Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe - Deliciously Cheesy and Satisfying

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious and indulgent twist on the classic comfort food. With a variety of cheeses, garlic-mustard butter, and sourdough bread, this recipe takes the traditional grilled cheese to a whole new level of flavor.

History

Grilled cheese sandwiches have been a popular dish for decades, loved by both children and adults alike. The addition of gourmet ingredients like different types of cheese and garlic-mustard butter elevates this simple sandwich to a gourmet level.

Ingredients

4 tbsp of butter
4 tsp of dijon-style mustard
4 tsp of pressed fresh garlic
8 slices of extra-sour sourdough bread, about an inch thick
6 oz (170 g) of fontina cheese
6 oz (170 g) of mozzarella cheese
4 tbsp of shredded parmesan, asiago or pecorino romano cheese
4 tbsp of thinly sliced scallions

How to prepare

Preheat the grill. If you have a grill with a variable temperature control, set it to medium-high (1 or 2 steps below high) or to about 350°F (177°C) to 400°F.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the mustard and garlic. Set aside.
Grate the three different types of cheeses into a small bowl and combine using a fork.
Place 4 slices of sourdough bread on a large plate. Spread 1 tbsp of scallions on each slice. Add a layer of cheese over the scallions, dividing equally among the 4 slices. Place another slice of sourdough on top and brush the garlic-mustard-butter baste on the bread.
Carefully place each sandwich, basted side down, on the grill.
Brush the tops of each sandwich evenly with the remaining garlic-mustard-butter baste.
For a 2-sided contact grill: grill for a total of 3 to 4 minutes. For a hibachi grill, combination grill, or infusion grill: grill for a total of 6 to 8 minutes (3 to 4 minutes on each side). Remove from the grill and serve.

Variations

Add sliced tomatoes or avocado for a fresh twist.
Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor combination.
Add cooked bacon or ham for a heartier sandwich.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use extra-sour sourdough bread for a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.

- Grate the cheese yourself for the best melting and flavor.

- Brushing the bread with garlic-mustard butter adds a delicious depth of flavor to the sandwich.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with a side salad or a cup of tomato soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the sandwiches on a contact grill or hibachi grill gives them a crispy exterior and melty interior.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of bread you prefer, but sourdough works best for its tangy flavor.

- Substitute any cheese you like, but a combination of different cheeses adds depth of flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the garlic-mustard butter and grate the cheese ahead of time to make assembly easier.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the sandwiches into triangles or squares for a fun presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this gourmet grilled cheese sandwich contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this gourmet grilled cheese sandwich contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this gourmet grilled cheese sandwich contains approximately 30 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this gourmet grilled cheese sandwich contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This gourmet grilled cheese sandwich is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

This gourmet grilled cheese sandwich is a rich and indulgent treat, perfect for a special meal or a comforting lunch.

Summary

Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious and indulgent twist on a classic comfort food. With a variety of cheeses, garlic-mustard butter, and sourdough bread, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was many years ago. It was a rainy day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had picked up at a second-hand store. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches caught my eye.

Now, I have always loved grilled cheese sandwiches. There's just something so comforting about the gooey cheese melting between two crispy slices of bread. But this recipe was different. It called for a variety of gourmet cheeses, as well as some unexpected ingredients like caramelized onions and fig jam. It sounded like a delicious twist on a classic dish, and I couldn't wait to try it.

I decided to make the sandwiches for dinner that night. I gathered all the ingredients I needed, including a selection of gourmet cheeses, a loaf of crusty sourdough bread, and some butter for grilling. The recipe also called for fresh thyme and a drizzle of honey, which I thought would add a nice touch of sweetness to the savory sandwich.

As I began to cook, I could already smell the delicious aroma of the caramelized onions wafting through the kitchen. I sliced the bread and spread a generous amount of fig jam on each slice. Then, I layered the cheeses on top – a sharp cheddar, a creamy brie, and a tangy gouda. I topped it all off with the caramelized onions and fresh thyme, before grilling the sandwiches until the cheese was gooey and the bread was crispy.

When I took my first bite of the Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The combination of flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before – the sweetness of the fig jam paired perfectly with the sharpness of the cheddar, while the creamy brie added a luxurious texture to the sandwich. It was a symphony of flavors in my mouth, and I couldn't believe that something so simple could be so delicious.

I made the sandwiches again and again over the years, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. Sometimes I would add a slice of prosciutto for a salty kick, or swap out the fig jam for a spicy pepper jelly. Each time I made the sandwiches, they brought me back to that rainy day when I first discovered the recipe and knew that it was something I had to make.

As the years went by, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about the unique combination of flavors in the Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. It became a staple in my kitchen, a go-to dish for a quick and easy meal that never failed to impress.

To this day, whenever I make the sandwiches, I am transported back to that rainy day when I first saw the recipe in that old cookbook. It reminds me of the joy of discovering something new and delicious, and the satisfaction of creating a dish that brings people together around the table.

And so, the story of how I learned to make Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is a reminder to always be open to trying new things, to be adventurous in the kitchen, and to never underestimate the power of a good meal to bring joy and comfort to those you love.