Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe from Switzerland

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 9 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. This Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich takes the traditional recipe to the next level with the addition of prosciutto, basil, asiago cheese, and heirloom tomatoes. The combination of flavors and textures in this sandwich is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.

History

The grilled cheese sandwich has been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades. It is believed to have originated in the 1920s when sliced bread and cheese became more readily available. The simple yet delicious combination of bread and cheese quickly became a staple in households across the country. Over the years, people have experimented with different types of bread, cheese, and additional ingredients to create unique and flavorful variations of the classic grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients

1 pack of butter
4 slices of Country White sourdough bread, cut diagonally into slices that are 0.33 inches thick (each slice should be about 7 x 3.5 inches)
4 thin slices of prosciutto
8 large fresh basil leaves
8 slices of cheese (colby, colby-Jack cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, or asiago), each slice should be 0.25 inches thick
0.25 tsp of dried crushed red pepper
2 tbsp of olive oil
6 slices of heirloom tomato, each slice should be 0.33 inches thick

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400° F.
Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.
Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on the work surface.
Top each slice with two slices of prosciutto, followed by four basil leaves and four slices of cheese.
Sprinkle with salt and crushed red pepper.
Top with the remaining two bread slices, buttered side up.
Heat olive oil in a heavy, large, ovenproof skillet over moderate-high heat.
Add the sandwiches to the skillet and cook until golden on the bottom, about four minutes.
Turn the sandwiches over, transfer the skillet to the oven, and bake until golden and the cheese melts, about five minutes. Remove from the oven.
Carefully lift off the top bread slices from the sandwiches and insert three tomato slices into each. Then, cover with the bread tops and serve.

Variations

Swap out the prosciutto for bacon or ham for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a unique twist.
Add avocado slices or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a good quality bread that is sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients without falling apart.

- Use a combination of butter and olive oil to achieve a crispy and golden brown crust on the outside of the sandwich.

- Be sure to cook the sandwich on moderate-high heat to ensure that the cheese melts evenly and the bread gets crispy without burning.

- Feel free to customize the sandwich with your favorite ingredients such as different types of cheese, meats, or vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a side of soup or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich is to cook it low and slow. This allows the cheese to melt evenly and the bread to get crispy without burning. Be patient and resist the urge to turn up the heat for a quicker cook time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sourdough bread, you can use any type of bread that you prefer. Feel free to customize the sandwich with your favorite ingredients and make it your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for this Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches just before cooking. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when you want a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich on a wooden cutting board with a side of pickles or chips for a rustic and inviting presentation. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich pairs well with a glass of tomato soup or a crisp green salad. For a more indulgent meal, serve it with a side of fries or onion rings.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich contains approximately 30 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (bread) allergens.

Summary

This Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious and indulgent treat that is high in fats and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

This Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. With a combination of savory prosciutto, fresh basil, creamy asiago cheese, and juicy heirloom tomatoes, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a chilly winter evening, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a picture of a mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich caught my eye. The cheese was oozing out from between two perfectly toasted slices of bread, and I could almost smell the buttery goodness wafting off the page.

I had always loved grilled cheese sandwiches, but this one looked different somehow. It looked like the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. I knew that I had to try making it for myself.

I read through the recipe carefully, taking note of the ingredients and instructions. It seemed simple enough – just bread, cheese, butter, and a hot skillet. But as I read on, I realized that there were a few key tips and tricks that would take this sandwich from good to great.

The recipe called for a mixture of different cheeses – sharp cheddar, creamy havarti, and tangy gouda. It also suggested adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to give the sandwich an extra burst of flavor.

But the real secret, according to the recipe, was in the technique. Instead of just slapping the cheese between two slices of bread and calling it a day, the instructions advised grating the cheese finely and spreading it evenly over the entire slice of bread. This would ensure that every bite of the sandwich would be perfectly cheesy and gooey.

I was eager to put this new knowledge to the test, so the next day I gathered all of the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I grated the cheeses, chopped up some fresh thyme from my herb garden, and buttered two slices of crusty sourdough bread.

I heated up a skillet on the stove, and as soon as it was nice and hot, I placed the first slice of bread, butter side down, into the pan. I sprinkled a generous amount of cheese over the bread, making sure to cover every inch, and then topped it with the second slice of bread, butter side up.

As the sandwich cooked, the cheese began to melt and bubble, creating a delicious aroma that filled the kitchen. I flipped the sandwich over carefully, making sure that both sides were golden brown and crispy.

When the sandwich was done, I removed it from the skillet and cut it in half. The cheese stretched out in gooey strings as I pulled the two halves apart, and I couldn't resist taking a bite right away.

The first bite was pure heaven. The cheese was perfectly melted and gooey, with just the right amount of sharpness from the cheddar and tanginess from the gouda. The fresh thyme added a subtle herbaceous note that complemented the rich cheese perfectly.

I knew that I had stumbled upon something special with this recipe. It became a staple in my kitchen, a go-to comfort food that I would whip up whenever I needed a quick and satisfying meal.

Over the years, I made this ultimate grilled cheese sandwich for friends and family, who all raved about its cheesy goodness. I even passed the recipe on to my own grandchildren, who have now taken up the tradition of making this sandwich for themselves.

And so, this simple recipe that I stumbled upon in an old cookbook has become a beloved family favorite, a reminder of the joy and comfort that good food can bring. It just goes to show that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that come to us unexpectedly, like a gift from the culinary gods.