Hickory Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Onion & Swiss Recipe

Sandwich

1. 1

   Prepare bacon

   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the hickory-smoked bacon slices in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or a wire rack set over the sheet. Bake 12–16 minutes until bacon is crisped to your liking. Remove and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep oven on if you prefer to melt cheese on the bread later.

2. 2

   Prepare onion

   While the bacon cooks, thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-rings (about 1–2 mm thickness). If you prefer a milder bite, place the sliced onion in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon cold water and 1 teaspoon white vinegar for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Otherwise use raw slices.

3. 3

   Prepare avocado spread

   Scoop the avocado flesh from half an avocado into a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth but slightly chunky. Taste and adjust salt or lemon if needed.

4. 4

   Toast and butter bread

   Heat a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Lightly butter one side of each bread slice with the unsalted butter. Place bread butter-side down in the skillet. If you want the Swiss melted, place the Swiss cheese slice on the interior (non-buttered) side of one slice while the bread toasts in the pan. Toast until golden brown (2–3 minutes), then flip the slice without cheese and place on top of the cheese-topped slice so cheese melts between the two pieces. Alternatively, toast both slices and assemble with cheese uncooked.

5. 5

   Assemble sandwich

   On the non-buttered side of one toasted slice spread all of the avocado mixture evenly. Layer the crisp hickory-smoked bacon slices on top of the avocado. Top the bacon with the prepared red onion slices, then place the second slice of bread (cheese side down if melted) on top. Press gently to compress the sandwich.

6. 6

   Finish and serve

   If the cheese isn't fully melted and you want it gooey, return the assembled sandwich to the skillet over low heat, cover loosely with a lid for 1–2 minutes until cheese softens. Transfer sandwich to a cutting board and slice in half on the diagonal. Serve immediately. Suggested accompaniments: dill pickles, kettle chips, or a simple green salad.