Italian Truffle and Bacon Grilled Cheese

This is my award winning grilled cheese sandwich for the Trader Joe’s The Great Grilled Cheese Contest! Out of 1,700 entires this was chosen as the grand prize winner. Since Trader Joe’s has an amazing truffle selection, I took inspiration from Parmesan Truffle Fries and created the “Italian Truffle and Bacon Grilled Cheese.“

Ingredients

2 cups Trader Joe's Italian Truffle Cheese (shredded)
4 slices Trader Joe's Tuscan Pane
6 strips Trader Joe's No Sugar Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon
½ cup Trader Joe's Grana Padano Parmesan (grated)
8 Fresh Chives (finely chopped)

Trader Joe’s Black Truffle Butter (this is a seasonal item I store in the freezer) OR Trader Joe’s New Zealand Salted Butter ( softened)
Trader Joe's Himalayan Pink Salt Crystals

1.Heat a frying pan over medium low heat. Cook bacon for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning over frequently. Once cooked, drain excess grease. Then crumble bacon when cool enough to be handled.
2.Heat a clean cast iron skillet over medium-low heat
3.Generously and evenly spread softened butter on bread slices.
4.Mix 2 cups of Italian Truffle Cheese with bacon crumbles and generously place on buttered-side down bread. Finish with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
Place both sandwiches in skillet, cover and cook until bottoms are nicely browned, about 2 minutes. 4.Turn and cook other side evenly.
5.Cut sandwich into 4-6 strips.
Top with grated parmesan cheese, chives, and Himalayan Pink Salt Crystals. Serve Immediately!
Serves 2!