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Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon Maple

A wild and delicious twist on grilled cheese—this Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon Maple layers crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and rich maple syrup between sweet glazed donuts. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s the ultimate brunch indulgence that combines sweet, salty, gooey, and crispy in every single bite.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Breakfast
Calories: 490
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 glazed donuts halved like sandwich buns
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for griddle
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup plus more for serving

Method
 

  1. Prep the bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  2. Slice and prep donuts: Cut donuts horizontally like sandwich buns.
  3. Assemble the sandwich: On the bottom half of each donut, layer 1 slice of cheddar, 2 slices of bacon, a light drizzle of maple syrup, and another slice of cheddar. Top with the other donut half.
  4. Grill it up: Heat butter in a skillet or griddle over medium-low. Place the sandwiches in the pan, pressing slightly. Grill each side for 2–3 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
  5. Serve immediately: Slice in half and serve with an extra drizzle of maple syrup on top or on the side.

Notes

Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon Maple – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Use day-old glazed donuts for the best texture — they’re slightly firmer and easier to slice cleanly.
Slice the donuts in half horizontally to create the “bun” for your sandwich. A serrated knife works best to avoid squishing.
Grill on medium-low heat to melt the cheese slowly without burning the donut glaze. Use a nonstick skillet or griddle for easy flipping.
Press gently with a spatula while cooking to encourage even browning and gooey cheese melt.
Try sharp cheddar or aged gouda for a bold contrast to the sweetness of the donut and maple.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of scrambled eggs or breakfast potatoes for a full brunch plate.
Add a small dish of spicy maple syrup or hot honey for dipping.
Perfect alongside a cold brew coffee, espresso, or even a bourbon-spiked brunch cocktail.
Cut into halves or quarters for a stunning party brunch bite or appetizer tray.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the bacon and prep your cheese slices the night before to make assembly quick.
If prepping in advance, assemble but don’t grill — wrap the ungrilled sandwiches in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 12 hours.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Toast in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving — it makes the donut soggy.
Tasty Variations to Try
Savory-Sweet Twist: Use a cheddar-stuffed apple fritter instead of a glazed donut for autumn brunch vibes.
Spicy Kick: Add a swipe of sriracha mayo or thinly sliced jalapeños inside before grilling.
Protein Boost: Layer in a fried egg or swap bacon for crispy sausage patties.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add a smear of fig jam and extra melty cheese for sweet-savory balance.
Mini Versions: Use mini donuts for party sliders — super fun and kid-friendly!