We're taking the ultimate comfort food and strapping a rocket to it. This isn't your childhood grilled cheese; this is a grilled cheese for thrill-seekers, for those who believe a meal should be an experience. Imagine this: thick, crusty sourdough, golden brown and shatteringly crisp, enveloping a river of perfectly melted, sharp cheese. And nestled within that cheesy paradise? A layer of sweet, smoky, savory bacon jam that has been electrified with our Scorpion Gourmet Extra Hot Sauce.
This recipe is designed for true spice enthusiasts ready to take their taste buds to the next level. The rich, fatty ingredients—the butter, the cheese, the bacon—are the perfect canvas for the 'intense sting' of our Extra Hot sauce. The fat and sugar in the jam don't just tame the heat; they transform it into a deep, smoldering, slow-building fire that lingers on the palate in the most satisfying way. This is a five-alarm experience where extreme heat meets gooey, cheesy, fatty perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Thick-Cut Bacon - Chopped into 1/2-inch pieces.
- 1 large Yellow Onion - Thinly sliced.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar - Packed.
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1-2 tbsp Scorpion Gourmet Extra Hot Sauce - Start with 1 tbsp for serious heat, 2 tbsp for extreme.
- 8 slices Sourdough Bread - About 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick.
- 8 oz Sharp White Cheddar Cheese - Grated from a block.
- 4 oz Gruyère Cheese - Grated from a block.
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter - Softened, for grilling.
Instructions
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Make the Scorpion Bacon Jam
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving about 2 tbsp of fat in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the sliced onion to the bacon fat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until deeply caramelized and soft.
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Simmer the Jam
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet with the onions. Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and Scorpion Gourmet Extra Hot Sauce (start with 1 tbsp). Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid has reduced to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. It will thicken as it cools.
The slow simmer allows the Extra Hot Sauce to infuse every bite with complex, layered heat. -
Prepare the Sandwiches
In a bowl, combine the grated cheddar and gruyère cheeses. Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. Flip the slices over so the buttered side is down. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, spread a generous layer of the Scorpion Bacon Jam. Top the jam with a hearty handful of the cheese blend. Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side out.
Layer the spicy bacon jam generously—this creates the signature five-alarm flavor profile. -
Grill to Perfection
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula occasionally, until the bread is deep golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. If the bread is browning too fast, reduce the heat. Low and slow is the key!
Patience pays off—low heat ensures perfect melt while the bread develops a crisp, golden crust. -
Serve Immediately
Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately while the cheese is lava-hot and the bread is crisp.
Pro Tips
- Bread is Key: Use a sturdy, thick-sliced bread like sourdough or rye. It can hold up to the juicy jam without getting soggy.
- Grate Your Cheese: Cheese grated from a block melts far better and more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
- Low and Slow Wins the Race: Patience is a virtue with grilled cheese. Cooking over medium-low heat ensures the cheese has time to melt completely before the bread burns.
- Taste the Jam Heat: The bacon jam is versatile! You can make it as mild or wild as you want by adjusting the amount of Extra Hot sauce. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out!
Recipe Variations
- Smoky Twist: Add a 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the bacon jam for an even deeper smoky flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with other bold melting cheeses. Pepper Jack will add more heat, while Smoked Gouda will double down on the smoky notes.
- For a Milder Version: This recipe is INTENSE. For a less fiery but still flavorful sandwich, use our Scorpion Gourmet Original or Mild Hot Sauce in the jam instead.
- Add an Herb: Stir 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped thyme into the bacon jam for an aromatic layer.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich is a meal in itself, but it cries out for a cool, creamy counterpart to balance the heat. A classic bowl of creamy tomato soup is the perfect pairing. A simple, crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works beautifully. And let's be honest, a cold, crisp lager is the ideal beverage to have on standby. Any leftover Scorpion Bacon Jam is gold—use it on burgers, spooned over cream cheese as a dip, or alongside your morning eggs.
Conclusion
The Five-Alarm Grilled Cheese is a celebration for those who live on the spicy side of life. It proves that extreme heat doesn't have to be one-dimensional; when paired with the right ingredients, it creates a complex, thrilling, and deeply satisfying culinary experience. Our Scorpion Gourmet Extra Hot Sauce is the ultimate tool for these kitchen adventures, transforming the familiar into the extraordinary. If this sandwich gets your heart racing, imagine what it could do for your chili, your wings, or your braised short ribs. The world of heat is yours to explore.
