Grilled Plantain Sandwich with Cheese, Bacon, and Pickles:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Plantains: Start by peeling the plantains. Cut off both ends, and then slice down the side of the peel to remove it. Cut the plantains into halves or thirds, depending on their size, to make slices that are about 1/2 inch thick. If you’re using longer plantains, you may want to slice them into longer pieces that will fit the size of your sandwich.

2. Grill the Plantains: In a skillet or on a grill pan, melt a little butter over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, place the plantain slices in the pan. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the plantains from the pan and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Bacon: In the same skillet or another pan, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy and browned. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain excess grease.

4. Assemble the Sandwich: Now it’s time to assemble your sandwich! Start by placing one slice of grilled plantain on a plate. Layer it with cheese (feel free to use more than one slice if you want extra cheese), followed by a couple of slices of crispy bacon. Add a few pickle slices on top for that perfect tangy crunch.

Place another grilled plantain slice on top, creating a sandwich. If you like, you can spread a little mayonnaise or add a drizzle of hot sauce inside the sandwich for extra flavor.

5. Grill the Sandwich: In the same pan, add a little more butter, and then carefully place the sandwich in the skillet. Grill the sandwich over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the ingredients meld together. This will melt the cheese and create a crispy, golden exterior on the plantain slices.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the sandwich is crispy on both sides and the cheese has melted, remove it from the pan. Cut it in half and serve while hot. This grilled plantain sandwich is the perfect combination of textures and flavors and makes for a fun and delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Sandwich:

1. The Plantains: Plantains are naturally sweet and starchy, making them a great substitute for bread. When grilled, they take on a crispy, caramelized texture that’s impossible to resist.
2. Bacon and Cheese: The savory bacon and gooey cheese balance out the sweetness of the plantain perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying bite every time.
3. Pickles for a Tangy Kick: The pickles add a surprising zing, cutting through the richness of the cheese and bacon, and giving the sandwich that extra pop of flavor.
4. Versatility: You can easily customize this sandwich with different types of cheese, bacon, or even add some greens like lettuce or arugula for freshness.

Tips:

• Use ripe but not overly soft plantains for the best texture. Plantains that are just beginning to turn yellow, with a few dark spots, are perfect for grilling.
• You can also add other toppings like avocado slices, a fried egg, or a dash of hot sauce for a personal twist.
• If you’re short on time, you can skip grilling the plantains and use them in their natural state for a more quick and light sandwich.

Conclusion:

This Grilled Plantain Sandwich with Cheese, Bacon, and Pickles offers a delicious fusion of flavors that will quickly become a favorite. It’s a great option for anyone looking to try something new while enjoying the familiar comfort of a grilled sandwich. The combination of crispy, sweet plantains, salty bacon, melty cheese, and tangy pickles is simply irresistible!