2 hearty slices of good, crusty bread, such as sourdough, 1 – 1 ½” thick
1 Tbsp. melted butter
6 slices Nueske’s® Applewood Smoked Bacon
10 Sun-Maid® California Mission Figs, quartered
8 oz. Gruyere cheese, shredded
Fresh black pepper, to taste

 

Heat oven to 375°F and brush melted butter on bread slices.  Place bread slices on baking sheet and toast until lightly golden-brown, then remove from oven.

Place the bacon slices in a cold frying pan on the stovetop, and bring bacon to medium heat, turning as needed.  Once bacon is just beginning to brown – about one step before it’s at your desired level of doneness, as there will be a bit of further cooking – remove it from the pan and place on paper towel, to drain.

Place half the cheese on each slice of toasted bread and top each open-faced sandwich with 3 slices of bacon and half of the figs.  Return to the oven, at 375°F, until cheese begins to melt, then broil for the final minute.  Serve immediately.