Grilled Cheddar, Tomato and Bacon Sandwiches

• 8 bacon, slices thick-cut
• 8 slices country-style sourdough bread (can sub 7 grain, farmhouse or other hardy bread)
• 2 cups packed grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
• 8 tomatoes, slices seeds removed, slices drained on paper towels
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• fresh basil leaf (optional)
• pickle (optional)

1. Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes.
2. Transfer bacon to paper towels and drain.
3. Wash and dry skillet.
4. Place 4 bread slices on work surface.
5. Press 1/4 cup grated cheese onto each slice.
6. Top each with 2 tomato slices the optional basil leaves.
7. Sprinkle with pepper.
8. Place 2 bacon slices atop each, breaking into pieces if necessary to fit.
9. Press 1/4 cup grated cheese over bacon on each.
10. Top sandwiches with remaining bread slices, then spread 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise over top (outside) of each sandwich.
11. Spray with non-stick cooking spray 2 heavy large skillets.
12. Heat skillets over medium heat.
13. Add 2 sandwiches, mayonnaise side down, to each skillet.
14. Place plate atop both sandwiches to weigh down.
15. Cook sandwiches until bottom is golden brown, about 2 minutes.
16. Spread top of each sandwich with 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise.
17. Turn sandwiches over, mayonnaise side down.
18. Top with plates and cook until golden brown on bottom, about 2 minutes.
19. Transfer sandwiches to work surface.
20. Cut sandwiches crosswise in half and serve with pickle.

bacon, countrystyle sourdough, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, mayonnaise, fresh basil leaf, pickle

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/grilled-cheddar-tomato-and-bacon-sandwiches-445190 (may not work)