Grilled Cheese with Tomato, Avocado, Bacon, and Arugula
Why? Grilled Cheese is all I’ve had time to cook lately! HA! And it is something that the whole family can agree on. Even our resident picky eater doesn’t mind a toasty, cheesy sandwich. Though he will opt for his without any extra special ingredient additions.
I have always had a soft spot for grilled cheese sandwiches. Growing up we had an unspoken tradition that Sunday lunch after church was grilled cheese and a bowl of tomato soup.
Back then our lunch was a simple grilled sandwich made with whole wheat bread and cheddar cheese and paired with a can of store bought tomato soup.
Now, with my own family, we regularly enjoy this old tradition, but I like to keep things interesting by trying different cheeses, like Jarlsberg USA, and breads. After all, it’s a great way to make food more fun for kids and expose them to new varieties of foods they already eat.
Serve up your grilled cheese sandwiches with homemade tomato soup and you’re sure to have a simple, delicious, and healthy meal fit for any day of the week.
Recipes for Homemade Tomato Soup:
Tomato Soup is perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich. Here are a few of our family’s favorite recipes:
For our newest grilled cheese experiment we took our inspiration from a classic BLT sandwich and one of our favorite burgers – the ABC Patty Melt from Flying Star Cafe here in New Mexico.
The result: Gooey melted Jarlsberg Cheese meets avocado, applewood bacon, arugula rather than lettuce, and sliced tomato. And of course, I couldn’t resist serving it with a bowl of Easy Florentine Tomato Soup (minus the pasta, plus a splash of cream).
Want to get creative in the kitchen with grilled cheese? Leave a comment and enter to win this fun Jarlsberg USA Grilled Cheese Kit Gift Basket.
Grilled Cheese with Tomato, Avocado, Bacon, and Arugula
Because sandwiches are very much about personal preference, feel free to use this recipe more as a guideline. If you prefer more cheese or arugula, for example, go ahead and adapt the recipe according to your personal tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 slices whole grain artisan bread
- softened butter
- 2 - 4 slices Jarlsberg Cheese Deli Fresh Slices
- 3 slices uncured applewood bacon, cooked until crispy
- a small handful of baby arugula leaves
- 2 - 3 slices tomato
- 2 - 3 slices avocado
Instructions
- Butter one side only of the sliced bread according to your personal preference. On the non-buttered side of both of the slices of bread, place 1 -2 slices of cheese. (Add additional cheese if desired or if your bread slices are large)
- Place the buttered bread cheese side up, butter side down on a griddle or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bottom side of the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Turn down the heat on the stove, if necessary, to prevent over browning and/or burning of the bread.
- Add the cooked bacon on top of the cheese on one slice of bread. On the other slice layer the arugula, tomato, and avocado on top of the melted cheese. Press both slices together. If the sandwich needs extra warming, cook for 1-2 minutes per side. Eat immediately and enjoy!
Notes
You can add the avocado, bacon, arugula and tomato to the sandwich before cooking if desired. I personally prefer my tomato, arugula and avocado uncooked so I add it in afterwards.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1777Total Fat: 151gSaturated Fat: 46gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 94gCholesterol: 176mgSodium: 1604mgCarbohydrates: 74gFiber: 42gSugar: 8gProtein: 53g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Giveaway Prize (1 winner):
- Lodge USA mini 6.5-inch skillet
- Boska Holland easy cheese grater and toastabags
- Grilled Cheese Please!: 50 Scrumptiously Cheesy Recipes, by Laura Werlin
- A selection of delectable, melt-able cheeses: Wedge and sliced Jarlsberg and Round of Woolwich Dairy triple crème goat brie and stick of goat mozzarella
Giveaway Value: $75
Thank you Jarlsberg USA for providing this giveaway!
Giveaway Requirements:
- Check out what Jarlsberg USA’s website and tell me what recipe or cheese you’d like to try.
- Contest ends May 2, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
- Contest open to US States only.
- Winner will be chosen via random.org and will have 3 days to respond before disqualified and a new winner chosen.
Optional Extra Entries:
An additional entry can be earned by doing the following, giving you a total of 4 entries. Leave a separate comment for each of your entries.
1. Follow goodlifeeats and Jarlsberg USA on Twitter and ReTweet the following message: I just entered to win a @JarlsbergUSA Grilled Cheese Kit Gift Basket from @goodlifeeats http://wp.me/p14Uvo-2Ju #giveaway
2. Share your tip for the perfect grilled cheese on Jarlsberg USA’s blog post: Have You Mastered the Perfect Grilled Cheese?. Come back HERE and let me know you did, or I won’t be able to count an extra entry for you.
3. Pin this post on Pinterest.
I was compensated for my time and the giveaway fulfillment is provided by Jarlsberg USA, but all opinions and experiences with the product remain my own opinion.
Carmen says
The wheel cheese sounds delicious (actually, they all do)
Kathleen Conner says
commented about my tip for the perfect sandwich
http://jarlsbergusa.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/have-you-mastered-the-perfect-grilled-cheese/#comment-251
Kathleen Conner says
pinned on pinterest
http://pinterest.com/pin/124904589635580698/
Kathleen Conner says
follow both on twitter, and tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/kc98765/status/197810542646280192
Kathleen Conner says
I’d like to try the Quesadilla. Looks great.
Michelle @ Taste As You Go says
Katie, this looks amazing. Your post just made me change my mind in terms of what I’m going to get for lunch. My coworkers had my convinced that I wanted to get chicken empanadas at a little Cuban place by our office, but now I’m going to get a BLT! Wonder if they’ll make it like yours…
Melissa says
the all american looks sooo good!! need to try it.
Julie says
http://www.jarlsbergusa.com/recipes/the-all-american-jarlsberger/ this one thanks
Jen W. says
The mini cheese corn muffins look tasty!
Todd Schulthies says
I left a comment showing you how to add zest to your grilled cheese or sandwich. Love all the ideas on how to delight in Jarlsberg cheese!!
LP @dishclips says
I had no idea it’s National Grilled Cheese month. No wonder I am seeing a lot of grilled cheese recipes. I love the incorporation of avocado and arugula. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda C. says
Jarlsberg® Tomato Gratin – sounds delish! I love balsamic vinegar and this recipe sounds different but so good.
Corrina says
Definitely the Reuben inspired grilled cheese. It’d be the perfect way for me to ever try a Reuben in the first place!
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray says
I follow you both, and I just tweeted.
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray says
I would love to try the Lite Loaf! I really enjoy cheesy things, but often feel guilty adding the calories/fat–solution!
Julia says
I pinned on Pinterest.
Julia says
I follow both & tweeted.
Julia says
I’d like to try the Jarlsberg Tomato Gratin.
anne hill says
pinned http://pinterest.com/pin/274438171013134528/
anne hill says
i shared my comment:
http://jarlsbergusa.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/have-you-mastered-the-perfect-grilled-cheese/#comment-246
anne hill says
i follow both & tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/janejoeyxo/status/194456846814289923
anne hill says
i would like to try the Double-Decker J-BLT but i would melt the cheese a little!
erika mccann says
I would love to try the J tomato gratin.
Justina says
The Jarlsberger looks really good, especially with fresh picked tomatoes and arugula.
jacquie says
i would make a variation of the quesidilla w/ spinach and portabella mushrooms.
Ann says
My Grandma and I would love the Jarlsberg Reuben Sandwich:)
saniel says
i would like to try the Tomato Gratin. is their cheese rennet free or organic?
Georgina says
Shared my cheese mixture tip on Jarlsberg website too – thanks for a fabulous yummy giveaway!
Georgina says
Pinned too!
Georgina says
Following on Twitter and tweeted too!
Georgina says
The Jarlsberg Reuben is mouthwatering to me – I’d love to try that!
michele malone says
I repinned you here: http://pinterest.com/pin/83738874291652961/
michele malone says
I commented on the grilled cheese post with my tips
michele malone says
following jarlsberg on twitter as @lolamichele
michele malone says
following good life eats on twitter as @lolamichele
michele malone says
reubens are a favorite in our house, so I’d love to try the jarlsberg reuben recipe.
Rachel (Hounds in the Kitchen) says
I don’t think I’ve seen their deli slices at my store – I would love shop for those!
Staci A says
The Jarlsberg Quesadilla sounds yummy!
Claudia says
Jarlsberg Swiss cheese is the best…they melt so nicely.
Renata says
Pinned on Pinterest too Thanks!
Renata says
Shared my avocado tip!
Renata says
Following you both and tweeted!
Michelle @ Simplify, Live, Love says
And I pinned it: http://pinterest.com/pin/183592122279769421/
Michelle @ Simplify, Live, Love says
New twitter follower and I tweeted!
Michelle @ Simplify, Live, Love says
The quesadilla looks great! Thanks for the chance. 🙂
Sarah L says
Ooooh. These Jarlsberg Chorizo Potato Canapés sound A mazing!
Kim B. says
I would LOVE to try the Jarlsberg Fritatta!
Step says
I can definately make that…yum
Jan says
That sandwich looks so good
Tina M says
https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/193451638990700544
Tina M says
I like Jarlsberg Quesadilla
Kristin K says
I posted a response on Jarlsberg USA’s blog post: Have You Mastered the Perfect Grilled Cheese?. 🙂
Kristin K says
I would want to try the Jarlsberg® Reuben Sandwich.. 🙂 YUM!!!
Sarah @ Alderberry Hill says
This looks so tasty! Mmmm…
Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill
Alderberryhill.blogspot.com
Amy Pellicer says
Happy Friday! Oh, they all sound sooo yummy! I think I will have to try them ALL!!!
aj kurt says
I’d like to try the chef salad w/ jarlsberg cheese. and i like your posts. thanks 🙂
Kristin says
I’ve always wanted a whole wheel of cheese….it looks so tasty I just want to dive in and eat it all!
Andrea D. says
I would like to make the Jarlsberg® Chorizo Potato Canapés. Thanks for the chance to enter.
samW says
the Double-Decker J-BLT sounds yummy!
Alexandra says
pinned!
Alexandra says
I love a Reuben but the Jarlsberg® Chorizo Potato Canapés look excellent
kim parrott says
I’d love to try the Cheesy Shepard’s Pie! Yum!
Shawna says
Jarlsberg® Quesadilla sounds wonderful!!
Grace says
I think the Cheesy Shepard’s Pie recipe looks great!
Liz says
I pinned: http://pinterest.com/pin/272116002455194875/
Liz says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/liznelson21502/status/193057018234413059
Liz says
I am drooling over this: Jarlsberg Chorizo Potato Canapés
Carolyn S says
Would love to try out their Deli Fresh Slices for my sandwiches
Anne says
Fabulous recipe Katie, I must try it! Jarlsberg cheese = heaven!
Corisa says
We love Jarlsberg Swiss cheese on my sandwiches ! But I’d love to have a Rueben sandwich !
Julie @Savvy Eats says
The Chorizo Potato Canapés sound wonderful!
Amy says
Definitely the Rueben Sandwich!
Katie says
I would love to try out their Wheel Cheese.
TARA says
i’d like to try the Jarlsberg Reuben Sandwich
i LOVE the jarlsberg spread from giant eagle <3 it's AWESOME <3
taylor lane says
Id like to try the Jarlsberg Cuban Sandwich! Thank you!!!
Kay says
The Double-Decker J-BLT sounds SO good right now!!
Carol says
I would like to try the Jarlsberg Cuban Sandwich!
Amanda Thompson says
I would like to try the Cheesy Shepard’s Pie recipe and of course, the All-American Jarlsberger ’cause I’m a sucker for a yummy cheeseburger!
Christi P. says
I pinned your post!!
Christi P. says
I would definitely like the Double-Decker J-BLT!! Summertime is a great time for BLT’s and this would be amazing!
Jessie C. says
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/192941353884323840
Jessie C. says
http://pinterest.com/pin/177329304047950247/
Jessie C. says
I’d like to try Jarlsberg Tomato Gratin
Sarah L says
I’d like to try the Grilled Lamb Salad recipe. It looks great!
Jenny says
I am thinking the summer melon salad sounds delicious!
Lora W. says
I think I’m going to try the Jarlsberg Quiche. My son loves quiche for dinner and it makes a great lunch for me the next day. thanks for the giveaway.
Brighid says
Commented on the blog!
Brighid says
I’d be definitely looking for the Fresh Slices Lite variety. My love of food is evident so lighter choices are important to me.
TK says
Mmm! I have a craving for The All-American Jarlsberger!
ilona t says
i’d love to try the tomato gratin!
lynda says
The Jarlsberg Chef Salad recipe looks yummy!
Kari M. says
I pinned this post: http://pinterest.com/pin/226939268693126929/
Kari M. says
I shared my tip. Mayo instead of butter on the outside, takes my sandwich to the next level 🙂
vicki says
Grilled cheese with tomato. Avacado, bacon and arugala – pinned it!
Kari M. says
I follow GoodLifeEats and Jarlsberg USA on twitter. I retweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/KariWins/status/192788796515950593
Lynda says
pinned http://pinterest.com/pin/247064729527947158/
Lynda says
tweeeted https://twitter.com/#!/oshkoshbgosh123/status/192782064356036608
Lynda says
i’d like to try the Jarlsberg® Chorizo Potato Canapés
Jessie says
I pinned this post as well!
Jessie says
The Jarlsberg Chorizo Potato Canapes look like good party appetizers!
Jacqui says
I would love to make the Jarlsberg Rueben Sandwich… looks divine!
Fairlight says
I’d love to try the quiche or stuffed potatoes.
em says
the quesadilla!
Jeffrey L. says
I shared my tips for the perfect grilled cheese on the blog post.
Jeffrey L. says
I follow you both on Twitter and Tweeted….I just entered to win a @JarlsbergUSA Grilled Cheese Kit Gift Basket from @goodlifeeats http://wp.me/p14Uvo-2Ju #giveaway
Jeffrey L. says
I would like to try the Crostini with Gratinated Jarlsberg, it looks light and delectable!
SalBug says
Ooh, the tomato gratin looks delish!
Leon says
Double-Decker J-BLT, but with tempeh instead of bacon. Yum!
amy @ uTryIt says
Pinned this post on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pin/53269208062727255/
amy [at] utry [dot] it
amy @ uTryIt says
Following you both and tweeted:https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/192712238606462978
amy [at] utry [dot] it
amy @ uTryIt says
I would love to try the Jarlsberg® Tomato Gratin from Jarlsberg’s site. I love tomatoes and cheese together.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Karen says
A fried egg on top wouldn’t hurt.
Jackie in NC says
I would love to try their quesadilla recipe, and your grilled cheese sandwich looks quite yummy.
Nicole says
I want to try Potato Skins Raclette!
I also followed both accounts on twitter and retweeted https://twitter.com/#!/googleismybf/statuses/192709086494732288
and
Shared a tip on the blog post
and
Pinned!
Katie says
Nicole if you want me to count your extra entries, please come back and leave a separate entry for each one (i.e. 1 entry for the required question, another for tweeting, another for pinning, etc.). I use a random # generator out of the final number of comments on the posts and do not come back and read comments before drawing the winner to see if someone left multiple entries in one comment.
Kalyn says
I would love to try their wheel cheese.
Jillian {Her Split Ends} says
Great giveaway! I would LOVE to try the tomato gratin w/ the grated jarlsberg…in fact…i think i’ll make with dinner tonight!!
Cheers
~ Jillian
http://www.hersplitends.com
Trezlen says
I posted a tip for the perfect grilled cheese on Jarlsberg USA’s blog.
Marie says
The Summer Melon Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette looks delicious and perfect for a summer picnic.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Jarlsberg potato dippers sound great!
Trezlen says
I am following on Twitter and retweeted.
Kari M says
I would love to try the Jarlsberg® Tomato Gratin.
Trezlen says
Definitely the Double-Decker J-BLT. (It was almost the Cobb Salad by I prefer bacon in mine!)
Junie says
Jarlsberg® Quesadilla looks great! I love using tortillas instead of bread for sandwiches. Thank you for a great giveaway.
Siobhan says
My husband is in the military and will be coming home Friday yay! I can’t wait to make this sandwich for him, bacon is his favorite food!
Siobhan says
We love quesadillas in are house, it makes a great snack or lunch with a side of fruit. So the Jarlsberg quesadilla recipe is perfect!
Andrea says
I woul try Jarlsberg Half-Moon Empanadas, for a twist. Yummy!
sara says
I pinned this post on pinterest.
sara says
I shared my tip:
Mmmm, all those grilled cheese combos sound amazing! My tip for the perfect grilled cheese is actually to use mayo instead of butter on the outside of the bread. I read about this on a blog a while back and it works really well – harder to burn, easier to spread, and tastes delicious! I also like to add a bit of pesto to my grilled cheese sammies when I’m feeling fancy. 🙂
sara says
Awesome giveaway! I especially need that mini skillet because I am moving soon and will be “leaving behind” an awesome mini skillet that I use all the time but which actually belongs to my roommate! 😀
The recipe I would want to try from the site is definitely the All-American Jarlsberger – wow, that looks so good, it’s making me hungry! 🙂
Julie @BananasForBourbon says
I follow you both on twitter and tweeted the giveaway. 🙂
Julie @BananasForBourbon says
I’ll take the wheel! Ha! I actually just bought a giant wedge at Costco. I love their cheese.
Jessica says
Pinned it!
Jessica says
I’d like to try the Jarlsberg Reuben. Yum!
Micky says
I Pinned it: http://pinterest.com/pin/196047389999183499/
Micky says
I follow you adn Tweeted : https://twitter.com/#!/WhatMickyEats/status/192676505451642881
Micky says
I love using Jarlsburg in my baked mac n’ cheese dish.
Tracy says
I love Jarlsberg and often have a wedge of it in the fridge. Great grilled cheese, especially with a bit of pepper and some fig jam.
Caroline @ chocolate & carrots says
I’d like to try the Lite Loaf. I’m always looking for ways to cut back on calories, so that is perfect! Thank you for the giveaway!
Kel says
The Double-Decker J-BLT looks great. I buy this cheese whenever I make a trip to Sam’s Club. Yum!
BLog is the New BLack says
Bookmarked, starred, DROOLING!
Margaret says
The Jarlsberg Deli Fresh Slices Lite look like they’d go really well in my sandwiches!
julie says
i would looove to try the Jarlsberg Reuben Sandwich! Yum!