Grilled Cheese Three Ways

Searching for that perfect grilled cheese sandwich?  Here are three ways to make it happen!

Grilled cheese is not just for kids. This “comfort food” is often desired by adults across the country. Many enjoy pairing this easy-to-make culinary delight with a steaming cup of hot, delicious tomato soup. Here are three grilled cheese recipes, beginning with basic gooey grilled cheese and then elevating it by upping the ingredients to create epic recipes.

RECIPE ONE

Standard grilled cheese (plain with American cheese)

Serves two

Ingredients

• 4 slices white bread
• 4 Tbsp. butter, divided
• 4 slices of American cheese*

Directions

Butter four bread slices on one side with approximately 1 Tbsp. butter each. Set them aside. Meanwhile, heat skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread butter-side down in the heated skillet. Immediately top with two slices of cheese, then place a second slice of buttered bread on top of the cheese (butter side up). Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown, and cheese begins to melt. Then, flip sandwich with a spatula. Continue cooking on the other side until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Repeat with remaining bread and cheese to make a second grilled cheese sandwich.

*Can substitute cheddar cheese if desired

Chef tip: To add crunch, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the buttered bread before cooking.

RECIPE TWO

Pesto, sliced tomatoes, & muenster cheese

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough bread (or your favorite bakery bread)
• 4 Tbsp. butter, divided (You may use less butter if desired)
• 4 Tbsp. prepared pesto sauce, divided
• 4 thin tomato slices, divided
• 4 slices muenster cheese, divided

Directions

Butter four bread slices on one side with 1 Tbsp. butter each. Meanwhile, heat skillet over medium-low heat. Brush the reverse sides with 1 Tbsp. pesto, each. Place one slice of bread butter-side down and pesto side up in the heated skillet. Immediately top with two slices of cheese and two tomato slices. Then place a second slice of buttered bread on top of the cheese (butter side up and pesto side down). Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown, and cheese begins to melt. Then, flip sandwich with a spatula. Continue cooking on the other side until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Repeat with remaining bread and cheese to make a second grilled cheese sandwich.

RECIPE THREE

Avocado & tomato & mozzarella cheese

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mashed avocado
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. salt
• 4 slices whole grain bread
• 4 Tbsp. butter, divided
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese, divided
• 4 thin slices of tomato, divided

In a small bowl, mix the avocado with the lemon juice and salt. Set it aside. Butter four bread slices on one side with 1 Tbsp. butter each. Meanwhile, heat skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread butter-side down in the heated skillet. Immediately top with two slices of cheese, two tomato slices, and half of the smashed avocado. Then place a second slice of buttered bread on top of the cheese (butter side up). Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown, and cheese begins to melt. Then, flip sandwich with a spatula. Continue cooking on the other side until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Repeat with remaining bread and cheese to make a second grilled cheese sandwich.

More chef tips: These sandwiches can be made in a grill pan on the stove or with a panini or hot sandwich maker. These recipes pair well with canned or homemade tomato soup.