# What You'll Need:
→ Bacon Jam
01 - 8 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
05 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
06 - 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
07 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
08 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Grilled Cheese
10 - 8 slices sourdough or country bread
11 - 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
12 - 4 oz Gruyère cheese, sliced
13 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
# Directions:
01 - Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove bacon, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
02 - Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Return bacon to the skillet and combine with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, until thickened to a jam consistency, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
04 - Place bread slices on a work surface. Spread a generous layer of bacon jam onto four slices. Top each with cheddar and Gruyère cheese, then cover with remaining bread slices.
05 - Spread softened butter evenly on the outer sides of each sandwich.
06 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Allow sandwiches to rest for 1 to 2 minutes before slicing and serving.
