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Donut Grilled Cheese Bacon Maple

Category: Cozy, Hearty Recipes That Feel Like Home

Experience a unique take on comfort food by layering melty cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon between halves of glazed donuts. A touch of maple syrup amps up the flavor profile, blending sweet, salty, and cheesy in every bite. Grilled until perfectly golden and caramelized, this sandwich offers a deliciously decadent treat for breakfast or lunch. Serve warm for a mouthwatering combo of flavors and textures—oozy cheese, crunchy bacon, and a hint of maple sweetness wrapped in soft glazed donuts.

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A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:52:23 GMT
A stack of bacon and cheese sandwiches. Pin
A stack of bacon and cheese sandwiches. | mellierecipes.com

Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon Maple brings together everything you crave in a single decadent bite. Crispy turkey bacon and sharp melted cheddar are sandwiched between sweet glazed donuts and finished with a drizzle of rich maple syrup. The result is a breakfast or brunch treat so bold and satisfying it turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion.

When I first surprised my family with these on a lazy Saturday morning the laughter and happy groans from that first buttery bite got everyone out of bed instantly. Now it is one of our most requested guilty pleasures.

Ingredients

  • Glazed donuts: Slicing them in half makes the perfect sweet swap for bread Select fresh ones with a thick glaze for the best caramelized edges
  • Cheddar cheese: The tanginess cuts through the sweetness Choose blocks and slice yourself for gooey melt
  • Turkey bacon: Brings a smoky crunch with less grease than regular bacon Look for brands with minimal additives for better flavor
  • Unsalted butter: Essential to crisp and caramelize the donut Stick with real butter for best taste and texture
  • Maple syrup: A drizzle adds deep richness Pure maple syrup is a world apart from pancake syrup and totally worth it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Donuts:
Slice each glazed donut in half horizontally Aim for even thickness for stable sandwiches Set the tops and bottoms aside separately
Assemble the Sandwich:
On the outer sides of each donut half spread a thin even layer of softened butter Layer the bottom half with a slice of cheddar cheese two turkey bacon slices and a gentle drizzle of maple syrup Close with the top half of the donut
Grill the Sandwich:
Heat a non stick skillet or griddle over medium flame Place the sandwiches buttered side down Cook for two to three minutes per side pressing gently with a spatula The cheese should melt and the donuts should toast to a deep golden color
Serve:
Take sandwiches off the heat when the cheese starts oozing slightly Let them cool for one to two minutes so everything stays together Slice in half and dig in while still warm
Bacon and cheese donuts stacked on top of each other. Pin
Bacon and cheese donuts stacked on top of each other. | mellierecipes.com

I am obsessed with the deep maple flavor in every bite Using the good stuff makes all the difference and I still remember my husband’s reaction the first time he took a bite not believing donuts could ever work in a grilled cheese

Storage Tips

These are at their best hot and fresh but you can wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate for one day Reheat in a dry skillet over low heat to restore texture and melt the cheese again

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap turkey bacon for regular bacon or even veggie bacon if you need a meat free option Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a flavor twist Pillowy chocolate frosted donuts also make a decadent swap

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with a simple fruit salad or crispy oven potatoes for a sweet and savory brunch If you like spice add a few jalapeño slices inside before grilling for a grown up version

Bacon and cheese stacked on top of each other. Pin
Bacon and cheese stacked on top of each other. | mellierecipes.com

Cultural Twist

This mashup takes inspiration from Southern traditions of pairing donuts and pork for breakfast Cheddar brings a sharp contrast that keeps the sweetness in check just like in classic biscuits with ham and honey

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, you can substitute regular bacon for turkey bacon if you prefer a richer, more classic flavor.

→ How do I keep the donuts from getting soggy?

Spread a thin layer of butter and grill on medium heat to create a golden, slightly crisp exterior that prevents sogginess.

→ What kind of cheddar works best?

Sharp cheddar delivers bold flavor, but mild or medium cheddar can be used for a milder, creamier melt.

→ Can I make these sandwiches in advance?

They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook bacon ahead and quickly assemble and grill sandwiches when ready to eat.

→ Is there a way to add extra flavor?

Try sprinkling cinnamon into the maple syrup for added warmth, or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

→ Are there gluten-free options?

Look for gluten-free glazed donuts to keep this dish suitable for gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.

Donut Grilled Cheese Bacon Maple

Sweet glazed donuts meet melty cheddar, crisp turkey bacon, and maple for the ultimate flavor fusion.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
10 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
20 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Comfort Food Classics

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 4 Portions (4 individual sandwiches)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Sandwich Components

01 4 glazed donuts, sliced horizontally
02 4 slices cheddar cheese
03 8 slices cooked turkey bacon

→ Finishing Touches

04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
05 2 tablespoons maple syrup

How to Prepare

Step 01

Using a serrated knife, cut each glazed donut in half horizontally to create a top and bottom portion.

Step 02

Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut sides of each donut half. Arrange one slice of cheddar cheese and two slices of cooked turkey bacon onto each bottom half. Drizzle with a small amount of maple syrup. Cover with the remaining donut halves, butter side facing outward.

Step 03

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches buttered-side down on the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the cheese has melted and the donuts are golden brown with a caramelized exterior.

Step 04

Transfer grilled sandwiches to a plate and let cool briefly. Serve warm to enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and creamy flavors.

Extra Tips

  1. For crispier bacon, briefly broil the slices before assembling the sandwiches.
  2. To intensify the flavor, substitute turkey bacon with pork bacon.
  3. A sprinkle of cinnamon stirred into the maple syrup adds an aromatic accent.

Tools Required

  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Serrated knife
  • Spatula

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 450
  • Fat Content: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 42 grams
  • Protein Content: 18 grams