GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE WITH DATE-BACON JAM

Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Date-Bacon Jam image

This sandwich doubles up on melty cheese, but the star of the show is the sweet and salty date-bacon jam. It makes for a truly grown-up version of grilled cheese. -Kathy Cooper, Tucson, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/2 pound bacon strips, diced
1 cup finely chopped sweet onion
1 garlic clove, minced
6 ounces pitted dates, chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 round (8 ounces) Brie cheese, rind removed and softened
8 slices sourdough bread
2 tablespoons butter, softened

Steps:

In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings., Add onion to drippings; cook and stir over medium heat until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low; , cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is deep golden brown and caramelized, 35-40 minutes, adding garlic during the last 5 minutes of cooking., Return bacon to skillet; add next 5 ingredients. Stir well. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool., For sandwiches, combine cheeses, mixing well. Layer 4 slices of bread with cheese mixture and 2 tablespoons date-bacon jam; top with remaining bread. Spread outsides of sandwiches with butter. In a nonstick skillet, toast sandwiches over medium-low heat until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes per side. Cover and refrigerate remaining jam; save for another use.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 572 calories, Fat 33g fat (19g saturated fat), Cholesterol 97mg cholesterol, Sodium 1015mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 25g protein.