Figgy Piggy Beef Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese

Fig and Beef Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese, affectionately known as The Figgy Piggy, is more than just a sandwich; it’s an experience. I’ve always been a sucker for a perfectly grilled cheese, but when you elevate it with the sweet, jammy goodness of figs and the savory, crispy crunch of beef beef bacon, you’re talking about a whole new level of comfort food bliss. Why do we all adore this dish so much? It’s that irresistible contrast of textures and flavors: the gooey, melted cheese, the tender beef beef bacon, and the vibrant burst of fig. This isn’t your average lunchbox special; the fig and beef beef bacon grilled cheese is a sophisticated yet utterly approachable indulgence, perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful brunch. Get ready to fall head over heels for this flavor sensation!

The Figgy Piggy: A Delectable Fig and Beef Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese

Get ready for a grilled cheese experience that’s anything but ordinary. The Figgy Piggy is a sophisticated yet incredibly satisfying sandwich that elevates the humble grilled cheese to gourmet status. We’re combining the savory, smoky depth of thick-cut beef beef bacon with the sweet, jammy perfection of figs, all melted together with creamy provolone and tangy bleu cheese between perfectly grilled slices of bread. This isn’t just lunch; it’s an event. The interplay of sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy, is truly divine, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices thickly sliced bread
• 8 slices Provolone Cheese
• 2 ounces bleu cheese
• 1/4 cup dried figs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar (, optional)
• 8 slices thick cut beef beef bacon (, cooked)
• 4 tablespoons butter (, unsalted)

Preparing Your Figgy Piggy Components

Before we dive into the grilling, let’s get our star ingredients ready. The sweet fig spread is a crucial element that balances the richness of the beef beef bacon and cheeses. It’s incredibly simple to make, and the aroma alone is enough to get your taste buds tingling.

First, let’s address the figs. In a small saucepan, combine the 1/4 cup of dried figs with 1/4 cup of water. If you like a touch more sweetness, you can add the optional 1 tablespoon of sugar here. This sugar will help to create a lovely, syrupy consistency for our fig spread. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the water to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the figs have softened considerably and the liquid has started to thicken. The figs will plump up and become wonderfully tender.

Once the figs are soft, remove the saucepan from the heat. You can leave the mixture as is for a chunkier fig spread, or for a smoother consistency, you can mash the figs with a fork or use an immersion blender to create a more cohesive jam-like spread. Set this aside to cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Next, ensure your beef beef bacon is cooked to your desired crispness. Thick-cut beef beef bacon has a wonderful, chewy texture and intense smoky flavor that really stands out. I like mine cooked until it has a nice bit of crisp around the edges but is still slightly yielding. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess grease, which will help prevent the sandwich from becoming too soggy.

Now, let’s get our cheeses ready. You’ll need 8 slices of provolone cheese. Provolone melts beautifully and offers a mild, slightly nutty flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients. We also need 2 ounces of bleu cheese. For the bleu cheese, you can either crumble it yourself or purchase pre-crumbled. The sharp, tangy notes of the bleu cheese are what truly elevate this grilled cheese, cutting through the richness and adding a delightful complexity.

Finally, gather your bread. Thickly sliced bread is key here. It provides a sturdy base that can hold up to all the delicious fillings and ensures a satisfying bite with plenty of surface area for that golden-brown crust.

Assembling and Grilling Your Figgy Piggy

With all our components prepped, it’s time for the main event: assembling and grilling these magnificent sandwiches. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

1. Butter the Bread: Lay out your 8 slices of thickly sliced bread. Generously spread the unsalted butter on one side of each slice. This buttered side will be the exterior of your grilled cheese, creating that irresistible golden-brown, crispy crust we all love. Don’t be shy with the butter; it’s essential for achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

2. Layer the Fillings: On the unbuttered side of four of the bread slices, begin layering your ingredients. Start with two slices of provolone cheese. Then, arrange two slices of your perfectly cooked beef beef bacon on top of the provolone. Next, carefully spread about a tablespoon of your prepared fig spread over the beef beef bacon. Don’t overload it, as too much can make the sandwich wet. Finally, crumble or scatter the bleu cheese over the fig spread. Try to distribute it evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.

3. Top it Off: Place the remaining four slices of bread, butter-side up, on top of the filling-laden slices, creating your sandwiches. Gently press down to help everything meld together.

4. Grill to Perfection: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This lower heat is crucial for allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly before the bread burns. Place your assembled sandwiches onto the preheated skillet. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheeses are gloriously melted and gooey. You’ll want to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat further.

5. The Glorious Melt: As the sandwiches cook, you might see some of the cheese starting to ooze out the sides – that’s a good sign! This indicates that the cheese is melting beautifully and will create those delightful, stringy pulls when you cut into the sandwich. You can gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula occasionally to encourage even cooking and melting.

Once both sides are beautifully golden and the cheese is bubbling, your Figgy Piggy is ready to be enjoyed. Carefully remove the sandwiches from the skillet. For the best experience, let them rest for just a minute or two before slicing them in half diagonally. This allows the molten cheese to set up slightly, making them easier to handle and enjoy. The combination of warm, melted cheese, savory beef beef bacon, sweet fig, and the crispy bread is truly a symphony of flavors and textures. Enjoy every single bite of this extraordinary grilled cheese!

Conclusion:

So there you have it – the Figgy Piggy, our delightful Fig and Beef Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese! This sandwich is a true winner because it masterfully balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The juicy figs create a beautiful counterpoint to the rich, crispy beef beef bacon, all melted together with gooey cheese between perfectly grilled bread. It’s a sophisticated yet incredibly comforting meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend brunch.

I love serving the Figgy Piggy alongside a crisp, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, a cup of tomato bisque is an absolute classic pairing. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! Try adding a touch of balsamic glaze for an extra tangy sweetness, or swap out the cheese for Gruyere or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the cheese mixture can be a game-changer. I truly encourage you to give this Fig and Beef Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the beef beef bacon ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the beef beef bacon a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it briefly in a pan or the microwave before assembling your Figgy Piggy for the best crispy texture.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

While sourdough or a hearty country loaf are my top recommendations due to their ability to hold up to the fillings and grill beautifully, a good quality brioche or even a simple white bread will also work wonderfully. The key is a bread that has a good crust and a tender interior.

Fig and Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese (The Figgy Piggy)

A gourmet grilled cheese featuring savory beef bacon, sweet fig jam, creamy provolone, and tangy bleu cheese on thick-cut bread.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 8 slices thickly sliced bread
• 8 slices Provolone Cheese
• 2 ounces bleu cheese
• 1/4 cup dried figs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 slices thick cut beef bacon, cooked
• 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Combine dried figs and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until figs are softened. Mash figs with a fork and stir in sugar, if using. Cook for another 2 minutes until jam-like. Set aside to cool.
2. Step 2
   Spread a thin layer of the fig jam on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Step 3
   On four of the bread slices (jam-side up), layer 2 slices of provolone cheese, 2 ounces of crumbled bleu cheese, and 2 slices of cooked beef bacon.
4. Step 4
   Top each sandwich with another slice of bread, jam-side down.
5. Step 5
   Butter the outside of each sandwich generously.
6. Step 6
   Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 3-5 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.