 August 9th, 2010
09:00 AM ET
Read part two - grilled cheese and grape jelly We're on a bit of a grilled cheese kick at Eatocracy HQ. This weekend, our boss took to the streets of Atlanta in search of the finest specimen the city had to offer, and unsated, her mission continues. Back in the Northeast, staff loyalties are split between New York City's Bouchon Bakery, with the above pictured grilled fontina & gruyère cheese on pain au lait (fancy!) and Sharon Springs, New York's Black Cat Cafe, boasting a Wild Julia with lashings of Frank's Red Hot sauce and crunchy pepita seeds (zesty!). No one's saying it's got to get that fussy. Some deeply fond childhood memories entail plastic-swaddled Kraft singles, Wonder bread and a hot skillet, then morph to dorm rooms reeking of bread scorched with tell-tale steam iron vents. There are very few bad grilled cheese sandwiches (though if there are, we'd love to hear), but there's no reason why we can't pursue perfection. Here's where you come in. Share your favorite venues, as well as at-home tweaks and tricks, and together, we shall build a superior andwich. We'll share the best ones in an upcoming feature, along with pro tips from Laura Werlin, the woman who wrote the definitive book on what makes grilled cheese so goshdarned great. Say cheese! |
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Yes there should realize the opportunity to RSS commentary, quite simply, CMS is another on the blog.
Grilled Cheese is best when you butter both the inside and the outside of the bread, then when you've made the sandwich you dip it in syrup! (yes maple syrup)
Love the way my Mommy made 'em way back when...Velveeta, white bread, Blue Bonnet margarine. Almost always served with tomato soup. My way now, is if I have fontina and gruyere on hand, it has to have heavy whole grain bread. Real butter. When I make Velveeta ones, it has to be sourdough or buttermilk bread. I toast the bread lightly first(this makes them extra crisp). Then again, real butter, grilled in a cast iron skillet.
Have you guys tried THE AMERICAN Grilled Cheese Kitchen in San Francisco? Their Mushroom Gruyere sandwich is to die for. In fact...it's my favorite guilty pleasure....fontina, gruyère, roasted wild mushrooms + gold potatoes, melted leeks, caramelized onions, thyme butter. And their breakfast menu drives me crazy – they use a fresh over-easy fried egg in every sandwich. Try the breakfast piglet: sharp cheddar, ham, egg, apple mustard, rosemary butter. http://theamericansf.com/
My Favorite grilled Cheeser was from a Cafe called "cafe del Sol".
It's Out of business now. But, OMG, they had something Special!
Fresh sour dough french bread, olive oiled and grilled; Flip the french bread, place mayo, dungeness
crab, thai basil, swiss, smoked gouda, and grated cheddar..placed under the broiler for two minutes. OMG!
Best grilled cheese ever is at Cafe Brazil in the north Dallas area. Asiago, Monterey, Cheddar, Feta, and Avocado.
The Glastonbury Coffee Shop in Glastobury, Connecticut!!! Best and butteriest grilled cheese ever!
White bread, buttered. Medium sharp cheddar, slowly grilled for that nice all-over browning. Plain potato chips sandwiched (forgive the pun) inbetween slices AFTER grilling the sandwhich is delicious. Also, I've fried Bacon Spam and slipped it inbetween the slices of bread, along with bacon. Greasy, but really good! The bacon provides a nice crisp, and the Spam is more filling than just the normal thin ol' grilled cheese. Want one now just thinking about it...
I love making grilled cheese. Some tips to making a good or interesting one:
1. The biggest reason I put butter on the bread is to give the cheese time to melt before the bread burns. The rich taste is a nice side benefit.
2. As gross as it is, I love American cheese for grilled cheese. Nothing quite melts as nicely or evenly as American cheese. Maybe that's because plastic isn't often used as food!
3. For a more interesting one with real cheeses, I use cheddar and bit of feta. The feta adds a nice bite and soaks up a good portion of the grease from the cheddar.
4. I put a tiny, tiny sprinkle of garlic powder on the outside of the bread. Not enough to be garlic bread, but enough to barely taste it. Really nice flavor.
For my grilled sheese sandwich, I like to put well cooked smoked bacon broken up into bits and then add ketchup right inside the sandwich and cook it all together. Exellent with a medium Cheddar cheese.. for a little extra zest, add Montery Jack to it! YUM! I just got hungry thinking about ti!
Using mayo instead of butter and then sprinkling ground parmesan cheese on the outside is the best. In the sandwich ill use sharp cheddar and american, and sometimes add a couple strips of bacon.
I use a home made pimiento cheese spread on, preferably on a good baguette sliced diagonally or ciabata. I make the pimiento with the sharpest cheddar I can find. (If I can find it I use a raw milk cheddar.) I can find. Usually if I have to buy it at the local chain I use Cabot's extra sharp. Throw some cheese, pimientos (Roland if available) and mayo (in the south I use Dukes) into the blender and spin it to the desired texture. Some people like it smooth and creamy, others kind of chunky. Every now and then I add green chiles for a bit of heat. I like to a thin coating of mayo on the outside of both slices a bit of butter in the pan. The combo of the mayo flavor and butter on toasty exterior with the bite of the sharp cheese and the sweetness of the peppers is perfect for a cold day.
Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood, OH is the greatest grilled cheese sandwich restaurant on earth, hands down. The Porky Cheese with added caramel port onions on top is dreamy.
I tried the mayo thing last night- used Kraft Hot and Spicy on whole grain white bread w/good ol' American Cheese. Yumaroo..thanks to all who suggested it. Never would have thought to use mayo before!
Best venue for grilled cheese? No contest, it's Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood Ohio. Lots of choices from simple cheeses to lake Erie Perch, Tokyo Tuna, Veggie and the famed "Parmageddon" (pierrogies, sauerkraut between slices of bread). There is no equal.
My stomach is growling! All these variations sound amazing. I personally love cutting two thin slices of sourdough, butter only one side, and arrange creamy brie on it. It's amazingly gooey and wonderfully crispy all at the same time. Mmmmmmmmmmm........
The boss should come to Melt Bar & Grilled in Cleveland – Get tatted and get discounted grilled cheese for life! (http://www.meltbarandgrilled.com/)
Best grilled cheese ever: Two slightly buttered pieces of texas toast style bread, 4 slices of bacon, a handfull of halved sauteed asparagus, and asiago cheese. YUM!
I haven't seen my favorite trick of butter and dried Parmesan on the outside of thick sour dough bread (think Marie Calendar's Frisco Burger). Filled with ultra thin red onion and tomato slices and both sharp cheddar and Jack.
Cinnamon Raisin bread, sharp cheddar, and slices of granny smith apples. Sweet and salty and delicious!
Sara Lee ® Delightful 100% Multi-grain Bread, buttered on one side, melted butter in skillet...put bread, buttered side up in melted butter in skillet let butter soak in and slightly brown bread, turn over and add to one slice of bread Borden's Sharp, one slice Mozzarella and then another slice of Borden's Sharp, top with other slice of bread, brown, flip and cook until browned and melty... cut in half corner to corner... serve with French's mustard (squirt some on the plate to dip the sandwich in bite at a time) or... if it's cold out serve with tomato soup made with one can tomato soup, one small can (approx 6 oz) V-8 juice (can use spicy v-8) and 1/4 can of milk.
Sounds like someone mentioned Melt on a social networking site and every follower has decided to spam this thread.
you're correct in that Melt posted this article on their facebook page, but i'm not sure you can call it spam. we all REALLY love their grilled cheese, and if you haven't had them you wouldn't understand. the author asked for favorite venues and the article's link happened to be posted to 25,000 people (via facebook) who have a definite opinion on the topic. i assure you the sentiment is genuine.
A slice of Vidalia onion and some Double Glouchester cheese between white bread. Doesn't get any tastier.
By far the best you'll ever have is at Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood, Ohio; just west of Cleveland. Gourmet grilled goodness in a huge variety of offerings. My two top favorites would be the grilled chicken with provelone and grilled peppers, and the Godfather...LASAGNA on grilled garlic cheese bread! Not to mention over 150 beers available...awesomeness throughout the whole menu.
I paid $7 US for a Croque Monsieur in '89, St. Malo, France, home of Jacques Cartier. It was le grand rip-off.
MELT BAR & GRILLED in Lakewood, OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the absolute most unbelievably godly grilled cheeses. will put all others to shame, garunteed. You havent seen a grilled cheese till youve been to melt. Dont believe me? Just check out food network channel
The best grilled cheese I ever had was at my high school. Plain white bread, government american cheese and buttered outsides. What made it special – It was a double decker. Bread, cheese, bread, cheese and bread. The best. They probably broiled them but it didn't matter. At home I use either white or seeded rye and Kraft white or yellow American Cheese, not cheese food. At least two or three slices soft butter and grilled gently for crispy outside and melty inside. Maybe served with tomato soup or vegtable beef soup (there are many of us who do not like tomatos) for the perfect winter lunch.
12 grain bread
pepper jack cheese
sliced tomato
sliced avocado
butter on the griddle – this is a mighty fine sammich!
wow- that photo of the grilled cheese sammie looks incredible!! Nice work!
Grilled cheese is the stuff, but one place I am going to avoid like the plague is Melt Bar and Grilled. The owner is schizophrenic and really annoying.
I say other cause, when I make mine I use a sandwich maker and butter only the inside. Then slap it on there and the bread toasts itself.
My grandma made the best grilled cheese. That was just your basic, buttery white bread with American cheese, made amazing with love.
Now if I want great grilled cheese, I head to Melt on the east or wesst side of Cleveland, OH. Nothing basic about what they serve though. They put things on grilled cheese I would never have thought of combining, but they taste astounding!
Rosetta's in Asheville makes a killer grilled cheese, add sprouts and onions and dip in sriracha!
Believe it or not, the Navy made it. The chow hall at NAS Agana, Guam. I used to have 2 grilled cheese every single day for lunch.
butter on outside of bread only
Panera sourdough bread
one slice sharp cheddar
sprinkled shredded motzarella
outside of breaded dusted with Parmesan cheese
my husband makes this for me whenever I am sick, it is the ultimate!!!
I use whole grain spelt bread, two slices of Havarti with one slice of Colby-Jack in between. I butter the outsides of the bread but I will try the mayo version. Softening the butter to spread it is a hassle, and the mayo idea sounds great. I also make a homemade tomato soup. Childhood version seems pretty standard across the board, white bread, Velveeta cheese, and Campbell's tomato soup. Everyone's ideas sound great so I will probably print out the comments and give them a try.
Melt Bar and Grilled east side Cleveland. I haven't been to the west side one but, how can you even compete with a bar that's specialty is grilled cheese?!! Never had anything like that in my life! Try the Municipal Stadium Magic, brings back memories of going to Browns and Indians games when I was little. Oh and the beers on tap is atleast 20 deep.
Grownup Grilled Cheese @ JCT Kitchen in Midtown Atlanta. One word: yum!
I like butter on grilled cheese, but what I really love is cheddar on potato bread grilled with olive oil.
Melt Bar and Grilled, Lakewood Ohio. Best grilled cheese ever. Nobody can beat it.
Mom's is the best with tomato soup(made with milk)!
Hey I was just at 'The Melt' in Cleveland. Awesome grilled cheese sandwiches, great beer on tap, and fun people. Check it out!
Laura, I TOTALLY agree! MELT is the BEST grilled cheese. Who knew there were so many variations possible? I live two hours away, and specifically plan trips to Cleveland just to eat lunch there!.
One word. MELT in Lakewood, Ohio....check out the menu...it will totally blow your mind.
The best grilled cheese is just a ride down to lakewood,oh. The greatest grilled cheeses on earth are at Melt!!!!
http://www.meltbarandgrilled.com/
Melt Bar and Grilled has the best grilled cheese sandwiches! One of our all-time favorite restaurants. Good enough to tattoo yourself for. If you are in the Cleveland, Oh area you need to check them out!
MELT Bar and grilled in OHIO!!!!! Best grilled cheeses ever!!! My favorites– the mighty macaroni melt and the parmageddon (perogis and cheese in between two giant slices of bread). Delicious and well worth the wait. One of my favorite restaurants
agreed metl bar and grill lakewood ohio.. chorizo and potato best grilled cheese ever....
Actually not. Check their Facebook page, they have over 24,000 followers. Nice try though :)
LOL.. It seems that the owner of "Melt" discovered they can keep posting under different names....
Actually, not true...Melt has quite the cult following in Cleveland and Clevelanders like to support our local talent. Melt is absolutely incredible.
Melt Bar and Grilled in Cleveland, OH. No question the best grilled cheese in the WORLD!
Melt Bar and Grilled in Cleveland, OH is the best grilled cheese sandwich I have ever had. I am from Pittsburgh, PA and we vow to hate all things about Cleveland but it is impossible to hate anything about Melt. I gladly drive 2+ hours one way to get a Wake n Bacon and some of their amazing tomato soup. If you are within 200 miles of Cleveland you SHOULD drive to Melt and get one of their amazing sandwiches. Oh, and before you say you are vegan and don't eat dairy....Melt has your number too. They have multiple vegan and vegetarian options. So everyone, carnivore and otherwise should go.
MELT IN LAKEWOOD HAS THE BEST GRILLED CHEESE YOU WILL EVER TASTE. END OF DISCUSSION.
Melt Bar and Grilled in Cleveland, OH, for sure!!! Amazing thick, buttery bread, and a HUGE selection of cheeses and toppings. Pretty awesome variety of good beers on tap, too! DEFINITELY worth the long wait.
The Melt in Lakewood, Ohio has the best grilled cheeses!! Everything you could possibly think of and more
MELT Bar and Grilled in Cleveland is the most spectacular grilled cheese i've ever had. they take sandwiches to a whole new level. go to MELT and get ready to live.
I love Melt Bar & Grilled in Ohio. Delish with a side of tomato soup!
Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood (and now Cleveland Heights) is just about as good as it gets when it comes to variations on grilled cheese. My favorite is the Winter Chicken- grilled chicken, honey tomato chipotle sauce and pepper-jack , while my husbands favorite is the Municipal Stadium Magic- jumbo bratwurst, fresh napa vodka kraut, grilled peppers, and american cheese. We usually call in a pick up order (wait is about an hour) but it is so so worth it! How else could you explain people getting their logo tattooed? It really is THAT good. Oh, and Melt has been featured on both Diner, Drive Ins and Dives and Man vs Food! <3
( http://www.meltbarandgrilled.com )
MELT BAR AND GRILLED in cleveland!!!!!!!!!
MELT Bar and Grilled in Lakewood and Cleveland Heights, OH FTW!!! Best grilled cheese sandwiches ever. Who can beat the Parmageddon – - grilled cheese stuffed with pierogi! OMG!! http://www.meltbarandgrilled.com
There is no better place for a grilled cheese than Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood and Cleveland Heights, Ohio. From the basic sandwich - known as the Kindergarten - to much larger and more creative ones, Melt is fantastic. I had a group of friends come in from out of state (one flying in from Washington, D.C.) in January simply to go to Melt. We waited three hours for a table and it was worth it. My favorites include the Smokey Russian and the Tokyo Tuna Melt.
OMG! Melt Bar and Grilled. Phenomenal. I had the Big Popper last week. Amazing. Fresh jalapeno peppers, cheddar & herbed cream cheese, beer battered, mixed berry preserves to dip in. And the entire sandwich is fried. Total artery clogger, but so freaking good.
Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood (and now also Cleveland Hts) Ohio!
Always creative! Always innovative! Monthly specials that always bring something new to the table and a menu filled with so many favorites its always a tough decision. If you love cheese (and lord knows I certainly do), there's no better place to spend an evening out. And its not just the grilled cheese that's worth the visit. The soup specials amaze me every time I go, and the vegetables are done to perfection. Melt made me fall in love with brussels sprouts! I had hated them since childhood! Whatever you can think to do with a grilled cheese, chances are, they've done it. Melt Bar and Grilled is incomparable!
No no, no butter–canola oil margarine. Coat both sides of the wheat bread. Sliced American Cheese please...two slices, thanks. No margarine in the pan, or butter or oil, either. Fry until well-browned. Serve with Campbell's Cream of Tomato soup. Eat while watching cartoons. (Cheddar cheese is the King of Cheeses, but my sammich must have American)
Melt in Lakewood, OH. The whole concept of the restaurant is different types of grilled cheese. Every sandwich there is absolute heaven :)
http://www.meltbarandgrilled.com
Melt Bar & Grilled, in Ohio. (Lakewood and Cleveland Heights locations) ( http://www.meltbarandgrilled.com )
Think of ANYTHING you'd put on a grilled cheese sandwich, and it's on their menu. If it's not, I'm sure it will be added soon. My favorite is their Westside Monte Cristo. So good, glad I don't count calories though.
They also have a loyal following - considering there's about 150+ people that have their logo TATTOO'ED on their bodies!! (No joke, a melt tattoo gets you 25% off for life.) You know it's seriously good food when people are willing to get a grilled cheese logo tattoo'ed on themselves.
Melt Bar & Grilled in Lakewood and Cleveland is by far the BEST place for a grilled cheese. I call it "grilled cheese on steroids" and that's an understatement. YUM YUM YUM!!!!
Melt Bar & Grilled, in Lakewood and Cleveland Heights, OH! So many new and interesting ways of eating grilled cheese! I was just at the Lakewood one again on Saturday! Lots of food, amazing service and where else can you get 25% off for life if you get a tattoo of a grilled cheese?!?!? The sandwich if the month (The Guitar Gyro) is simple delecious! = D I reccommend to anyone who is around the Cleveland area!!
Cracker Box – Carson City, NV
Grilled cheese with green chilis, tomato and bacon. Don't forget the side of "spuds" with some of their homemade salsa on top. Can't beat it.
Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood Ohio has the most AMAZING varieties of grilled cheese! So many varieties and cool gourmet sandwich ideas. They even cater to vegans and lactose intolerant folks by having a diary free cheese option. It's the kind of place that is cool and hip, but gives you that down home comfort-food feeling!
MELT Bar and Grilled in Lakewood, Ohio! No need to say anything else.
Melt Bar & Grilled (http://www.meltbarandgrilled.com) was an absolute treat during my last visit to Cleveland, OH. The atmosphere is fun (I went to the newer Cleveland Hts location), the service was friendly (and "colorful – lots of ink!), the beer list was extensive, and the food was phenomenal. My rookie effort had me devouring the Mushroom Melt, and it was fantastic. I've never had better caramelized onions – EVER. Two points to consider...1) you'll get a LOT of food for a very reasonable price, and 2) there's always a wait, and it's a bit legendary. So, be prepared to sit or stand around for a bit. The food is worth it though!
MELT BAR AND GRILLED in Lakewood Oh is the best EVAHHH!!!!!!!! - So many variations, super creative use of local faves...an UNforgettable grilled cheese.
Mmm... grilled cheese with muenster! Another fave, peanut butter and swiss cheese, grilled. I'm serious – try it sometime!! Delicious!
I am a grilled cheese fanatic. I had a website but it crashed. I keep it simple with white bread and American cheese but it's sooooo good. Another really good variation, tuna mixed with mayonaise on white bread with American or provolone. Try it. You'll never regret it.
I echo the support of Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood (and Cleveland Heights), Ohio. The Cleveland suburb joints focus on nothing but the grilled cheese. Thick, dense bread grilled to a perfect buttery crisp, and all number of cheeses and other stuffings are available for the inside... My favorite is the chorizo and potato. It's amazing.
My wife revolutionized grilled cheese for me when she told me her secret to making her amazing grilled cheese. Forget the butter. Use good melty cheese in the middle and use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread. It's bliss.
My son's GCS is Colby-Jack on fresh sourdough bread, on a buttered griddle...simple, and just about perfect.
Stop it. It is 10am on a Monday and I already need to leave for my lunch break for a grilled cheese sandwich. I have eaten so many grilled cheese sandwiches (fondly referred to as GCSs) my blood type in now cheddar! The GCS is hands down the greatest achievement of man, with penicillin and the monkey wrench a coming in a close second.
Here is my favorite recipe I make at home:
Sourdough bread – Good quality (not supermarket variety, but bakery), larger size buttered on the outside with real unsalted butter
Inside –
The Cheese: Hooks 10 yr old sharp cheddar. This stuff is amazing, with the little crystals. Jalapeno jack, buffalo mozzarella or a nice Brie comes in second, but a far second.
The spread: Home made Basil sauce- Fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt mixed in a food processor (Pretty much pesto with no nuts).
tomatoes: Have to fresh of the vine tomatoes. Best in summer of course. Sliced thin and in quarters so when you cant refrain from biting into the sandwich too early you can actually bite through the tomato and hopefully save some of your taste buds from scorching off from the molter cheese and scalding tomatos.
Cooked golden brown and crispy.
Served with a hot bowl of tomato soup or maybe some jalapeno kettle chip (or whatever chip you are in the mood for)
Lunch time... at 10 am. Thanks guys
Best way to make a grilled cheese...NO BUTTER...use a George Forman grill, takes only a few minutes and NO BUTTER!!!
I grew up in the Piedmont region of South Carolina. No matter where you went to eat, grilled cheese sandwiches were about the same. White bread buttered on the outside and a slice of American cheese on the inside, grilled to perfection. The cook would mash down on the sandwich with a spatula after flipping the sandwich over. The sandwich was cut in half diagonally with a few dill pickle chips on top of each half. The halves were separated on a plate with a serving of potato chips in the middle. A fountain Coke and a few napkins would top off this inexpensive meal at the local grills and lunch counters. Of course I always have to prepare and serve them the same way here at home.
Anyone remember Cheese Frenchees from King's Food Host restaurants? White bread with crusts cut off, mayo and American slices on the inside, dipped in egg wash and some type of crumbs (saltine crackers maybe?) then deep fat fried. Yum!
Growing up I would butter one side of each slice of bread and lay them butter-side down on a cookie sheet. A slice of Kraft american cheese on each slice and they would be broiled in the oven until the cheese would bubble and slightly brown around the edges. Campbell's tomato soup wasn't always in the picture but made the experience all the much better when it was. Alas, I am currently in the process of trying to achieve some fitness goals and it is no longer on the menu. It is a pleasant memory though.
I just discoverd spreadable Feta works great. Light spread of mayo on both outside bread pieces (white seems to delicate for the feta). I like to use m mayo made with olive oil.
Spread thin/mod layers of feta on both sides of the inside, spinkle some chives, add ripe fresh tomato, grill, flip, grill and eat. Delicious. Sometimes I throw in european cukes after grilling (throw in on for the crunch, don't like them heated) really quick before bread sets up, and then eat with abandon.
Spreadable Feta made by "President" found in cheese deli section usually.
Little butter melted in the pab, put
Bad Grilled cheese sandwiches can be found in Bristol TN (lettuce and/or tomato on it!)
and Tupelo MS, can't remember why but never found a good one, some were just toasted cheese sandwiches.
I use Country White bread, Fleischmann's on the outside, slather Grey Poupon on one slice inside, add eight thin slices of Monterey Jack.
My favorite is a grilled cheese filled with corndog, bacon and onions!
http://sepple.com/blog2/
Roasted Garlic bread – with the whole cloves in the bread, Bacon Gouda cheese.
Perfect sammy!
OH and who could forget the fried bologna and american cheese sandwich? fry the bologna separate in a pan, then place on the grilled cheese while cooking. De-lish.
Cafe Brazil in Dallas, TX
Hooters actually has a really fabulous grilled cheese. I believe it's made with texas toast and 4 or 5 different types of cheeses. Yummmmmmm.
I also love to do the 'Italian' variation of grilled cheese.... mozz cheeze, pepperoni (or other 'toppings') grilled on white or italian bread. Once grilled, dip in marinara or any type of pasta sauce. Also Yummmmmmmmm.
Hooters does not serve "food" as people who enjoy eating understand the use of either term. "Food" or "enjoy." Cheap beer and the waitstaff are what Hooters is known for. IMNSHO. Zardoz has spoken.
I concur with that. Hooters grilled cheese is excellent with their side of curly fries. Just like people don't believe anyone reads Playboy for the articles, it may be hard to believe, but some people go there for the great wings and other food items.
Has anyone ever tried the "Gourmet Hot Dog platter". Comes with a bottle of Dom P for about $200. Not sure if they have it in every location, but I've seen it in NYC.
cheese on toast, white bread, toasted, buttered, Kraft American Singles, put under the broiler till the cheese is a lightly toasted bubble, best comfort food ever! a side of Campbells Tomato Soup completes it.
off to the store for fixen's
great article!
Toasted Cheese on Toast, aka the Open-Faced Grilled Cheese Sandwich! Brilliant!
Best grilled cheese... other when my husband makes it with tomato soup as a comfort food, is a restaurant in Lakewood Ohio known as Melt Bar and Grilled. AWESOME place.
White or wheat bread, buttered on the outside with garlic salt on each buttered side. American and provolone cheese. Serve with potato chips or tomato soup. Delicious!
My favorite is butter on the outside, Miracle Whip on the inside of the bread. Not every sandwich mind you, but every once in a while the "zip" is right on the money...but I love grilled cheese in almost every fashion.
Best- Cotswold cheese (English double Gloucester w/ chives) and smoked ham from Otto's on good french bread- butter on outside. That said- the TRUE grilled cheese for when you're sick or the world is spiralling down is , dare I write it? Velveta on wonder bread with yellow mustard and a bowl of chicken noodle soup. The wonders of mom and Pre fab food in the early 60s to make the world all better!
Homemade honey oatmeal bread with butter on the outside, sharp cheddar cheese inside and grilled to perfection. Must be topped with real maple syrup not the fake stuff made with corn syrup and dipped in tomato soup that is made with milk instead of water.
Red Robin here in NC has a great grilled cheese. My toddler loves the grilled cheese I make at home, when had one at Red Robin she was so excited. She couldn't stop laughing and cheering. Of course I had to taste it, and it was great! Extra cheese does the trick, and of course, butter on both sides.
No butter, we use olive oil and we use on both sides of the bread, then add provolone slices and a slice of tomato or two... super yummy.
I agree with the olive oil, but a way to keep it even lighter – with the same great taste – is to use an olive oil or canola spritzer, or even just a no-stick spray. Of course, I usually kill any kind of benefit this technique may give by adding an overeasy fried egg on top.
Thinly sliced tomato, placed between two slices of Kraft plastic wrapped American cheese, on bread (white or wheat) with real butter on the bread sides that will be grilled. It's a nice change, but I still prefer my grilled cheese plain.
Must have a good cheese to start with. To add a little something extra, I'll sprinkle parmesan cheese on the buttered side (grilling side) of the bread. To achieve the right balance of melted cheese and golden brown perfection, I use my cast iron griddle and grill mine low and slow!
Though butter is a fine spread to use for ensuring a golden brown grilled cheese, I prefer using olive oil instead. It allows the grilled cheese to have a near deep fried taste & provides the health benefits of the olive oil. Mmmm....think I may need to make one tonight at dinner!
One of the best things I've learned to do with a grilled cheese sandwich is something I learned from my girlfriend's mother when I was a kid. Spread a bit of sweet relish on the inside of the sandwich. It gives the sandwich a bit of tanginess and a GREAT flavor!
#1 favorite: Bleu cheese on thick-cut sourdough, spritz the outside with olive oil from a oil 'sprayer',
#2: swiss cheese on jewish rye (the one with the little seeds in it), butter the outsides with garlic butter.
#3: aged sharp chedder and few little slivers of roasted scotch bonnet peppers on jamacian hardough bread, outsided buttered.
Melt in Lakewood & now Beachwood, OH!!
They use a super thick cut bread, they have a ton of options everything from creamy local goat cheese to classic american, fresh lake erie perch to ham & turkey, truely something for everyone!! They also have an awesome beer selection, Strongbow on tap, yummy.
They have been featured on "Man vs. Food" and "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives".
Sour Dough Bread, Crispy Bacon, White Extra Sharp Cheddar, Provolone, and Honey Crisp Apples. They are so good I always eat two, and feel sick afterwards! But its worth it!
"Here's where you come in. Share your favorite venues, as well as at-home tweaks and tricks, and together, we shall build a superior andwich."
You mean "sandwich," with an s? The comma after "together" is also unnecessary, and the clause before it would be better set apart by em-dashes, not commas.
All of that is to say that if you need a copy editor, I'm on the job market. (No, seriously.)
While "regular" grilled cheese is always great...
My new fave is Oatmeal bread by Pepperidge Farms, Thousand Island dressing instead of mayo,
Swiss cheese, several slices, butter on outside of bread and in pan.
Medium heat and use a lid to kinda steam it.
I didn't think I would like it at first but its wonderful!!!!
Best ever...really ever...???
Spring Street Cafe – Sylva, NC
It's on the Kids' menu – go figure! Fresh thick sliced grain bread, toasted and ooozing with fontina, guyere and cheddar!
Come to DC and try the grilled cheese at Screwtop Wine Bar in Arlington. Not only are they tasty but are served in the shape of a heart!
Nice organic olive oil beats butter any day
The perfect grill cheese has butter on both sides of sourdough bread. Swiss cheese, boars head ham and roasted green chile. Sandwich should have a crispy coating to help keep when dipped in accompanying soup of choice. My favorite is green chile stew, chicken vegetable or tomato soup. mmmmm. My families favorite classic lunch on a cold Sunday afternoon.
Bread buttered on the outside, three slices of american and topped off with peanut butter! And a cold glass of milk to wash it down with. Or the cold beer bubbaleroy talked about.
Oh my good lord, I am SOOOO HUNGRY for grilled cheese right now!!!! I like to use texas toast for my bread, butter on the cooking surface only, and I like to put my homemade pesto on the inside of the bread. I use a combo of American and provologne cheeses.
Well – there goes my diet for today. :)
Many kinds of good grilled cheeses. I prefer jalapeno bread but once in awhile I like using cream cheese, tomato, american cheese. I am curious about using mayo instead of butter, it must be good since many on here said it makes it crunchy.
Wonder bread (white)
Cheddar cheese
Thinly sliced red onion
2 or 3 bacon slices
buttered on the outside
served with mayo (or Ketchup)
mmm mmm good!
My grandmother used to make me grilled cheese, pineapple and bacon sandwiches
2 slices of white bread (today, I only use 7 grain bread); butter one side of each slice of bread; grate some extra sharp cheddar cheese, and put just enough to cover unbuttered sides of the bread; put one sliced of drained, canned pineapple on top of one slice of cheddar cheesed bread; put two slices of broken in half soft, chewy bacon on the other slice of cheddar cheesed bread. Sprinkle both breads with enough shredded cheese to cover the bacon and pineapple. At this point: put both breads open-faced, under the broiler, until the cheese melts. Slap the two breads together and broil 30 seconds on each side, OR sandwich the breads, and grill in a pan.
MY CURRENT FAVORITE: Grilled Pimiento Cheese and Bacon: Shred 1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese; with a fork, mash a large jar of drained pimientos; mix cheese and pimientos together; adding at least 1/4 cup mayonnaise. For each sandwich, use about 1/2 c. pimiento mixture, spread between two slices of bread. Grill or toast the sandwich. For extra yumminess, crumble bacon in the cheese....
Toast bread in toaster,double American inside, butter on the outside. Finish on a griddle.
nice country white bread, cheddar cheese, butter outside of bread only, cast iron skillet, cut diagonally, Campbell's tomato soup and pickle chips. heaven on a plate
I like to embed a slice of tomato. ummm... I know what I'm having for lunch today!
Light coat of mayo on outside. It gives a crispier crust and you can't taste it at all.
Friend of mine puts mayo on corn on the cob before wrapping it in foil and grilling it. Best corn you'll ever have.
Orowheat Oatnut bread – lightly butter both sides with Land o' Lakes butter w/olive oil
Swiss cheese – two slices
Don't use the mass market stuff – get the cheese from the deli counter have them slice it thin. Cheese needs to cover the entire slice of bread. Swiss can be a little oily when it melts so you need to use a hearty bread. Butter the bread to the edges for even cooking.
Use a pre-heated skillet or griddle (very important!) over medium heat for about two minutes per side. I prefer a stainless skillet, but non-stick is ok.
Perfection. A little tomato or lobster bisque soup is great for dipping!
While I have enjoyed many upscale variants on this theme, I still prefer my mother's comfort-food version. Plain old white bread, butter, American cheese. (Best if cheese drips a bit onto the pan and gets that lacy edge.) And then, after grilling, spread the top of the sandwich with grape jelly. Cut into quarters and serve to one happy child . . . of any age.
There is NOTHING like grilled cheese and GRAPE JELLY!!! Yum, Yum!!! Don't knock it until you've tried it. The absolute best!
My wife thinks I am nuts when I put strawberry jam on a sausage,egg,and cheese sandwich. It is excellent.
Great minds thinking alike, and at the same moment! See my post below.
I can't eat a grilled cheese without GRAPE JELLY! Amazin!
I like my drunk man's version after getting home from the bars:
White bread, american cheese slices- put bread in toaster, then put cheese between bread, microwave for 12 seconds. No fear of starting a fire...and its much quicker!
true story. they are delicous !!
Thank you Dan for that. It was a nice laugh to my morning.
I use olive oil and a lite sprinkle of malsmic viniger
My personal favorite is a simple grilled cheese with a few variations. I use velveeta. tends to make it a little "extra gooey". then I add two or three slices of a homemade summer sausage or venison sausage. Amazing!!
A good hearty white bread buttered on the outside and sliced extra sharp cheddar cheese on the inside. Medium heat, cover the sandwich with a lid to trap the heat and flip to brown other side without cover. The older the cheddar the better. Made one recently with 14 year old. Talk about extra sharp. YUM
For each bread slice, butter one side and grill that one side. Let slices cool. Butter the non-grilled side of each bread slice, assemble the sandwich with Kraft American Cheese on the previously grilled surfaces, and then grill the whole shebang. Double crunchy!
The best grilled cheese can be found at Melt Bar & Grilled in Lakewood, Ohio. They have been featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" and "Man vs. Food" and the owner and head chef, Matt Fish, is a local celebrity. I have had probably half the sandwiches on their menu and am always satisfied. The Kindergarten is your basic grilled cheese, but the Big Popper–a giant jalapeno popper sandwich–will change your life. Yummy! http://www.meltbarandgrilled.com/
Unseeded rye bread brushed on the outside w/ either olive oil or butter (garlic butter is preferable). Shredded gruyere & sharp cheddar. In the middle add 2-3 slices of either uncured ham or turkey. One can spread a bit of Dijon mustard on the inside of the bread slices first, but that's optional.
Sorry, never did care for plain, old grilled cheese. :]
this is a survey about plain grilled cheese and people are tellin us how to make ham and cheese and chucks talking about how he almost met chris hanson over his grilled cheese im confused?
chris who?
Best place in the Cleveland, OH area – The Melt Bar and Grilled – all they serve is grilled sandwiches, from simple grilled cheese to fancy grilled sandwiches. This place was featured on the Food Network on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives". Quality ingredients + great ideas = 1 great time. Great beer selection, too.
Soooooooo delicious. Both the lakewood and the heights location are fantastic. No other grilled cheese can compete. N
It's true! I loooooooove Melt and recommend it to everyone
Melt in Cleveland blew my mind, since eating there over a year ago, I've told anyone and everyone who mentions cheese, bread, Cleveland, Ohio or anything even remotely related to these words about the place....
Agreed!!! Melt is the best, hands down!!! Nothing like it in the country...over thirty sandwiches, all on grilled bread, with cheese oozing out. MMMMMMM!!!
Spray butter the outsides use texas style bread nice and thick place cheese in middle of bread 2 slices of whole milk cheese do not press down on the bread thats just a impatient thing do or soccer mom behind schedule either way let it take its time on 5 – 7 on a 1 to 10 scale stove or med on low – high style if your stuck in a dorm room 5 mins on a george foreman AKA "foremanator" golden brown both sides if your 1 of those i like it burnt people. this is not for you and we dont need your input thanks. btw thats the perfect grilled cheese
No wonder there is cholesterol problem!
In my opinion, the butter is very important to the traditional grilled cheese. Not to say that a grilled cheese cooked in a toaster (yes, I used to have a toaster specially designed for grilled cheese sandwiches), toaster oven or George Forman grill can't be delicious, but when you talk about your traditional pan-grilled grilled cheese, it's important.
The butter can change the way the sandwich tastes. Have you ever used rich fresh-off-the-farm butter instead of the kind sold in sticks at the grocery store? Wow, what a difference. And then you can always use butter with flavors already added in for a little extra something (garlic butter, butter and chives, etc.).
As for how you apply it? I think it's to taste and what your diet will allow. Personally I find the higher quality of butter you use, the less you need. So a little olive or canola oil mixed with some butter in the pan can be enough. Most of the time I prefer to lightly butter the outsides of the bread, then grill it in the oil-butter mixture. Really nice, clean taste to it. If I was using a lower-quality butter, I'd use more of it, and I might butter the insides as well, to get that rich taste.
Cream cheese with sliced olives on Pepperage Farm Bread, buttered and grilled.
A few months ago I went on a grilled cheese and tomato soup for every meal kick and after much experimenting, I found that the best home made grilled cheese goes something like this:
2 slices of bread (nothing fancy, white or wheat, depending on your preference)
2 slices of cheddar cheese (broken up into a bunch of small pieces)
Butter (spread on the outside of the slices of bread)
You heat up the pan over medium-low heat and spray it with a little bit of non-stick spray. Put the sandwich down and use the lid to a pot, smaller than the pan, and press it down over the sandwich, so it pressed down gently on the sandwich
After 3-4 minutes, remove the pot lid, flip the sandwich, and replace. Let the second side cook for 3-4 minutes and remove the sandwich. Let it sit for about 3 minutes, then cut it in half and enjoy.
It is delicious. I love doing fancier versions from time to time, but this recipe is my go to when I really want a good old-fashioned grilled cheese.
Muenster cheese on sourdough bread with butter on the outsides of the bread. Of course this assumes that you will be eating this with a basil tomato soup. A splash or two of Tabasco in the soup isn't a bad idea either.
Looks like I'm having a grilled cheese for lunch!
I like to add one of those flat, round pre-cooked sausages ('brown and serve"-type, but not links), after nuking it warm in the microwave, between a couple slices of cheese as I assemble my grilled cheese sandwich. It kicks it up a notch, as Emeril likes to say. I butter the bread on the outside only. My brother's working on the ideal toaster oven grilled-cheese sandwich but hasn't figured out the butter part of how to get the bread toasted right before the cheese melts.
Pre toast the bread a little
HANDS DOWN: Pop's in Roanoke, VA has the most excellent grilled cheese imaginable. Classics = check. Innovative choices = check. They use an authentic, old-timey press AND they also serve ice cream and soda fountain drinks.....Pop's is the best place in the world:
http://www.myspace.com/soda_bar
We use olive oil instead of butter on the outside of the bread. You get the same great taste without the cholesterol!
Combine softened butter and grated parmesan (with enough parmesan to remain somewhat spreadable consistency). Use mixture to butter the outside of your favorite grilled cheese. When grilled, it will yield a nice, crunchy, salty bite to your favorite grilled cheese.
Melted butter lightly brushed over fresh potato bread on both sides...toasted in the pan on one side and then loaded with fresh UNPASTEURIZED gouda cheese, returned to the pan to brown on the outside. Better than sex.
I always use olive oil instead of butter. It makes the bread crunchier than butter and gives it a lighter taste, which allows the cheese to take front stage.
The very WORST grilled cheese of all time: Limburger and Gorgonzola on thickly-sliced dark bread. When I was in college and still living at home many years ago I worked for a rather eccentric older couple – both writers – who lived nearby, doing various odd jobs around their house – everything from painting to proofreading manuscripts to doing the laundry and preparing many of their meals. Whenever I was around at lunchtime the gentleman would ask me to fix him a grilled cheese sandwich – two half-inch-thick slices of dark bread, buttered on the outside, spread with Limburger on both slices and filled with crumbled Gorgonzola. The whole house reeked... and I'd find an excuse to go do some job outside or down in the basement, where the stench didn't penetrate as well.
I saw this on "Ham on the Street" and tried it for myself. Combine any type of bread, any type of cheese, and any type of jam. I haven't found a bad combination yet.
Mayo spread on the outside.
The best grilled cheese:
Use seeded rye bread, butter the inside of both slices (it helps conduct the heat), Layer 3 or 4 layers of thin sliced white american cheese, put top slice on, butter outside of top side, place in preheated skillet or griddle buttered side down, butter remaining side. turn over when golden brown, grill 2nd side likewise. Putting a layer of thin sliced pepperoni between the cheese layer adds some zip to the taste.
Any cheese, any bread,buttered on outside and grilled with a heavy bacon press on top. Consume with hot cocoa at about 3-4 AM, in bead with a good book. Helps chase the blues away.
I like using different kinds of cheeze- pepperjack, montery, ect, ect
No one has mentioned the best grilled cheese condiment of all – ketchup!!! It perfectly accompanies the crispy bread and melty, oozy creaminess of the cheese!
Not to defile the all-perfect plain grilled cheese (nothing better on earth!),...but here is a superb twist.
Garlic Butter on the outside of the bread. 1 slice of American, 1 slice of Swiss, thin sliced tomato. Then add some Star Kist Tomato Pesto tuna fish. And finally, a side of creamy tomato soup. Super duper yummy!!!
Oh! I almost forgot! I just discovered the flavored Kraft Deli Deluxe Cheese. The 3 cheese garlic is FAB on the grilled cheese/tuna/tomato sandwich.
Now I really can't wait for fall to set in to enjoy a nice piping hot grilled cheese with some tomato soup (on the side, not for dipping!) with a bit of cheese sprinkled on top). I'll have to try some of these more kicked-up varieties.
Best grilled cheese in Northeast Ohio is at Swenson's Drive-in. It is a classic version – white bread and American cheese. The cheese just oozes out when you bite into it. The bread is just prefectly toasted with just the right amount of butter.
My favorite grilled cheese sandwich has always been American cheese, bacon and tomato grilled. I think other than the plain cheese-and-bread grill, this is a fairly common one. The secret is fresh, good quality bacon – the kind you'd get at your local butcher, if you're fortunate enough to have one. Also a block of american cheese is always more fun to slice and use than the pre-cut singles.
Of course this takes a little more time. You have to bake or cook the bacon first to the consistency you like. Then you put a little conola oil and some butter into the pan, assemble the sandwich with a touch more butter on the outsides of the bread, and grill away. I love these cut into tea-sized triangles with a cool cucumber and tomato salad on hot days, or a savory vegetable soup on cold days.
I reserve the tomato soup for plain cheese-and-bread grilled cheeses. Some things are just sacred.
For anyone in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina or Tennessee......Publix Supermarkets. Get the White Mountain Bread from the bakery and Boar's Head Havarti Cheese with Dill. Aside from the classic, it's the best grilled cheese EVER!!!! Preperation is best in a skillet with your choice of butter. Gonna have one today just because of this article. Yum!!!
The Dairy Store at Michigan State University. Cheese made at MSU, fresh bread from the MSU bakery, and butter on the outside of the bread. You get to choose your bread/cheese combination – my favorites pepper jack on sourdough and colby on whole wheat. There's also a combo with soup and a drink. Best deal in town, and there's also fantastic MSU-made ice cream and fresh made waffle cones (and when I say MSU made, I mean there's a dairy production facility right around the corner from the store, run in part by MSU students). If you're in the Lansing area it's a must visit!
Got to try Red Squirrel in Cincinnati! The best Grilled Cheese I have had.
What happened the simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich ?
Elsa's in Milwaukee. They have like 3 cheeses, bacon and tomato on it. I order it without the bacon and add Avacado. It's delicious!!
Butter? Who needs butter? Fry a couple slices of bacon, get your sandwich ready with miracle whip or mayonnaise -on the inside- and swiss cheese, of course, and maybe some feta if you want. When the bacon's done, add the bacon to the sandwich and drop the whole thing in the still-hot bacon grease. Can't beat the golden brown you get from bacon grease, especially in a cast iron skillet.
it's a cholesterol catastrophe!!!
We had lunch at the Culinary Institute of America, one of the highest level “grad schools” for professional chefs. We had an “insider” in our party, so one of the head chefs came to our table. Our daughter was about 10 at the time, and all she really wanted was a grilled cheese sandwich, which, as you might expect, wasn’t on the menu. Nevertheless, she got Gruyere cheese on freshly-baked sourdough bread. She ate every crumb.
Butter on the outside to toast in the skillet; mayo on the inside to moisten the cheese. Use any cheese you wish so long as it is not American. New England or Irish Cheddar is great.
Both sides of BOTH pieces of bread should be buttered, not the pan! Sharp cheddar and sometimes swiss or muenster cheese makes the BOMB grilled cheese.
As mundane as it is, my favorite grilled cheese isn't actually grilled at all. I make "open-faced" grilled cheese. Toast some bread, put the cheese on, nuke it for 30 seconds, and add pepper. Simple, tasty, and fast.
Try using real Mayo, it is easier to spread on the bread and it makes a wicked good grilled cheese sandwich.
My favorite grilled cheese is at Great Harvest Bread Company in New Albany IN:
A twist on the traditional sandwich served with a garlic and herb spread, sharp cheddar, and Swiss cheese and sliced tomato on honey whole wheat bread, all for less than $5!
No butter on the outside please. Too greasy to handle, but keep the american nice and gooey!
2 slices Wonder white bread. 2 slices Kraft American cheese. 4 slices CRISP bacon, sliced jalapino peppers. butter outside of bread and place both slices down on griddle. put peppers on one side, then bacon. cover with other side. serve with Campbells Tomato soup on the side.
That is why God gave men taste buds!
Cutting a grilled cheese diagonally gives you more
Instead of butter, use extra virgin olive oil in the pan – be careful with amount as you do not want to saturate the bread.
I used this method the other day because I had just moved and hadn't bought butter yet. The result were definitely a pleasant surprise!
Lucky's Cafe in Dallas. The name says it all
SLEAZIEST, CHEESIEST, GRILLED CHEESE IN TOWN
onions, tomato, green chilies, bacon, cheddar
& swiss grilled on Texas toast
My boys had a "bad" grilled cheese sandwich, once. They were staying with some very kind people who were watching them while I was at an award conference. These people didn't do "junk" food. I told them the boys liked grilled cheese sandwiches, and they made some with pumpernickle bread ...and who knows what kind of cheese.
For kids expecting white or brown bread and american cheese, it was quite a shock!
Rye bread, buttered on the outside (of course–what's the purpose of buttering the inside?), gouda, and chopped bacon. You have to chop the bacon–if you use bacon slices, the slices just get pulled out of the sandwich when you bite it. If you enjoy living alone, garlic powder instead of bacon.
I have never understood the need for butter on a grilled cheese sandwich. My grilled cheese still tastes great when put straight into the George Foreman grill with no added grease. Not to mention it is much healthier too...
In Atlanta, it's hard to beat the simple grilled cheese at The Dwarf House (Chic-fil-A)...but there are probably better ones around I haven't had yet.
The best grilled cheese I ever had in a restaurant was at Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville, NC. Simple and heavenly...you get to choose two (I think) cheeses out of 6 or 8 available. Even better, get the grilled cheese with their homemade tomato soup-DELISH! :)
As for homemade, I grew up on simple white bread, butter, and Kraft singles...but my hubby does a wonderful grilled cheese a la Alton Brown's Good Eats.
The baddest grilled cheese sandwich: cheese was Velveeta!
I like to use Mayo on the outside for a nice little kick.
Outsides of the bread buttered. Aged cheddar cheese (at least 3 years). Bread lightly browned.
Sourdough with fontina and mozarella with black truffles served with Gazpacho
Thank God! Finally, a hard-hitting news story on grilled cheese. It's about time this huge story got picked up by the MSM. This is obviously the biggest news story of the year!
Add Tomato, grill it in the pan for a minute or so, also add some fresh basil leaves. Yum, excuse me my skillet is ready!
The Water Buffalo in Milwaukee – Baby swiss, gouda and gruyere on sourdough. Heaven!
I love it with wheat bread, outsides spread with butter with a slice of swiss cheese in the middle. Brown both sides and cut in half down the middle and dip in ketchup for each bite. Multo bueno!
Butter outside of white bread. Kraft singles and black pepper. Cook on low until golden brown. Cruchey and delicious.
Doesn't matter the bread or cheese just the following technique: Shred the cheese – this will give it a light airy texture that is preferable to boring sliced cheese.
My wife usually chops jalapenos and spreads it between the bread, velveta and chopped ham...
Jalapenos make a great grilled cheese.
I'd amaze my young daughter by using rock-hard butter on white bread in making grilled cheese sandwiches without tearing the bread apart.
The secret I hid from her: start with frozen bread.
Worked great, tasted great.
Using the words "rock-hard" and daughter in the same sentence is just wrong.
The only sick one is you
TC: Your comment indicates either that you've never been a parent or that your own children may be in danger (if the latter, I hope they're old enough to take fend off any advances by you).
Get on the telephone now and tell your shrink about your comment, and, if you don't yet have a shrink, get one immediately, before you wind up molesting some child.
If, though, after a long and detailed analysis, a competent group of professionals concludes that you're not a danger to society in this particular respect, you'll be ineluctably forced to conclude that you're a flaming idiot. P.A.F.
Anthem in Denville, NJ has a beef short rib & mozzarella grilled cheese with fig jam
If you want cheese, then Wisconsin is the place to be... http://grilledcheeseacademy.com/
White sandwich bread
buttered on the outside
yellow mustard on the inside
1 kraft single (American or cheddar)
Cook in a pan on the stove
The Best! –even if it gets a little burnt!
I, too, like mine with Campbell's tomato soup for a quick dinner.
At Ladles soup restaurant:
Rye bread with cheddar cheese, onion, bacon, and tomato –delicious!
baby swiss on sourdough, butter and brown both the inside before adding cheese and then the outside, bacon optional
or
extra sharp cheddar on freshly made white bread, rest same as above
White bread UNBUTTERED + cheddar cheese + BUTTERED Pan = super crispy. served with a side of salsa, yum.
Try an open face grilled cheese and onion sandwich under the broiler. Butter the bread and cover the butter with raw onion. Heat the broiler to about 400 or enough to get the top coils red. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the edges of the bread that show are crunchy and brown. Next remove from the broiler and cover with cheese – as much as you want. Place back under the broiler and broil long enough for the cheese to melt. Remove and place on a plate with a side of ketchup. This needs a knife and fork. Cut and dip the sandwich in the ketchup.
Cafe Muse – Royal Oak, Michigan. Oprah says it is the best and it is!
grilled cheese and tomato SOUP.......I grew up on this menu every Friday in Lent and I STILL love it
I had a roommate in college whose girlfriend's idea of a grilled cheese sandwich was to toast two pieces of bread in a toaster, then spray in some cheese-in-a-cam in the middle, then microwave the resultant sandwich until it was warm again. That was the way her mother taught her, and she didn't know there was a more common way to do it...
I did it sort of like that. I just slapped a kraft single between two slices of bread, sprayed it with a little cooking spray on the outside, and popped it in the toaster. I also did the same thing with frozen preformed hashbrown patties, which many a drunken visiting friend fondly remember getting their second wind from late night "toaster hashbrowns"
That is funny and sad at the same time.
grilled cheese and tomato.......I grew up on this menu every Friday in Lent and I STILL love it
My own recommendation (and for some you will need an open mind) is to use Mayo instead of butter, and just on the outsides of the bread. Mayo, being egg, vinegar and oil, makes the most wonderful golden brown and crunchy grilled surface. Also, mayo right out of the fridge spreads a lot nicer than cold hard butter. And we all have tried to spread a solid piece of butter across a delicate slice of bread only to get a mangled destroyed piece with and uneven distribution. As for taste there is really no difference, but there is an improvement in the looks and (in my opinion) a better textured crust.
I am trying to eat healthy. I prefer spicy brown mustard (on the inside), and American Cheese. No butter or Mayo on my grilled cheese sandwhich. And some times I will try fruit or vegetables in between the cheese and mustard such as sliced tomatoes or bananas.
You are so right – mayo on the outside of the bread does wonders for the crust.
i was firsty on the mayo suggestion.
Worcestershire sauce!
...takes me back to White Oven-Joy Bread and a health hunk of good ol' Gov'ment cheese, maybe a slice of ham bologna, with Blue Bonnet Butter smeared on the outside.
The best grilled cheese I have ever had was at Pete's Cafe and Bar in downtown Los Angeles. Whether you get the traditional or the supreme, they are both amazing!
Grilled Cheese
Traditional – Sharp cheddar and tomatoes on sourdough texas toast with tomato basil soup
Supreme – Grilled cheddar, mozzarella, blue and goat cheese, caramelized onions with
tomato basil soup
White Bakery Bread
2 slices of Swiss cheese
2 slices of cheddar
white onion sliced so thin you can see through it
2 slices of cooked bacon
Serve with a bowl of Campbell's Tomato Soup!
Dunk the sanwich in the soup
mmm mmm Good!
I wondered when someone would bring up the Campbell's tomato soup. It is a favorite part of this lunch from my childhood.
Yes.... but Campbell' Tomato Bisque is good, too....
Panerra sourdough bread
2 Kraft Singles
Butter on outside
Hot well-seasoned cast iron griddle
Turn frequently until golden brown
Cut diagonally
Dip in genuine Tabasco hot sauce!!
Wheat bread buttered on both sides, sliced Velveeta, Miracle Whip on the inside of one slice of bread, and slicedm fresh Indiana garden tomatoes. Grilled to perfection on a hot griddle. Um. Heaven.
That is supposed to be wheat bread buttered on the outsides NOT both sides of the same slices.
Thomas' Cranberry Swirl Bread (only available around the holidays) buttered with sweet unsalted butter, and filled with Saint Andre...very, very lovely. Also, thinly sliced sharp cheddar, roast beef, a thin slice of tomato on white bread spread with Baconnaise instead of butter. (www.baconnaise.com) Unbelievable.
no butter. a thin layer of mayo spread on the outside of the bread. i like to use a hearty bread like publix's unseeded old country rye. preferably 2 types of cheese.
I thought my sister and I were the only ones who used mayo on the outside of the bread instead of butter. It's the best!
My favorite grilled cheese is sweet and savory. Havarti cheese, cashew butter & peach preserves on sunflower seed bread from Central Market. I invented it one day about ten years ago when I had the munchies.
Add some roasted green chile to it and it's perfection. Well, maybe a slice of RIPE tomato, too, but the chile is what elevates it.
Now that's what I'm talking about!
Choice of ingredients is of course important but I think process is often overlooked (at home anyways). I always cringe when I see people slather margarine onto bread and throw it into a hot pan. Margarine usually contains as much water as oil, which will lead to soggy bread. If you want a nice and crispy grilled exterior, melt butter in a pan over medium/low heat and let the water cook off. Then place unbuttered bread into the pan and add cheese atop the bread. Grill open-faced slowly until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown. Assemble, cut in half and enjoy!
White bread and velveeta is my favorite, butter the outside of the bread fry in a pan. I like to add a thick slice of tomato – when in season. Yummmm, I know what I'm having for lunch.
I'm glad not everyone has to use fancy stuff. My grandmother made 'em with white bread and Velveeta and y'all, a happier kid you've never seen. She's been gone for over 10 years now, but to me, hers will always be the best.
I love the good cheeses of the world, but for grilled cheese, I keep it simple. White bread, thick sliced Velveeta, fresh sliced tomato, potato chips to scoop up the oozing cheese with sweet pickles on the side.
Joe Kool's in Troy, MI!:
3 Cheese Tomato Pannini
Grilled pannini with cheddar, mozzarella, asiago, tomato, pesto mayo, and fresh basil.
You can also add ham. http://joekoolsusa.com/sandwiches.html
My personal trick is to add cream cheese along with solid cheeses; I like to use a veggie cream cheese and then provolone and cheddar - I personally also like to throw in some cucumber slices and/or sprouts. Melty, deliciousness. Also, I don't use butter at all - grill it in a panini press for the crispiness but cut out at least a few of the calories (I use the fat free cream cheese too).
Totally with you on the cukes (sometimes pickles instead).
Highland Park Pharmacy, Dallas, TX. Awesome sandwich, simple and classic. Great with potato chips, pickles, and an old-time homemade milkshake.
I like to use rye, but any hearty bread will do. Melt a pat of butter over medium heat (do not burn!). Place a slice of bread, two slices of (I prefer) American cheese, two or three pieces of thinly sliced tomatoes, top with two more slices of cheese followed by the last piece of bread. Spread mayo on the top piece of bread in preparation for the flip. Turn, fry till golden. Remove from pan and allow to congeal before cutting in half and serving.
I discovered the mayonnaise trick a year or so ago, and I'm never going back to butter. A thin coat of mayo on the outside of each slice, and a perfect, crispy sandwich results every time. My kids love 'em, my wife loves 'em. It's definitely worth a try! Thanks for spreading the word, Veronica.
I prefer mine extra crunchy. Butter both sides of the bread and proceed to toast both sides of the bread on the pan. Then place one slice of cheese on each slice as the opposite side finishes being browned to a nice crisp. This should be long enough for the cheese to reach the perfect gooey-ness. Put the slices together and cut in half to make two triangles. The perfect double-crispy grilled cheese!
Rather than grill both sides, butter the outsides only and use the broiler or a toaster oven. You get the best crunch,
outside with the soft melted cheese inside...
I like to use slices of whole wheat bread from a near by Amish Bakery, A nice pepper jack or onion cheddar and put some long sliced bread and butter pickles in the center.
Butter the outsides and sprinkle on a light coating of garlic powder. Instead of a griddle, I put them on my pizza stone and bake them at 385 degrees for 7 Minutes on one side and 6 on the other. Perfection every time.
Unsalted butter, outside of bread only, cheese grated NOT cut.
Cut diagonally and sprinkled w/sea salt
Cold beer (preferably wheat-Blue Moon, ect..)
I am so with you on everything you said here. As a matter of a fact, I agree so much, I am not going to bother to read the rest of the posts. Behold, the perfect grilled cheese meal. Ahhhhhh (Angelic tone)
... but what cheese, man? ... WHAT CHEESE?
The Pop Shop featured on the Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay!!
Yep, our grilled cheese has been officially recognized as the best by The Food Network! Bobby Flay came to The Pop Shop for a Grilled Cheese Throwdown! The show filmed in January . We couldn't be more honored. Join the mailing list for more info about the broadcast.
Learn more about Throwdown!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_bt
The Pop Shop DOES have the most delicious variations of grilled cheese I've ever had. My fav is the Sunset, featuring yummy fried shrimp and bacon, helloooo??? OMG GOODNESS!
Although I'm a huge fan of the classic American-cheese-and-white-bread version, an unusual but delicious grilled cheese can be made from rye bread and Brie cheese. There's something about the sharp saltiness of the rye combined with the earthy, creamy Brie that is a perfect combination.
http://www.girlnamednick.wordpress.com
Swiss cheese is best on rye. The two flavors are perfect together.
Getting close to a Ruben! MMMMMMM, ruben!
Top grilled cheeses of my life:
1. Lori's Cafe (now closed) Albuquerque, NM – white bread, crusts cut off, perfectly burnished, american cheese, pickle chips on the side. Ages 5-10.
2. The Frontier Restaurant, Albuquerque, NM – white bread, american cheese, possibly a sprinkle of msg, 24 hours. Ages 15-23.
3. Henry Public, Brooklyn, NY – white bread, soaked in butter, aged cheddar, thinly sliced green apple. Also it comes with a really great cocktail. Present day.
4. My kitchen, Albuquerque/Brooklyn – thousands of variations. Bacon, tomato, pumpernickel, fried eggs, avocado, ham, pickles, etc. Ages 6-present.
5. Larry's PX, Chatham, MA – The Jay melt. A grilled cheese lovingly sandwiched around a hamburger. Served with waffle fries. Only to be eaten when hungover. Present day.
Buttery bread, colby, pepperjack and cheddar cheeses. Butter on both sides, griddle on midlow heat. Add tomato soup with bacon bits floating on top. Heaven!! Present day
AMEN! Nothing goes with grilled cheese better than tomato soup. I think I know what I'm having for dinner tonight. :)
My husband won't eat a grilled cheese (white American) without his favorite mug of tomato (campbells) soup.
Larry's PX? I live a quarter of a mile away, and have eaten there exactly twice in 30 years, and both times I got a bad overpriced sandwich from a rude waitress. But I've never been hungover when I went there, so maybe that is what makes the food taste good. Much prefer D'Angelos down the street for a good sandwich!
Susan, that's so funny. To be honest with you, I sort of love Larry's for the gruff waitstaff and the greasy spoon atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, I love a D'Angelo steak and cheese, but for a morning-after breakfast, I think you just can't beat Larry's.
Your point? A grilled cheese sandwich SHOULD be served by a gruff waitress. And ANY grilled cheese sandwich purchased outside of the home is, by definition, overpriced.
The best grilled cheese I have ever had was at L'emporte-piece in Montreal,Quebec,Canada. Made in french style with cheese like "Mamirolle", "Bleu-Ermite", "Arpenzzeller". Don't think you'll ever find anywhere in the world grilled cheese as good as there.
http://www.lemportepiece.com/blog/
Rebecca O, I'd like to come over to your kitchen for your grilled cheese. ALL your variations sound great. My pork chops can marinate until tomorrow. I've changed my mind – it's grilled cheese tonight!
I have never ordered a grilled cheese at a restaurant in my life and I'm 64. Guess I'm going to have to try one of these restaurants.
You definitely have to try the Frontier in Albuquerque! and when you're there be sure to try something with green chile on it!
"Behold the power of cheese", the commercial says. It sounds religious because it is. Think of what cheese has to do with a
male........
No butter...spread mayonnaise on both the inside and outside of both pieces of bread...grill normally...really crisp and crunchy!!!
The grilled cheeses of my youth were made with Crisco, not butter. They seem to taste better! :-)
Yuck!
Way to snark on someones comfort food.
Memories of grade school–being home sick..mom taking care of me–great lunch of grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup, chips, cookies...then kid tv shows..nap...all the while knowing I was protected & loved. That was sweet security.
Now I like grilled cheese with one slice pepperjeck..one american..golden brown bread, Yum.
Snort.