
This indulgent bacon wrapped grilled cheese takes the classic sandwich to a whole new level. The combination of crispy bacon wrapped around gooey melted cheese creates an irresistible handheld treat that's perfect for casual entertaining or satisfying serious comfort food cravings.
I first made these for my nephew's birthday party as an experiment and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now they're requested at every family gathering and have become my signature appetizer when friends come over.
- White or whole wheat sandwich bread The foundation of our grilled cheese. White bread creates a more traditional flavor while whole wheat adds a nutty dimension
- Mild or sharp cheddar cheese The star of the show. Mild cheddar offers a creamy melt while sharp cheddar provides more complex flavor
- Streaky bacon Adds savory crispness and helps hold everything together. Look for bacon with good fat distribution for best results
- Unsalted butter Creates the golden exterior. Using softened butter allows for easy spreading and even browning
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers
- Preparation
- Soften the butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. This ensures easy spreading without tearing the bread. While waiting preheat your grill to medium heat allowing it to fully come to temperature.
- Create The Sandwiches
- Spread the softened butter evenly across one side of each bread slice ensuring you reach the edges. Place cheese slices between two pieces of bread with the buttered sides facing outward. This butter facing out technique creates that perfect golden crust when grilled.
- Wrap With Bacon
- Take each assembled sandwich and wrap a slice of streaky bacon around it circumferentially making sure it hugs the sandwich tightly. If the bacon seems loose secure it with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking. This tight wrap ensures the bacon cooks evenly against the bread.
- Grill To Perfection
- Place your bacon wrapped sandwiches on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on the first side. Watch carefully as the bacon begins to crisp and the bread turns golden brown. Flip once and cook the second side for approximately the same time until the bacon is fully crisp and the cheese has melted completely.
- Slice And Serve
- Remove any toothpicks carefully then slice each sandwich into finger sized portions. Serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and the bacon crisp. The contrast between crispy exterior and gooey interior is best enjoyed hot.
These bacon wrapped treats remind me of Sunday afternoons with my dad who taught me the importance of patience when grilling. He always said the perfect grilled cheese is worth waiting for and adding bacon was his special touch that transformed an ordinary sandwich into something memorable.
Storage Tips
These bacon wrapped grilled cheese fingers taste best fresh off the grill but can be stored if needed. Allow them to cool completely then wrap tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this will make the bacon and bread soggy. For best results prepare just before serving to enjoy that perfect textural contrast.
Flavor Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or add a slice of smoked gouda for depth. Spread a thin layer of dijon mustard inside the sandwich before grilling for complexity. For an elevated version add caramelized onions between the cheese slices. You can also experiment with different bread types like sourdough or brioche for varied flavor profiles. The bacon can be swapped for turkey bacon for a lighter option though traditional bacon provides the best crisp and flavor.

Dipping Sauce Ideas
These savory fingers pair beautifully with various dipping options. A classic tomato soup creates the nostalgic grilled cheese experience in appetizer form. For something more adventurous try a honey mustard sauce with a touch of sriracha for sweet heat. Ranch dressing mixed with a bit of buffalo sauce offers tangy creaminess that complements the bacon. A simple marinara provides an Italian twist reminiscent of pizza flavors. For brunchy occasions serve with maple syrup for a surprising sweet and savory combination that highlights the bacon. The possibilities are endless so feel free to get creative with your favorite condiments.

Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for bacon wrapped cheese fingers?
Both white and whole wheat sandwich bread work well. The key is using bread that's sturdy enough to hold the cheese while grilling but not too thick that the heat can't reach the center. Standard sandwich bread provides the ideal thickness and texture.
- → Can I prepare bacon wrapped cheese fingers in advance?
You can assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate, but they're best cooked just before serving. If needed, you can pre-cook them, then reheat briefly in an oven at 350°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes to re-crisp the bacon and melt the cheese.
- → What can I serve with bacon wrapped cheese fingers?
These pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or maple syrup. A simple side salad or tomato soup also makes a great accompaniment to balance the richness.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?
Absolutely! Swiss, American, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère all melt beautifully. You can even try combinations like cheddar and pepper jack for extra flavor. Just ensure your cheese melts well at grilling temperatures.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during grilling?
Make sure your bacon wrapping is secure and covers the sandwich edges. Using toothpicks to secure the bacon helps prevent unwrapping during cooking. Also, don't overfill with cheese - a single layer works best to prevent oozing.
- → Can I cook these in a pan instead of on the grill?
Yes! A stovetop skillet or griddle works perfectly. Cook on medium heat for the same amount of time (6-8 minutes per side) until the bacon is crispy and the bread is golden. A panini press also works well for even cooking.