BBQ Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

I don't know many folks that don't like barbeque. My family and I eat barbeque year round. It's not uncommon for me to be found in the backyard in the dead of winter grilling or smoking a nice cut of meat. Luckily, with this recipe, you don't have to be outside to make it. Here's all you need to make these kicked up sandwiches:

Photo byamanda

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbl rendered bacon fat *
• 1 small red onion, sliced thin, and rounds cut in half
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup BBQ sauce *
• 12 slices mellow flavored melting cheese (Mozzarella, provolone, havarti, etc)
• 12 slices Texas Toast bread *
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1-2 tsp garlic paste
• 2 tsp parsley (fresh or dried)

First, prepare the garlic butter by combining butter, garlic paste, and parsley and melting in a microwave safe bowl. Stir or whisk to combine, then cool in the refrigerator for later.

Next, melt rendered bacon fat in a large skillet over medium heat, then add sliced onions and cook until soft. Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn (about 30 seconds). Add the shredded or diced chicken, smoked paprika, and BBQ sauce. Stir to mix well and cook to heat through for about 4 minutes.

Remove butter from fridge, which should be at least in a semi- solid state. Spread a thin layer of garlic butter over one side of each slice of bread.

In another large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat, place bread, buttered side down to brown. Add sliced cheese, then top with shredded chicken and more cheese if desired. Top with second slice of bread, ensuring the buttered side is facing out. Carfully flip to brown on the other side and melt cheese.

Serve and enjoy!!

*Notes:

You can use butter or olive oil in place of the rendered bacon fat, but I figure if I'm going out... I'm going all the way! Rendered bacon fat adds a really nice layer of smokiness that we love, but your kitchen, your rules. :)

For the BBQ sauce, we tend to like the sweeter, molasses- style sauces, but you do what your family likes. It'll still be great!

You do not HAVE to use Texas Toast, we just like it since it's thick and can stand up to the filling well. Sourdough, regular sandwich breads work well (provided they arne't too pillowy), and some brioche has worked well also. You can also cut a corner and go straight to the garlic flavored Texas Toast instead of buttering your own.