Raspberry Chipotle Bacon Grilled Cheese - bacon

Method

• Prepare the bacon: Place rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.
• Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on a flat ovenproof rack, then set the rack atop the prepared baking sheet.
• Put it into the oven.
• Bake bacon for 10-15 minutes, until crispy.
• Once cooked, carefully remove the pan from the oven, set bacon between two paper towels and pat dry.
• Cut each slice in half and set aside.
• Preheat a cast-iron skillet to medium low.
• Melt half of the butter in the skillet.
• In a small bowl, gently smash and stir the raspberries, jam, and chipotle powder with the back of a spoon.
• The mixture should remain fairly chunky.
• Assemble the sandwiches (makes 2 sandwiches): For each sandwich, layer one slice of bread with a quarter of the cheddar, a quarter of the berries, four half-slices of bacon (2 full slices), an additional quarter of the berries, then one additional quarter of the cheese.
• Carefully set one loaded bread slice down in the buttered skillet.
• Place one remaining bread slice on top of the stack, then spread half of the remaining butter on the top of the bread.
• Cook slowly until the bread is golden and the cheese is hot and melted, flipping once.
• This will take about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
• (I find it helps to place a lid or another heavy skillet directly over the pan.)
• Repeat cooking the second sandwich.
• Slice and serve immediately.