Za’atar Bacon Grilled Cheese.

Za’atar Bacon Grilled Cheese is the perfect classic grilled cheese, made just a little more special. Soft brioche bread is layered with Middle Eastern za’atar spice, three kinds of cheese, and crispy bacon, then pan-fried until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is perfectly melty and gooey.

I have to say, I’ve been having so much fun creating these June recipes. It’s funny how a change of environment can spark a whole new wave of energy and inspiration.

Since being in Miami, we’ve been enjoying a lot of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. My mom discovered that she really loves za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend, and now I’ve been adding it to everything. I even mixed some into a salad dressing last night. It’s such a simple ingredient, but it adds this savory, herby, peppery flavor that instantly elevates a dish.

One of my favorite things about cooking in a new place is working with fresh flavors, ingredients, and ideas. My brain just starts running wild with inspiration.

My summer recipe list is currently way too long, but honestly, I’d much rather have too many ideas than none at all.

This grilled cheese was one of the simpler recipes on my list, but from the moment the idea came to mind, it was practically shouting, “Please make me!”

I briefly considered adding sliced summer tomatoes or another seasonal twist, but in the end, I didn’t want anything distracting from the combination of melty cheese, crispy bacon, and za’atar.

Sometimes simplicity really is best.

The Details

Ingredients

• salted butter
• za’atar spice
• soft slices of brioche or sourdough bread
• cheddar cheese
• Swiss cheese
• asiago cheese
• crispy bacon
• honey, for drizzling (I promise you it is so good!)

From the Kitchen

You really only need a few basics for this one: a large skillet or griddle, a metal spatula for flipping, and a sharp knife for slicing. Simple tools, simple ingredients, and one very good grilled cheese.

The Steps

Step 1: Build the Sandwiches

Butter the outside of each slice of brioche bread and sprinkle generously with za’atar. I love seasoning the bread itself so every bite has that herby, savory flavor. Layer the cheeses and crispy bacon onto two slices of bread, then finish with another sprinkle of za’atar before topping with the remaining slices of bread.

Tip: Use a mix of cheeses for the best flavor and melt. The combination makes these extra gooey and delicious.

Step 2: Cook Until Golden

Heat a large skillet over medium or medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook until the bread is deeply golden and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Flip, sprinkle the top with another pinch of za’atar, and continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted.

Tip: Keeping the heat a little lower gives the cheese time to melt perfectly before the bread gets too dark.

Step 3: Finish and Enjoy

Once the sandwiches are hot and melty, remove them from the skillet and drizzle lightly with honey, if desired. The sweet honey paired with the salty bacon and savory za’atar is such a delicious combination.

Slice in half and serve immediately while the cheese is still perfectly gooey.

These are wonderful on their own, but even better with crispy fries and a simple green salad on the side.

And definitely don’t skip the extra sprinkle of za’atar on the bread. It toasts as the sandwiches cook, adding so much flavor to every bite!