Bacon and Cheese Melts with Garlicky Watercress

Name: Bacon and Cheese Melts with Garlicky Watercress
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 32 thin slices of lean bacon (about 1 1/2 pounds); 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 8 large garlic cloves, sliced 1/8 inch thick; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar; Salt and freshly ground pepper; 8 slices pumpernickel bread (1/3 inch thick); 1/4 pound Comte or Gruyere cheese, thinly sliced; 2 ounces watercress, large stems discarded (4 cups)

Servings: persons

1
Preheat the oven to 400.
2
In a large skillet, cook half of the bacon over moderate heat, turning once, until crisp, about 6 minutes.
3
Drain on paper towels.
4
Repeat with the remaining bacon.
5
In a medium skillet, bring the water and olive oil to a simmer.
6
Add the garlic in an even layer, cover and cook over moderate heat until the water has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
7
Uncover and cook over moderate heat, undisturbed, until the garlic begins to turn golden, about 5 minutes longer.
8
As the garlic colors, transfer it to a plate.
9
Pour 1 tablespoon of the garlic oil into a medium bowl.
10
Whisk in the mustard and vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
11
Arrange the bread on a baking sheet and top each slice with 4 slices of bacon.
12
Cover the bacon with the cheese.
13
Bake for 4 minutes, until the bacon is sizzling and the cheese is melted.
14
Add the watercress and the garlic slices to the dressing in the bowl and toss well.
15
Mound the watercress on 4 of the cheese melts and close the sandwiches; cut in half and serve.

4808

kcal

Calories

353

Fat

Carbs

315

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 32 thin slices of lean bacon (about 1 1/2 pounds), 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 8 large garlic cloves, sliced 1/8 inch thick, and more.

Yes, Bacon and Cheese Melts with Garlicky Watercress falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!