This tomato and bacon grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort sandwich—crispy, melty, and packed with fresh flavor. Juicy Roma tomatoes from the garden are layered with crispy bacon and gooey American cheese, then grilled to golden perfection. It’s quick to make, so good and perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you need something warm and cheesy.
Grilled Cheese with Fresh Tomatoes and Crispy Bacon
When the Roma tomatoes start rolling in from our Brooklyn garden, this ooey, gooey tomato and bacon grilled cheese is one of the first things I make. The sweet tomatoes pair perfectly with crispy bacon and melty cheese—it’s everything I want in a sandwich.
If you’ve been around here for a bit, you know I love using garden tomatoes in simple comfort food, like my creamy Roma tomato sauce and the freshest tomato soup. But nothing beats this grilled cheese for a quick summer lunch or no nonsense dinner (always served with potato chips and a half sour pickle!) It’s easy, satisfying, and kid-approved (6 thumbs up from my 3 girls).
What cheese goes best with tomato and bacon?
I’m a Kraft Single American cheese girl forever—it melts beautifully, gives that perfect gooey pull, and brings all the nostalgic grilled cheese vibes. But if you want to mix it up, other great options include sharp cheddar for a tangy bite, mozzarella for a super stretchy melt, or provolone for something a little smoky. Even pepper jack works if you like a little kick! Just make sure whatever cheese you choose is a good melter—this sandwich is all about the ooze.
How to Make a Tomato and Bacon Grilled Cheese (Stovetop or Griddle!)
Note: You can make these sandwiches on the stovetop or on a griddle. I love using our griddle because I can cook everything all at once—perfect when everyone’s hungry and asking, “Is it ready yet?” so you’ll see my griddle in the pictures below!
Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Flip as needed until it’s browned and crispy on both sides. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain off the excess grease.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and garlic powder. Spread the garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread. You can use whatever type of bread you want, but a classic grilled cheese always uses white bread in my opinion!
Using the same skillet (don’t waste that delicious bacon flavor!), lay down 4 slices of bread, butter-side down. Layer each with a slice of cheese, 2 slices of fresh tomato, 2 strips of bacon…
…. and another slice of cheese. Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
Cook over medium heat until the bottoms are golden brown, then gently flip and cook the other side until the bread is crisp and the cheese is perfectly melty.
Serve hot with a handful of chips and a pickle for a classic summer plate, or pair with a bowl of tomato soup if you’re in the mood for full-on cozy comfort food.
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Ooey Gooey Tomato and Bacon Grilled Cheese
PrintIngredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 slices white bread
- 8 slices American cheese
- 8 slices tomatoes we use Roma tomatoes!
Instructions
- Recipe Note: You can make these sandwiches on the stovetop or on a griddle. I like using our griddle so I can cook everything at once and speed things up—especially helpful when everyone’s hungry!
- Start by placing the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and crispy, flipping as needed to brown both sides. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain the grease.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and garlic powder. Spread the garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Using the same skillet you cooked the bacon in (hello, extra flavor!), place 4 slices of bread butter-side down. Layer with a slice of cheese, 2 slices of fresh tomato, 2 slices of bacon, and another slice of cheese. Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook over medium heat until the bottom is golden brown, then carefully flip and cook the other side until perfectly crisp and melty.
- Serve warm with potato chips and a pickle for a classic summer meal, or cozy it up with a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Pamela says
This is great…..gonna fix another one today…👍