Description

This Smashburger Grilled Cheese with Special Sauce is a flavorful twist on classic comfort food, featuring crispy smoked turkey bacon, melty plant-based cheese, and a creamy tangy natural sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or cozy dinner, the sandwich offers a crispy golden crust with a gooey, rich center that satisfies every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 slices thick-cut bread
4 slices smoked turkey bacon
6 slices plant-based cheese
2 tablespoons plant-based butter

Special Sauce

3 tablespoons mayonnaise (natural)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (natural)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to your taste, then set aside to let the flavors meld.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and golden on both sides. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels to keep it crunchy for your sandwich.
Assemble the Sandwich: Butter one side of each bread slice with plant-based butter. On the unbuttered side of the first slice, spread a generous layer of the special sauce, add the plant-based cheese slices, and layer the crispy smoked turkey bacon on top. Top with more cheese for extra gooeyness before closing with the second slice, buttered side facing out.
Grill to Perfection: Place the sandwich on a preheated skillet over medium heat. Grill until the bread is golden and crisp, and the cheese begins to melt, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to get that crispy smashburger texture, flipping carefully.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing in half. This helps keep all the fillings perfectly in place for each delicious bite.

Notes

Use a cast-iron skillet: It distributes heat evenly for that ideal crunchy crust.
Cook at medium or medium-low heat to melt the cheese without burning the bread.
Press gently with a spatula to enhance browning and texture.
Double the cheese for extra creaminess and gooey appeal.
Make the special sauce a few hours in advance to deepen its flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Smashburger, grilled cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, special sauce, comfort food