When I first discovered Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers, they quickly became a staple in my kitchen. A good friend brought these to a casual get-together, and I was hooked from the very first bite. The mix of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and golden grilled bread all wrapped up in finger food form felt like a warm hug on a plate. It was just the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into my baking life — simple, satisfying, and sure to bring smiles around the table.
What You’ll Need for This Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers:
For this Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers recipe, I keep the ingredient list straightforward to make baking easy and affordable. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before we start:
- 12 slices of bacon, thick-cut works best but regular is fine
- 6 slices of bread (white or whole wheat, your choice)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to enhance the bacon grilled cheese appetizers vibe
If you don’t have sharp cheddar, mozzarella or a mix of both works beautifully in this Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers recipe. And don’t worry if you can’t find thick-cut bacon; just use what’s available at your local store. This recipe stays budget-friendly because it uses pantry staples that you can usually find on hand. You can pick up any missing ingredients at most grocery stores without breaking the bank.
Quick prep tip: Shredding your cheese in advance and softening the butter makes things go a little faster when you’re assembling your bacon wrapped sandwiches. Also, store your bread in an airtight bag to keep it fresh—this keeps your grilled cheese finger food tasting its best when it hits the pan.
I always add a bit extra cheese inside each grilled cheese finger because, well, you can never have too much cheese! It just makes these bacon grilled cheese appetizers that much more irresistible.
How to Make This Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers:
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Making these Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers is like baking with a friend—you’ll want to take it step by step and enjoy the process.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps your bacon crisp up nicely without overcooking the bread.
- Trim the crusts off your bread slices if you like your grilled cheese fingers extra neat. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice.
- Flip the bread over and sprinkle about 1/3 cup of shredded cheese evenly on the unbuttered side. If you want, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika over the cheese for a subtle flavor boost.
- Carefully roll each bread slice into a tight little cylinder so the cheese’s tucked inside.
- Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each cheese-filled bread roll, overlapping slightly to keep it snug. This step is where a gentle hand makes all the difference in your Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers.
- Place each bacon-wrapped roll seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crisp, and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on your Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers after 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- While they bake, take a moment to tidy up or prepare a dipping sauce like ketchup or a mustard mayo. Your kitchen will smell heavenly when this bacon wrapped sandwiches treat is ready.
- Once baked, let the fingers cool for a few minutes—this makes them easier to handle and lets the cheese set just right.
From start to finish, this Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers recipe takes about 40 minutes, which is perfect if you want a fresh, warm appetizer or snack that’s ready quickly. And if you’re wondering about shortcuts, you can prep these ahead and bake them fresh right before serving, which also makes hosting easier.
How you wrap your bacon can change how crunchy your bacon grilled cheese appetizers turn out. I’ve learned through many bakes that wrapping it a little tight, but not too tight to squash the bread, yields the best balance of crispy bacon and tender inside.
Serving Your Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers:
When it comes to serving Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers, I love keeping it simple and fun. These bacon wrapped sandwiches are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, whether at casual parties, game nights, or an easy dinner side.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this grilled cheese finger food is with a zesty dipping sauce like spicy mustard or a tangy barbecue sauce. The dips contrast beautifully with the smoky bacon and gooey cheese. I’ve also paired them with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a more balanced plate during family dinners.
For special occasions, I sometimes arrange these Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers on a wooden board with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a touch of green. They make for stunning finger food recipes at holiday gatherings or weekend get-togethers.
Leftover bacon grilled cheese appetizers heat back up wonderfully in the oven. You can also slice them smaller and serve as part of a snack platter. When winter comes around, adding a little roasted red pepper or swapping in pepper jack cheese brings a seasonal twist that friends and family have loved.
In case you’re looking for some inspiration, this Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers reminded me of the Street Style Peanut Cheese Chaat recipe I shared earlier. Both are fantastic finger food recipes, but each has its own unique flair that makes them perfect in different moods.
Common Questions About This Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers:
You’re probably wondering about the best ways to make and enjoy these Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers, so let’s tackle some of the questions I get most often from fellow bakers.
- Can I make this Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! Assemble the fingers and wrap them in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time since they’ll be cold going in.
- What’s a good substitute for bacon? If you’re not a bacon fan or want something lighter, thin slices of turkey bacon or even prosciutto work nicely in this recipe. They provide a similar salty bite and crisp up well.
- How can I adjust this Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers for different pan sizes? If your baking sheet is smaller, bake in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon all around. A crowd-pleaser like this recipe is better made fresh in smaller amounts than rushed in one big batch.
- Can I try different cheeses for variation? Definitely! Sharp cheddar gives a classic flavor, but mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack add new dimensions. One reader shared combining cheddar and smoked gouda for a smoky, melty result.
- Will the bacon get soggy wrapped around the bread? It’s a common concern, but with proper oven temperature and baking time, the bacon crisps nicely. Just make sure you wrap the bacon snugly but not overly tight, and use a wire rack if you want extra airflow during baking.
- Are these Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers gluten-free? To make them gluten-free, just swap your bread for your favorite gluten-free slices. The rest of the ingredients fit perfectly for a gluten-aware diet.
- Can I freeze the assembled fingers? Yes! Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding about 10 extra minutes to the bake time.
If you want to see a slightly different spin, this Mango Chutney and Bacon Grilled Cheese from Evil Shenanigans has a lovely sweet and savory mix to try alongside this classic favorite.
For more ideas on cheesy finger food recipes that are simple and tasty, check out my Cheese Quesadilla Delicious Simple Recipe or the Crustless Bacon Cheese Quiche for a different kind of savory treat.
Final Thoughts on This Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers:
This Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s the kind of recipe that’s hard to beat when it comes to comfort food. It combines the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon with the ooey, gooey magic of grilled cheese all wrapped neatly into an easy finger food format. It’s both fun to make and a joy to share.
My Top Tips for This Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers:
- Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor and crispiness
- Don’t skip softening the butter to get that golden, crispy crust on the bread
- Wrap the bacon snugly but not too tight to keep the cheese inside luscious and melted
I love mixing up this recipe by adding a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or a dash of cayenne when I want a little heat. Another favorite variation is layering in some caramelized onions before rolling the bread for extra sweetness. The version that always gets requested most often, though, is classic cheddar with smoky paprika and crispy bacon.
For those new to finger food recipes or bacon wrapped sandwiches, don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Play with different cheese blends, try dipping sauces, and find the perfect cheese-bacon balance that makes you smile.
Baking these Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers reminded me why I love sharing simple, fail-proof recipes that bring people together. I hope you love baking and eating them as much as I have. Remember, delicious doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes, the simplest snacks are the most memorable. Happy baking, friends!
If you feel like trying some other tasty savory options, check out my personal favorites like Crustless Bacon Cheese Quiche and the Street Style Peanut Cheese Chaat for fresh inspiration.
For more inspiration and a slightly different take, you might enjoy the Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe on Tablespoon.com. And for smoky flavor fans, the Smoked pork belly grilled cheese sandwich recipe on Facebook is a great read.
Happy baking and savor every bite!
Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese Fingers
Crispy bacon wrapped around gooey grilled cheese fingers creates a deliciously indulgent snack perfect for any occasion. These savory bites combine smoky bacon with melted cheese for an irresistible treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon
- 4 slices of sandwich bread
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Optional: dipping sauce of choice (ranch, marinara, or mustard)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- Cut each slice of bread into 3 strips to form ‘fingers’.
- Place a slice of cheese on half of the bread strips.
- Top each cheese-topped bread strip with a plain bread strip to form a sandwich finger.
- Butter the outside of each sandwich finger on both sides.
- Wrap each sandwich finger with one slice of bacon, securing the ends if necessary.
- Place the bacon-wrapped fingers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until the bacon is crispy and cheese is melted.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 1 minute before serving with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick, sprinkle some smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes on the butter before grilling.