Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers

This childhood favorite gets a fun makeover with crispy turkey bacon wrapped around gooey grilled cheese fingers. Perfect for dipping and guaranteed to make both kids and adults smile at snack time.

I first made these for my nephew's birthday party when we needed something quick that would please picky eaters. They disappeared faster than any other dish on the table, and now they're requested at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• American cheese slices: Use the real deal here for that classic melt factor, though any good melting cheese works beautifully
• Sandwich bread: Choose a sturdy white or wheat bread that can hold up to grilling and handling
• Turkey bacon: A lighter alternative to regular bacon but still delivers that satisfying crispy texture
• Butter: Softened butter spreads more easily and ensures even browning on your bread
• Cooking spray or oil: Just enough to prevent sticking and help achieve that perfect golden crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the bread:

Spread softened butter evenly across one side of each bread slice, making sure to cover right to the edges. The butter creates that gorgeous golden crust and adds richness to every bite.

Create the sandwiches:

Place one slice of American cheese between two bread slices with the buttered sides facing outward. Press gently to seal. The cheese should be completely contained within the bread slices.

Grill to perfection:

Heat your skillet over medium heat until warm but not smoking hot. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip carefully and cook the other side until equally golden and the cheese is completely melted.

Cool and slice:

Remove sandwiches from the heat and allow them to cool for about 2 minutes. This brief rest helps the cheese set slightly so it doesnt ooze out when you cut it. Use a sharp knife to slice each sandwich into 2 or 3 equal fingers.

Wrap with bacon:

Take each strip of turkey bacon and wrap it around a grilled cheese finger, covering as much of the sandwich as possible. The bacon should adhere to the slightly cooled sandwich, but you can secure with toothpicks if needed.

Final cooking:

Return the wrapped fingers to the skillet or place them on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the turkey bacon is crispy and fully cooked. The cheese inside will become extra melty during this second cooking.

Rest and serve:

Allow the fingers to rest for 2 minutes before serving to prevent burning mouths and to let the cheese set slightly. Serve while still warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Save This

My family fights over the end pieces where the cheese has oozed out a bit and crisped up during cooking. We started making a few sandwiches with extra cheese specifically to create more of these coveted crispy cheese edges.

Make Ahead Options

These bacon wrapped grilled cheese fingers can be partially prepared ahead of time for quick cooking later. Make and grill the sandwiches, let them cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, slice into fingers, wrap with turkey bacon, and finish cooking. This makes them perfect for busy households or party prep.

Smart Substitutions

While American cheese delivers that classic grilled cheese experience, dont be afraid to experiment with other varieties. Sharp cheddar adds a tangy bite, pepper jack brings a spicy kick, and Swiss offers a nutty flavor profile. For a gourmet version, try using brie or gruyère. Just remember that different cheeses melt at different rates, so watch your cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these simple fingers into a complete meal by serving alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience. For parties, create a dipping station with options like marinara sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce. These fingers also pair wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and bacon.

Common Queries

→ Can I use regular pork bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, pork bacon can be substituted. Just monitor the cooking time as pork bacon may render more fat and require extra crisping.

→ What cheese works best for these fingers?

American cheese gives meltiness, but cheddar, mozzarella, or any good melting cheese are excellent choices for a gooey center.

→ Is it necessary to secure with toothpicks?

Toothpicks help keep the bacon in place while cooking, especially if baking. Remove before serving.

→ How do I prevent soggy bread after wrapping?

Ensure the grilled cheese fingers are lightly cooled before wrapping, and bake in a hot oven to crisp both bacon and bread.

→ What sauces pair well for dipping?

Ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo all complement the smoky, cheesy flavors.