Description
The Triple Cheese Bacon Explosion Sandwich is not for the faint of heart! This over-the-top creation features a woven bacon lattice enveloping a savory ground beef and three-cheese filling, all smoked to perfection. Served on toasted focaccia with your favorite toppings, it’s a guaranteed flavor bomb.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds thick-cut bacon
- 2 pounds high-quality ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 oz mixed cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone), shredded
- 1 loaf sturdy focaccia or ciabatta bread, sliced horizontally
- 2 tablespoons barbecue seasoning rub (your favorite blend)
- Optional Toppings:
- Caramelized onions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Crispy fried onion strings
- Roasted garlic spread
- Fresh crisp lettuce
- Ripe tomato slices
- Tangy pickles
- Smoky barbecue sauce
- Spicy chipotle mayo
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon Weave
Lay out strips of bacon side-by-side on a sheet of parchment paper. Weave additional strips of bacon perpendicularly over and under the laid-out strips to create a tight, uniform weave. Ensure there are minimal gaps. This forms the base of your “explosion.”
Step 2: Season the Ground Beef
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the barbecue seasoning rub. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese
Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone cheeses over the bacon weave. Try to cover the entire surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 4: Add the Ground Beef
Carefully spread the seasoned ground beef over the cheese layer, again ensuring even coverage. Gently press the beef down to create a solid, even layer.
Step 5: Roll and Secure
Carefully begin rolling the bacon weave tightly around the ground beef and cheese filling, using the parchment paper to help you lift and roll. Once fully rolled, secure the “explosion” with butcher’s twine at regular intervals (approximately every 2-3 inches). This will help it maintain its shape during cooking.
Step 6: Smoke the Explosion
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place the bacon explosion directly on the smoker grate. Smoke for approximately 1-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), use a meat thermometer.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Remove the bacon explosion from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product.
Step 8: Toast the Bread (Optional)
While the bacon explosion rests, toast the focaccia or ciabatta bread slices to your desired level of crispness.
Step 9: Assemble the Sandwich
Slice the bacon explosion into thick rounds. Place a slice of the bacon explosion on the bottom half of the toasted bread. Add your desired toppings (caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, pickles, sauces, etc.). Top with the other half of the bread and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and melted cheese creates an explosion of flavor that’s sure to impress.
- Impressive Presentation: The woven bacon lattice makes for a visually stunning centerpiece.
- Customizable: The toppings are completely customizable, allowing you to tailor the sandwich to your personal preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe is ideal for parties, barbecues, or any gathering where you want to make a statement.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a classic barbecue meal.
- Pair with crispy french fries or onion rings.
- Offer a variety of sauces and toppings to allow guests to customize their sandwiches.
- Cut into smaller slices and serve as appetizers.
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the smoker; ensure adequate airflow for even cooking.
- Monitor the internal temperature of the bacon explosion closely to prevent overcooking.
- If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake the bacon explosion in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: 800-1200 (per serving, depending on toppings)
- Protein: 40-60g (per serving)
- Sodium: 800-1500mg (per serving)
Conclusion
The Triple Cheese Bacon Explosion Sandwich is a truly decadent and unforgettable culinary creation. While it requires a bit of effort to prepare, the payoff is well worth it. So gather your ingredients, fire up the smoker, and get ready to experience a flavor explosion like no other!
Questions and Answers
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on your preferences. Pepper jack, Gruyere, or even a smoked Gouda would all be delicious additions.
- What if I don’t have a smoker?
- No problem! You can bake the bacon explosion in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). It won’t have the same smoky flavor, but it will still be delicious.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the bacon explosion ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can save you time on the day of your event.
- How do I prevent the bacon from burning?
- Keep the smoker temperature low and slow (225°F). You can also wrap the bacon explosion in foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning.
- What’s the best way to slice the bacon explosion?
- Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the bacon explosion into thick rounds. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, which will make it easier to slice and more flavorful.
