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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Candied bacon
Optional finishing
Method
Candied bacon
- 1
Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top if you have one; the rack lets the bacon crisp evenly. If you don’t have a rack, place bacon directly on the foil-lined sheet.
- 2
Coat bacon
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over one side of each bacon slice, pressing lightly so the sugar adheres. Sprinkle the black pepper over the sugared side.
- 3
Bake bacon
Arrange the bacon slices sugared-side up on the rack or foil in a single layer. Bake for 12–18 minutes, depending on thickness, until the sugar has melted and the bacon is browned and crisp at the edges but still slightly pliable (it will firm more as it cools). Watch closely after 12 minutes to avoid burning.
- 4
Assemble & grill sandwich
- 5
Prepare bread
Butter one side of each bread slice with the unsalted butter. Place the buttered sides down on a cutting board or plate.
- 6
Spread peanut butter
Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the unbuttered side of one bread slice. Use about 2 tablespoons for a generous layer.
- 7
Add banana
Peel the banana and slice it into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick rounds. Arrange the banana slices in a single overlapping layer on top of the peanut butter to cover most of the surface.
- 8
Add candied bacon
Lay 2–3 slices of the cooled candied bacon pieces over the banana layer. If bacon pieces are long, you can fold them to fit. Break into smaller pieces if desired so each bite has bacon.
- 9
Optional finish
If desired, drizzle up to 1 teaspoon honey over the bananas and bacon and sprinkle a tiny pinch (about 1/8–1/4 tsp) of sea salt over the peanut butter/banana to enhance contrast.
- 10
Close and grill
Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwich in the pan and press gently with a spatula. Cook 2–3 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and crisp, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until the second side is golden and the peanut butter is warmed. If the bread browns before the filling warms through, lower the heat slightly and cover the pan for 30–60 seconds.
- 11
Rest and serve
Transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Slice in half on the diagonal and serve immediately while warm so the peanut butter is melted and bacon is still slightly crisp.