Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfect sandwich that combines crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and melted cheddar cheese on golden sourdough bread. This Panera-inspired Bacon Avocado Melt isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick gourmet lunch or a home cook craving restaurant-quality comfort food, this recipe promises to deliver maximum satisfaction in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1 sourdough bread slice
- 1/4 avocado, mashed
- 2 slices cooked bacon
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are fresh and at room temperature.
- Prepare the bacon by cooking it in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Once cooked, drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Slice the avocado and mash it in a small bowl. Season the mashed avocado with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Take a slice of sourdough bread and spread the mashed avocado evenly across the surface.
- Layer the cooked bacon strips on top of the mashed avocado.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon, covering it completely.
- Add fresh spinach leaves on top of the cheese.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place the prepared sandwich in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom of the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is toasted.
- Remove from heat, let cool for a minute, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Tips
- Choose high-quality sourdough bread for the best texture and flavor. Look for a bread with a sturdy crust that can withstand grilling.
- For extra crispiness, lightly butter the outside of the bread before grilling. This creates a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Use freshly cooked, thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunch. Drain well on paper towels to prevent soggy bread.
- When mashing the avocado, add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance the flavor.
- Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron griddle for even heating and perfect browning.
- Press down gently with a spatula while grilling to ensure even melting of the cheese and good bread-to-filling contact.
- Let the sandwich rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
