Ultimate Bacon, Apple and Pear Grilled Cheese

Place bacon in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook, turning every few minutes, until bacon is evenly browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Discard bacon drippings but do not wipe skillet. Return skillet to medium heat. Place cheese in skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until hot and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Transfer cheese to a cutting board to rest, about 1 minute.

While bacon and cheese are cooking, toast bread to desired doneness and stir together mayonnaise, Dijon and thyme in a small bowl. Spread mayonnaise mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread.

Assemble the sandwiches by cutting cooked bacon in half and dividing the slices evenly over two slices of bread. Cut hot cheese in half crosswise and place over bacon. Divide pear and arugula evenly over the cheese. Top with remaining bread slices and serve immediately.