GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE WITH DATE-BACON JAM

Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Date-Bacon Jam image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 13

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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
SANDWICHES:
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 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 golden brown and cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes per side. Cover and refrigerate remaining jam; save for another use.