Description
Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce is a warm, crispy, and flavorful sandwich featuring smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a tangy natural special sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying dinner, this recipe offers a modern twist on a classic favorite with customizable options to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Spread
- 4 slices sturdy sandwich bread (sourdough, rustic white, or whole wheat)
- Plant-based butter, for grilling
- Special sauce (natural): 3 tbsp mayo (plant-based), 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural), 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent, pinch of spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)
Fillings
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 4 slices plant-based cheese (melty variety)
- 1 cup fresh lettuce or mixed greens
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels. In a small bowl, combine mayo (plant-based), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar (natural), spices, and the natural gelling agent. Mix well until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of the special sauce on one side of each bread slice. On one slice, layer plant-based cheese, crispy turkey bacon, and fresh greens. Top with the other slice, sauce side down.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Melt a small amount of plant-based butter in the skillet. Place the sandwich in the pan and grill each side for 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese melts inside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwich from the skillet once toasted and melted. Slice diagonally and serve immediately with extra special sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Grill over medium heat to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Choose plant-based cheese that melts well for a gooey texture.
- Cut sandwiches diagonally for an appealing presentation and easier eating.
- Place special sauce under the cheese layer to keep bread from becoming soggy.
- Let the sandwich rest for a minute after grilling for cheese to set slightly and easier handling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, special sauce, sandwich, comfort food, quick meal