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Everything Cheddar Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese…all the flavors we love in a bowl of good tomato soup but in the form of grilled cheese. And it is SO GOOD! Summer tomatoes and crispy bacon layered between two slices of sourdough bread with fresh herbs, sharp cheddar, and buttery Havarti. This sandwich is coated in everything bagel spice and parmesan cheese before being pan-fried until the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp. It’s savory, herby, and heavy on the cheese…the most perfect summer grilled cheese…any day of the week.
Is there anything better than a really good grilled cheese? I’m pretty sure it’s that classic comfort food we all know and love. As a kid, my grilled cheese sandwiches consisted of whatever bread we had laying around the kitchen, cheese, and butter. Three ingredients that can do no wrong. My dad would make my brothers and I grilled cheese on nights when he didn’t have a lot in the kitchen. He was always heavy on the sharp cheddar and made them extra buttery.
They were perfect, and we loved them!
The one thing that always missing from dad’s grilled cheese dinners though? A bowl of tomato soup, which I feel is such a classic combo in the summer. But the funny thing about my dad? He’s always despised tomato soup. His memories of tomato soup are from the eighties. To him, tomato soup came from cans of Cambell’s that his mom would serve him at least once a week…or so he says anyway. This means instead of grilled cheese with a side of soup, my brothers and I grew up with just the grilled cheese.
We didn’t complain, we didn’t know any different. But since then I’ve learned just how delicious a good bowl of tomato soup is when paired with an extra cheesy grilled cheese. Such delicious summery flavors. And that combination is the inspiration behind this recipe. I took all the flavors from tomato soup and sandwiched them between sourdough bread with crispy bacon and a bit of everything bagel spice.
It’s extra special, but yet still so simple. These few added touches make this grilled cheese better…and exciting…and fun…and oh my gosh just so delicious!
Sorry for the run-on sentence there, but it’s hard to express my excitement. This grilled cheese is a new favorite and I already know it’s going to be a repeat recipe for the remainder of the summer.
Start with the tomatoes. Find some delicious ones, preferably heirloom, and then salt them. This helps to draw out any excess moisture the tomatoes may have. This step is key and ensures that your grilled cheese sandwich will never become soggy.
While the tomatoes are sitting, toss together a mix of extra sharp cheddar cheese, Havarti cheese (fontina would be great too), fresh basil, thyme, and chives. The cheddar adds the bulk of the flavor, while the Havarti acts as the super melty, gooey cheese. Yum!
Mixing the herbs in with the cheese creates an even more flavorful sandwich. Plus I’m just obsessed with all the fresh summer herbs from the garden right now. I love them so much.
Crisp up some bacon. Of course, this is optional. But if you’re a bacon lover, I would be sure to use it. It kind of makes this like a BLT grilled cheese. And yes, it’s just as delicious as it sounds.
Finally, the everything bagel spice…oh how I love this flavor combo! It’s a mix of sesame seeds, onion, and herbs. If you love the classic everything bagel, then you’ll love this spice. And guys, it makes this grilled cheese, so don’t skimp on it.
Butter the outside of the bread, sprinkle with parmesan (yes, that is the third cheese), and then add the everything spice. Layer the cheese mix, tomatoes, and bacon between the slices of bread. If you want to add even more flavor, sprinkle the tomatoes with a bit of everything spice too.
Now, add the sandwiches to a skillet and cook until the cheese has melted and the crust is deep golden and crunchy.
The cheese on the inside becomes that melty goodness we love so much. While the outside of the bread becomes crisp from the parmesan, which is literally pan-fried into the bread. And the everything spice? Well…
It. Is. So. Good!
Melted cheese, ripe summer tomatoes, crispy bacon, and everything spice equals perfection on so many levels. Make this one tonight as an easy Thursday dinner, trust me, you’re going to be very happy you did.
Looking for other grilled cheese recipes? Here are a few ideas:Â
French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese
Lastly, if you make this everything cheddar tomato bacon grilled cheese, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
This was delicious! Elevated a grilled cheese with so many different flavors. We didn’t put too much seasoning outside to control salt. My toddler also loved it mmm
Hey Lauren,
Awesome! So great to hear that this recipe was enjoyed and thanks for making it! Have the best week! xTieghan
Absolutely loved this sandwich and had it two days in a row! SOOOO GOOD!
Hey Hayley,
Wonderful! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try. Happy Weekend! xTieghan
This sandwich is a family favorite and it was the first meal my college student asked for when she came home on break this summer.
Hey Barbara,
Fantastic! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Have a wonderful holiday weekend ?? xTieghan
My family of 4 agree that this is the best sandwich we have ever had – and we’ve had a lot of sandwiches 😉 We made your tostadadilla recipe last night and it was equally amazing! Loving your blog and your extremely user-friendly recipes!
Hey Kathleen,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! Happy Sunday! xTieghan
Can’t wait to try! Can i use sun dried tomatoes instead of regular tomato’s
Hey Luiza,
Thanks so much, sure sun dried tomatoes would be fun to use! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Loved them!!
Thanks so much!!
This was SO good! I had to sub Monterey Jack and Mild cheddar because Walmart has like NO good cheese (haha). And subbed dried herbs for fresh (because again, Walmart) But still AMAZING and so simple. Thank you for your amazingly creative and flavorful recipes!!
Hey Kari,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Monday! xTieghan
Amazing! Actually used Trader Joe’s everything but the bagel seasoning out of laziness and it was terrific
Hey Brigit,
I am delighted you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
This was so delicious, Tieghan! Perfect comfort dish while we watched the Dodgers in the World Series. We love you!
Aw you are too kind! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you Seth! Thank you! xTieghan
This my ideal sandwich, sounds and looks delicious!
Thank you so much Heather! xTieghan
The addition of everything but the bagel spice on the outside of the sandwich was wonderful!! I added a smashed avocado to the bacon, tomato and cheese and used a panini press. Great recipe you shared with us. Thanks.
Thank you Melissa!! xTieghan
AMAZING! Best grilled cheese I have ever had! Thank you!
Thank you so much Shelby! xTieghan
I’m giving this recipe a full 5 stars because I will be making it again in the future and I have no doubt it will be the perfect grilled cheese because of how close to perfect it was the first time I made it.
That being said, the first time some bites were perfect and some were way too salty. I used Trader Joe’s EBTB seasoning instead of homemade so I didn’t control the amount of salt in that. Next time I’ll just be more aware of the amount of salt on the tomatoes + in the butter + in the seasoning and once I’ve got that perfected I’ll never go back to regular grilled cheese!
I am so glad this turned out so well for you, Victoria!! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
The Parmesan/everything bagel seasoning crust is *chef’s kiss*
Thank you Jackie! I am so glad you like this! xTieghan
FANTASTIC!! I’ve made this twice already. The second time I added a runny fried egg and served it for breakfast. It was a huge hit at our family gathering…highly recommend! Thanks for another spectacular recipe.
I am so happy to hear that, Emily! Thank you so much for trying this one! xTieghan
Wow!! Seriously one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten! I didn’t have fresh chives and forgot to put the parmesan on the outside of the bread but we both couldn’t stop saying “WOW”
Wow love to hear that, Bethany!! Thank you so much for trying this recipe! xTieghan