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Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon Maple

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Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon Maple is an indulgent fusion of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a quirky brunch or a decadent dessert. This unique dish features crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of maple syrup sandwiched between glazed donuts. The combination of the warm, gooey cheese with the sweet donuts and savory bacon creates a mouthwatering treat that's both satisfying and surprising. Toasted to golden perfection, this grilled cheese offers a delightful crunch on the outside and a melty, flavorful center. Whether you're looking for a creative meal idea or a special treat, this Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon Maple is sure to impress.
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Updated on Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:36:45 GMT
Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon Maple Pin it
Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon Maple | myhomemaderecipe.com

This donut grilled cheese is the ultimate treat for anyone craving the perfect mix of salty bacon, melty cheddar, and luscious sweet maple all tucked inside a crispy glazed donut. It is a wild twist on classic grilled cheese and honestly one of the most crowd-pleasing snacks I have ever served at weekend brunches or anytime you want to surprise someone with a playful snack.

I still remember the first time I made this after a late night out with friends. We demolished a plate and everyone asked for the recipe. A donut grilled cheese is officially my emergency mood-lifting snack.

Ingredients

  • Glazed donuts: Sliced in half. Each donut brings softness and sweetness choose ones with a light glaze for less mess
  • Bacon: Thick cut recommended for best crunch and flavor
  • Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and has enough flavor to stand up in this rich sandwich
  • Maple syrup: Pure maple is ideal for real depth but any will do in a pinch
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth that makes this sandwich extra special
  • Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives a gentle kick use it if you like a little heat

Instructions

Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet set over medium heat let the bacon cook slowly. Turn occasionally and it will take about eight minutes to get that perfect crispy edge. Lay the cooked strips on paper towels to drain off any extra fat. The goal is fully rendered crunchy bacon that will not go soggy in the sandwich.
Mix the Maple Drizzle:
In a small bowl stir together maple syrup with ground cinnamon and the optional cayenne. Mixing the spices with the syrup infuses it with a wonderful aroma and just a hint of heat. Set this aside ready for later.
Toast the Donuts:
Place the donut halves cut side down in the still warm skillet. Toast them for about one to two minutes until the insides are golden and a little crunchy. This is key for building both flavor and structure so your sandwich holds up.
Add Cheese and Bacon:
Flip the donut halves so they are glazed side down. Top each bottom half with two slices of cheddar covering the cut surface edge to edge. Crumble the cooked bacon evenly over the cheese. Layering the cheese first helps it melt around the bacon locking everything in place.
Drizzle Maple Mixture:
Take your maple drizzle and spoon it all over the bacon so every corner gets some sweetness with that cinnamon aroma. Let it soak into the bacon and cheese below.
Assemble and Melt:
Place the top donut halves over the bacon and cheese gently pressing down. Cook for another minute or two. The cheese will start to melt and the donut will be perfectly warm and just a little crisped on the outside.
Serve:
Carefully lift the finished sandwiches out of the pan. Slice with a sharp knife if you like and serve them right away while the cheese is at peak gooeyness and everything inside is steamy and fragrant.
A stack of three donuts with bacon and maple glaze, topped with cheese. Pin it
A stack of three donuts with bacon and maple glaze, topped with cheese. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Cheddar is my personal favorite cheese here nothing beats its sharp salty bite against the sweetness. Once I made this with my little cousins who each tried to build their own version. We laughed so hard there was maple syrup everywhere but not a crumb left on any plate.

Storage Tips

This sandwich is at its best straight from the skillet but if you need to store leftovers let them cool and wrap tightly in foil. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it will make the donut soggy. I do not recommend freezing as donuts lose their texture after thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to go meat free try using crispy tempeh bacon or a few slices of grilled mushrooms for that umami crunch. For cheese lovers feel free to swap in pepper jack if you want an extra kick or smoked gouda for deep flavor. Brioche buns or Hawaiian rolls work if you cannot find donuts but nothing beats the softness and sweet glaze of a classic donut.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your donut grilled cheese with a hot cup of dark coffee for brunch or serve it alongside fresh fruit for a simple party snack. It is also fun to slice the sandwiches into quarters and serve them as sweet and salty appetizers at your next get together. If you want to get fancy add a few sliced pickles for contrast or dust with a pinch more cinnamon before bringing them to the table.

Cultural Historical Context

The donut grilled cheese is an all American mashup inspired by modern food truck and brunch trends. Combining sweet bakery goods with savory cheese and breakfast bacon reflects the playful creativity found in today's comfort food scene. While it may sound outrageous this sandwich celebrates everything indulgent about American snacks and is a true conversation piece.

A stack of three donuts with bacon and maple toppings, drizzled with cheese. Pin it
A stack of three donuts with bacon and maple toppings, drizzled with cheese. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This is a treat that always gets attention and brings people together. Try it for your next brunch and see how quickly it disappears.

Donut Grilled Cheese

Enjoy a delightful combination of sweet and savory with this Donut Grilled Cheese featuring crispy bacon and a hint of maple syrup.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Zaho


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 glazed donuts, sliced in half horizontally.
02 4 slices bacon.
03 4 slices cheddar cheese.
04 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
05 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
06 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Step 02

In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, if using.

Step 03

Place the sliced donuts in the skillet, cut side down, and toast until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 04

Flip the donuts over and place 2 slices of cheddar cheese on each bottom half of the donuts.

Step 05

Crumble the cooked bacon on top of the cheese.

Step 06

Drizzle the maple syrup mixture over the bacon.

Step 07

Place the top halves of the donuts on top of the bacon and cheese. Press down gently and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the donuts are warmed through.

Step 08

Remove from the skillet and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 15 g