Sarah BrownI remember the first time I stumbled upon the idea of a grilled cheese donut. It was at a quirky diner where they served it alongside a tangy tomato soup. The combination was nothing short of a revelation! The warmth of the cheese, the crunch of bacon, and the sweetness of the doughnut created a flavor explosion that had my taste buds doing the happy dance. Now, whenever I think of comfort food, this decadent creation is at the forefront of my mind. If you’re looking for something that pairs beautifully with a light salad or a steaming bowl of soup, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s talk about grilled cheese donuts. Yes, you read it right! This dish combines the unmistakable crispiness of bacon and the meltiness of cheddar cheese with the slight sweetness of doughnuts. It’s like inviting your favorite breakfast and lunch items to a party, and trust me, they mingle quite well. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to put together, making it a great option for brunch or a savory snack at any cookout. So, if you’re up for a culinary adventure that will make your palate sing, let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
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What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
This grilled cheese donut showcases a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures. The doughnut base offers a slight sweetness, which beautifully balances the savory and smoky notes of the crispy bacon. The cheddar cheese adds a sharp creaminess, melting beautifully as it cooks. Soft, warm tomatoes round out the dish, providing a fresh and juicy element that cuts through the richness. Add in a few dashes of hot sauce, and you’ve got a flavor profile that dances between sweet, savory, spicy, and creamy.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Grilled Cheese Donuts?
While many versions of grilled cheese donuts exist, this recipe stands out thanks to the infusion of green onions and a touch of sugar in the doughnut batter. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also creates a savory doughnut that’s more than just a sweet base for the cheese and bacon. Most grilled cheese donuts might skimp on vegetables, but here, the fresh tomatoes and scallions add a fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a twist on the classic ingredients you’ll need for this delectable dish:
– 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
– 2 to 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
– 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for cooking
– Sea salt and black pepper to taste
– 4 savory doughnuts, recipe follows
– 8 slices of sharp Cheddar cheese
– 4 dashes of your favorite hot sauce, like Tabasco
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for additional flavor)
Green Onion-Cheddar Doughnut Ingredients:
– 3 quarts of vegetable oil, for frying
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
– 1 1/2 cups finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup roughly chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling on top
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 large beaten egg
How to Make Grilled Cheese Donut?
It’s time to set the scene for creating this decadent treat! Making grilled cheese donuts involves two main components: preparing the savory doughnuts and assembling the sandwich. The whole process is a delightful mix of frying and grilling, resulting in a crispy, cheesy masterpiece.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure that your bacon gets nice and crispy while you multitask with the doughnuts and other fillings.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
Take a wire rack and fit it over a baking sheet. Lay the bacon slices out flat and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over them. This helps create an incredible caramelized crust. Bake the bacon in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until it’s dark brown and crispy. As soon as it cools, break each slice in half and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Tomatoes
Slice your tomatoes into 4 to 5 thick rounds. Place a large sauté pan or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Sprinkle the tomato slices with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Cook them in the pan until they’re warmed through but still have some structure—about 3-4 minutes is just right.
Step 4: Prepare the Doughnuts
While the tomatoes are cooking, let’s make the doughnuts! Heat the vegetable oil in a cast-iron Dutch oven to a temperature between 365°F to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, Cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, sugar, baking powder, sea salt, and baking soda until combined. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, sour cream, and beaten egg, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir until everything is just combined—make sure there are no dry bits hanging around!
Step 5: Shape and Fry the Doughnuts
Flour your working surface and carefully turn the dough out onto it. Pat it into a 1-inch thick disc. Using a large doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller), cut out doughnut shapes. Don’t forget to create the holes using your fingers; you want them to be clear to ensure even frying. Carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning them every minute for even browning. Once golden, transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with a bit of sea salt.
Step 6: Assemble the Grilled Cheese Donuts
Now comes the fun part! Cut the fried doughnuts in half and butter the outside of each half generously. In the same sauté pan you used for the tomatoes, place 4 doughnut halves buttered-side down. Layer on a slice of cheese, top with a few slices of grilled tomato, sprinkle with a dash of hot sauce, and add 1-2 pieces of crispy bacon. Finish with another slice of cheese, then place the doughnut tops on to make your sandwiches. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and the cheese has melted gloriously. Once done, serve them hot for the best experience!
Tips On Making Grilled Cheese Donut
– Choose Good Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon; it crisps better and offers more flavor.
– Don’t Skip the Brown Sugar: It really adds depth and sweetness to the bacon, balancing out the savory flavors.
– Keep an Eye on the Oil Temperature: Too hot, and your doughnuts will burn on the outside; too low, and they’ll absorb oil and be greasy.
– Experiment with Cheese: While Cheddar is classic, mixing different cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina can add a unique flavor twist.
– Get Creative with Add-Ins: Don’t hesitate to add jalapeños for a kick or avocado slices for creaminess.
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftover grilled cheese donuts (which can be rare), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to two days, but I recommend reheating them in a skillet to get that crispy exterior back. Microwave heating tends to leave them a bit soggy, and nobody wants a soggy donut!
Nutrition Information
On average, each serving of this grilled cheese donut packs around 800 calories. The combination of bacon and cheese does contribute to the fat content, but thanks to the veggies, you’re also getting some nutrients. While this isn’t a daily indulgence, it certainly works as a special treat or fun weekend brunch!
Serving Suggestions
– Tomato Soup: A classic pairing for a cozy comfort food experience.
– Mixed Green Salad: The freshness and acidity will balance the richness of the donuts perfectly.
– Pickles: Their crunch and acidity will cut through the cheese and butter beautifully.
– Hot Sauce: Additional hot sauce on the side for those who crave an extra kick!
– Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing drinks that complement the savory flavors wonderfully.
If Some Ingredients are Not Available in Your Kitchen, What Are Some Substitute Options for the Ingredients?
– Bacon:Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can offer a similar texture with different flavor profiles.
– Cheddar Cheese:Monterey Jack or Havarti can be substituted for a slightly different taste.
– Buttermilk: You can make buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 3/4 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 10 minutes.
– Sour Cream:Greek yogurt can easily replace sour cream for a healthier alternative.
– Doughnuts: If you want to skip making your own doughnuts, you can buy savory bagels and use them instead.
Grilled Cheese Donut
Equipment
- Oven
- Wire rack
- sauté or griddle pan
- mixing bowls
- oughnut cutter
- cooling rack
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- Here’s a twist on the classic ingredients you’ll need for this delectable dish:
- – 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- – 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- – 2 to 3 ripe tomatoes sliced
- – 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter plus extra for cooking
- – Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- – 4 savory doughnuts recipe follows
- – 8 slices of sharp Cheddar cheese
- – 4 dashes of your favorite hot sauce like Tabasco
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder for additional flavor
Green Onion-Cheddar Doughnut Ingredients:
- – 3 quarts of vegetable oil for frying
- – 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- – 1 1/2 cups finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- – 1/2 cup roughly chopped scallions green onions
- – 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 teaspoon baking powder
- – 1 teaspoon sea salt plus more for sprinkling on top
- – 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- – 3/4 cup buttermilk
- – 1/2 cup sour cream
- – 1 large beaten egg
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure that your bacon gets nice and crispy while you multitask with the doughnuts and other fillings.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
- Take a wire rack and fit it over a baking sheet. Lay the bacon slices out flat and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over them. This helps create an incredible caramelized crust. Bake the bacon in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until it’s dark brown and crispy. As soon as it cools, break each slice in half and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Tomatoes
- Slice your tomatoes into 4 to 5 thick rounds. Place a large sauté pan or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Sprinkle the tomato slices with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Cook them in the pan until they’re warmed through but still have some structure—about 3-4 minutes is just right.
Step 4: Prepare the Doughnuts
- While the tomatoes are cooking, let’s make the doughnuts! Heat the vegetable oil in a cast-iron Dutch oven to a temperature between 365°F to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, Cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, sugar, baking powder, sea salt, and baking soda until combined. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, sour cream, and beaten egg, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir until everything is just combined—make sure there are no dry bits hanging around!
Step 5: Shape and Fry the Doughnuts
- Flour your working surface and carefully turn the dough out onto it. Pat it into a 1-inch thick disc. Using a large doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller), cut out doughnut shapes. Don’t forget to create the holes using your fingers; you want them to be clear to ensure even frying. Carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning them every minute for even browning. Once golden, transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with a bit of sea salt.
Step 6: Assemble the Grilled Cheese Donuts
- Now comes the fun part! Cut the fried doughnuts in half and butter the outside of each half generously. In the same sauté pan you used for the tomatoes, place 4 doughnut halves buttered-side down. Layer on a slice of cheese, top with a few slices of grilled tomato, sprinkle with a dash of hot sauce, and add 1-2 pieces of crispy bacon. Finish with another slice of cheese, then place the doughnut tops on to make your sandwiches. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and the cheese has melted gloriously. Once done, serve them hot for the best experience!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these doughnuts in advance?
A1: Yes, the doughnuts can be made a day in advance. Simply fry them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop before assembling.
Q2: What kind of hot sauce should I use?
A2: A classic choice is Tabasco, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce. Sriracha or even a chipotle hot sauce can give a unique twist.
Q3: Can I use gluten-free flour for the doughnuts?
A3: Absolutely! Just be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that can substitute 1:1 for all-purpose flour.
Q4: Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?
A4: You can easily omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies to create a vegetarian version while maintaining flavor.
Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: You could add sliced jalapeños inside the doughnut or incorporate spicy cheese into the grilled cheese layers.
Conclusion
There you have it – a fun, creative twist on classic comfort food that is sure to spark joy in your kitchen. The grilled cheese donut combines the best of savory, cheesy goodness with the sweet thrill of doughnuts, making it a unique treat for brunches, parties, or just because! So grab your ingredients, fire up that frying pan, and treat yourself to a deliciously indulgent experience. Happy cooking!
