Avocado BLT Grilled Cheese

The smell of bacon always pulls me into the kitchen before my coffee does. One Saturday morning, I had leftover sourdough, a perfectly ripe avocado, and a craving for something more than toast. I started layering ingredients between buttered bread without much of a plan, and what came out of that skillet was so good I actually laughed out loud. Now this sandwich shows up at least twice a month, sometimes for breakfast, sometimes for dinner, always when I need something that feels like a hug.

I made this for my neighbor once when she stopped by unexpectedly, and she stood at my counter eating it in total silence. When she finally spoke, she just said, where has this been all my life. That was the moment I realized this wasnt just a sandwich I liked, it was something worth sharing. Now whenever someone asks for a quick lunch idea, this is the first thing I mention.

Ingredients

• Sourdough or country white bread: Sourdough adds a slight tang that balances the richness, but any sturdy bread works as long as it can hold up to all the fillings without getting soggy.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter spreads evenly and creates that golden, crispy crust without tearing the bread.
• Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Cheddar brings sharpness, Monterey Jack melts like a dream, use whichever you love or mix both.
• Thick cut bacon: Thick slices stay crispy and give you that satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Ripe avocado, sliced: It has to be ripe, firm avocado wont spread the creamy richness you need here.
• Medium tomato, sliced: Choose a tomato that is firm but juicy, and slice it thin so it doesnt make the bread wet.
• Romaine or butter lettuce: Romaine adds crunch, butter lettuce adds softness, either one keeps things fresh.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: A little seasoning on the avocado and tomato makes all the flavors pop.

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. Dont rush this step, good bacon is the backbone of the whole sandwich.

Butter the bread:

Lightly spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This is what gives you that beautiful golden crust.

Build the sandwiches:

Place two slices of bread 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, then top with more cheese and the remaining bread slices, 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 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 a minute or two, then slice in half and serve immediately. The brief rest keeps the filling from sliding out.

Save

The first time I packed this sandwich for a picnic, I wrapped it in foil still warm from the skillet. By the time we sat down to eat, it had steamed itself into something even richer and softer, and my friend declared it the best thing she had ever eaten outdoors. That day taught me this sandwich adapts to whatever moment you need it for.

Choosing Your Bread

Sourdough is my go to because the tang cuts through all that richness, but I have also used whole wheat, rye, and even thick cut Texas toast. The key is choosing something sturdy enough to hold everything without falling apart. If your bread is too soft or thin, it will turn soggy under the weight of the tomato and avocado before you even get it to the skillet.

Making It Your Own

I have tried this sandwich with pesto smeared on the inside, a thin layer of spicy mayo, and even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Sometimes I swap the bacon for turkey bacon or skip it entirely and add roasted red peppers instead. The structure stays the same, but the flavor shifts completely depending on what you are craving that day.

Storage and Serving Tips

This sandwich is absolutely best served fresh and hot, straight from the skillet. If you need to make it ahead, assemble everything except the avocado and tomato, then add those right before grilling. Leftovers do not hold up well because the bread loses its crispness and the avocado browns, so I only make as much as I plan to eat right away.

• Serve with a handful of kettle chips or a simple green salad.
• If feeding a crowd, keep finished sandwiches warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
• Cut sandwiches diagonally for easier handling and a prettier presentation.

Save

This sandwich has become my answer to lazy weekends and busy weeknights alike. It is proof that sometimes the best meals are not planned, they are just assembled with love and whatever you have in the fridge.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the bacon and slice your vegetables up to a few hours in advance. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the sandwich just before serving for the best results and optimal crispness.

→ What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough or country white bread are excellent choices as they hold up well to butter and heat. You can also use brioche, ciabatta, or thick-cut white bread depending on your preference. Avoid thin bread that may fall apart.

→ How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Slice the avocado just before assembling the sandwich to minimize oxidation. If preparing slightly ahead, store the sliced avocado with the pit or brush lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the bacon and substitute it with sautéed mushrooms, tempeh bacon, or additional layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian version.

→ What temperature should I cook the sandwich at?

Cook over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts completely before the bread becomes too dark. Medium-low heat typically takes 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust heat slightly if the bread is browning too quickly.

→ Can I add condiments to enhance the flavor?

Yes, a thin layer of mayonnaise, pesto, or aioli adds wonderful flavor without overshadowing the fresh ingredients. Apply condiments to the bread before assembling to prevent the sandwich from becoming too moist.