Creamy Tomato, Bacon and Artichoke Grilled Cheese

I've entered this sandwich into the 2015 Grilled Cheese Academy Recipe Showdown.

I bought a jar of marinated artichokes at Trader Joe's a few months back and I've been hoarding them in my cupboard every since.  I was not about to waste these beauties on anything not worth while.  I didn't feel it was fitting to make spinach and artichoke dip and have no where to take it, then be FORCED to eat it all myself over the course of a week.

So...it sat.

Then April rolled around.  Do you know what April is?  It's National Grilled Cheese Month.  

I know.

A whole month dedicated to one of my favorite sandwiches.  It's like my birthday over and over for 30 days!

And then because I'm on various types of social media daily for my blog, I kept seeing links for the 2015 Grilled Cheese Academy Recipe Showdown, with the Grand Prize being $15,000.

I can dream up a decadent grilled cheese in the hopes of winning $15,000.

Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure everyone and their brother is doing the same thing, so I'm guessing my chances of winning are SUPER low, but a girl can dream right?

I know for a fact that this grilled cheese is top notch.  I had one.  The husband had one.  He promptly said, "Please don't make these again.  Ally, I just can't.  I cannot even know what is in that sandwich. I know it had about 4,000 calories and if you keep making those I'll never stay in shape."

{Me, a bit heartbroken, looking sad}

"Ally it was awesome.  I just can't eat like that every night."

Well, duh!  I don't cook like this every night, but if there is a chance {a slim, slim, not even worth noting} chance of winning $15,000...well, then I'll do it!

And to all those haters thinking they don't like artichokes?  Let me prove you wrong!  This grilled cheese is creamy, salty, buttery and just so, so, so good.  You probably won't even know you're eating them.

I want all my friends to make it, and then report back to me.  Will you do that for me?  Make it and tell me if your husband claimed he could never eat it again for fear he'll gave a few pounds?

Join me!

Creamy Tomato, Bacon  and Artichoke Grilled Cheese

Print this Recipe!

*This is enough for two sandwiches, you will have extra "dip" on hand.  Either make more sandwiches or eat the dip warm with crackers, chips, veggies or warm bread.

4 slices 12-grain, whole wheat bread
sliced tomatoes
4 slices cooked bacon
12 oz. jar marinated artichokes, drained and chopped
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1 T. minced garlic
2 slices fresh buffalo mozzarella
butter

1.  In a bowl combine the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic and artichokes.  Mix to combine.
2.  Heat a skillet to medium heat.
3.  Butter the outsides of the bread.
4.  Layer the sandwich in this order:  Buttered bread, artichoke spread, sliced tomatoes, 2 slices cooked bacon, buffalo mozzarella, another slice of buttered bread.
5.  Cook the sandwich on one side until golden brown and crispy.  Gently flip and cook the other side until cheese is melted and golden brown.  You can place a piece of foil over the skillet to speed up the melting if needed.
6.  Cut into triangles and serve warm.

P.S.  I named this "The Choke" for the contest.  But for obvious reasons I am calling it a "Creamy Tomato, Bacon and Artichoke Grilled Cheese" here on the blog.  I didn't want to confuse my readers {i.e. my mom}.