I love the idea of taking simple childhood comfort food and reworking it to reflect a more sophisticated palate.

As a kid I lived on grilled cheese sandwiches. My childhood best friend, and neighbor, had the best grilled cheese set up. Their refrigerator was always stocked (Costco style) with Kraft American Cheese Singles and Classic White Wonder Bread.

Today, I would never (obnoxious voice with nose in air)! Processed cheese? White bread? No thank you. But it sure was my jam circa 1993.

Longing for that same delicious comfort during a recent lunch with my aunt, I decided it was time for a grilled cheese redo.

Enter Havarti, Pear and Bacon Grilled Cheese. And because no grilled cheese is complete without soup (move a long Cambell’s) I’m making my favorite, French Onion, from scratch.

Why is bacon so good?

I wish I could bottle this smell, it’s ahmazing.

Sandwich Ingredients

Sourdough
Havarti
1/2 Large Pear
1 Tsp Honey
1 Tsp Dijon Mustard

I modified this Dijon Havarti Grilled Cheese by adding the perfect compliment of bacon. Let’s be real, bacon compliments everything perfectly.

Soup Ingredients

5 Cups Thinly Sliced Yellow Onions
3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tsp Salt
1/4 Tsp Granulated Sugar
3 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
2 Qts Beef Stock
1/2 Cup Dry White Wine
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
3 Tbsp Cognac or Brandy (optional)

I followed this recipe and it was super easy and extra delicious!

What’s your comfort food crush?