but this recipe is a fun and different way to enjoy a bagel!

The flavors are the best! This bagel grilled cheese not only has bacon, but also has a delicious combination of creamy basil mayo, the perfect amount of cheesiness, and bright sun dried tomatoes.

It's a super quick, filling meal. This grilled cheese is ready in just 15 minutes, and could definitely be a full meal that is super satisfying if you're craving something delicious that's ready quickly!

Ingredients for this Grilled Cheese

This is another one of our grilled cheese recipes that has a fairly short and simple list of ingredients, and you can absolutely use whichever type of bagel you have or that is your favorite!

• Mayo - A little mayo is perfect for mixing with the basil to create an easy basil mayo to spread on the bagels.
• Basil - Adds an herby flavor which pairs so well with the mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes.
• Bagels - Of course! We love using everything bagels to add maximum flavor, but plain bagels would also be so good. If you want to make this grilled cheese extra cheesy, any type of cheese bagel would be unreal!
• Mozzarella - Regular mozzarella (as opposed to fresh) works great in this recipe by melting well but not being too watery.
• Sun dried tomatoes - These might be the star of this grilled cheese! With everything else going on, their flavor still shines through and they pair so well with the other ingredients! If you don't like them, roasted tomatoes would also be great or a slice of tomato with the water removed.
• Bacon - A couple of slices of crispy bacon make this bagel grilled cheese! If you want the sandwich to be vegetarian the bacon could also be omitted.
• Parmesan - Adds a little sharpness to pair with the mild mozzarella.
• Olive oil - Just a little in the pan ensures the bagel crisps up perfectly and that the cheese melts without the bagel burning.

See recipe card below for quantities.

Step by Step Instructions

This bagel grilled cheese is not only so tasty, but it's also ready in just 15 minutes! It's super easy and requires no extra preparation time.

STEP 1: Prepare the basil mayo. In a small bowl, combine mayo and ⅛ cup thinly sliced basil. Season with salt and pepper, mixing to combine. Spread basil mayo on to the insides of both halves of each bagel.

STEP 2: Assemble the bagel grilled cheeses. Flip 2 of the bagel halves over and top each with 2 ounces sliced mozzarella, 1 tablespoon sun dried tomatoes, 1 tablespoon sliced basil, and 2 pieces bacon (broken in half if needed). Top each with ¼ cup freshly shredded parmesan. Top with other bagel halves, placing the mayo side up.

STEP 3: Cook the grilled cheeses. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bagels, pressing down lightly, and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden. Flip and cover with a large pan or pot. Continue cooking until the mozzarella is melted and bottom bagel halves are golden. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making these Bagel Grilled Cheeses with Bacon

• Because of the thickness of the bagels compared to regular bread, once you flip the sandwiches it's really helpful to place a lid over the sandwiches to let the cheese fully melt.
• The basil mayo is not only so delicious, but it's essential for making the bagels perfectly crisp without burning. Make sure to spread the mayo to the edges of each bagel as well and not just in the middle.
• Flipping these is a tiny bit challenging, so I recommend sliding a spatula underneath the bottom, then using your fingers to hold the top together before flipping. This will ensure the sandwich does not fall apart.

FAQs

Do I need to use everything bagels?
Absolutely not! Any time of bagel that you love or have on hand would work great. I personally would not recommend a sweet bagel, but any other type would be delicious!

Why didn't my cheese fully melt?
Due to the thickness of the bagel, I'd recommend covering your skillet to ensure the cheese is able to completely melt.

Can I substitute the olive oil in the pan for butter?
You can, but I found that the olive oil was best for toasting the basil mayo coated bagel without being overly rich.

Storing and Freezing

This recipe is best served right away to ensure that the bagels stay crisp and the insides don't get soggy. If you want to reheat these, you can in the toaster oven or oven until the bagel is crisp and the cheese is melted.

I don't recommend freezing this grilled cheese.

If you make this recipe we would absolutely love if you left a star review and/or comment! Also, make sure to tag us on Instagram @doublethespoonfuls so we can see what you create.

📖 Recipe