Best 2 Cooks Illustrated Grown Up Grilled Cheese Recipes

**Grown-Up Grilled Cheese: A Culinary Symphony of Savory Delights**

Embark on a culinary adventure with our exquisite Grown-Up Grilled Cheese recipes, a delectable ensemble of sophisticated and savory sandwiches that elevate the classic comfort food to gourmet heights. From the tantalizing Truffled Grilled Cheese with its earthy, aromatic essence to the unexpected yet harmonious combination of Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese, each recipe promises a unique gustatory experience. Indulge in the luxurious Lobster Grilled Cheese, a luxurious treat fit for special occasions, or relish the comforting simplicity of the Classic Grilled Cheese with a touch of gourmet flair. Our collection caters to diverse palates, offering vegetarian and meat-lovers' options alike, ensuring that every cheese enthusiast finds their perfect match. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your grilled cheese game with these culinary masterpieces.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

GROWN-UP GRILLED CHEESE

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Lunch Recipes

Yield Makes 1

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

2 slices bread, such as white, rye, or sourdough
Unsalted butter, room temperature, or mayonnaise
Dijon mustard (optional)
Fruit preserves (optional)
Sliced cheese, such as Gruyere, fontina, or cheddar
Fillings, such as bacon, prosciutto, oil-packed sardines, oil-packed tuna, apple, red onion, pear, avocado, pickles, tomatoes, jalapeno, arugula, cilantro, sage, basil, and Peppadew peppers

Steps:

Place bread on work surface and spread the outsides of both slices with either butter or mayonnaise, making sure to cover the surfaces. Spread the interiors with either butter, mustard, or fruit preserves. Top one slice of bread with 2 slices of cheese and a combination of your favorite fillings. Sandwich together with second slice of bread.
Preheat a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the assembled sandwich. Once the cheese starts to melt and the bread on the bottom is golden brown, flip the sandwich; avoid pressing with the spatula to flatten. Grill until cheese has fully melted and the other side is golden brown.

COOK'S ILLUSTRATED GROWN-UP GRILLED CHEESE

COOK'S ILLUSTRATED GROWN-UP GRILLED CHEESE image

Categories Sandwich Cheese

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

Look for a cheddar aged for about one year (avoid cheddar aged for longer; it wonât melt well). To quickly bring the cheddar to room temperature, microwave the pieces until warm, about 30 seconds. The first two sandwiches can be held in a 200-degree oven on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.
7 ounces aged cheddar cheese, cut into 24 equal pieces, room temperature
2 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed
2 tablespoons dry white wine or vermouth
4 teaspoons minced shallot
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
8 slices hearty white sandwich bread

Steps:

1. Process cheddar, Brie, and wine in food processor until smooth paste is formed, 20 to 30 seconds. Add shallot and pulse to combine, 3 to 5 pulses. Combine butter and mustard in small bowl. 2. Working on parchment paperâlined counter, spread mustard butter evenly over 1 side of slices of bread. Flip 4 slices of bread over and spread cheese mixture evenly over slices. Top with remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered sides up. 3. Preheat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. (Droplets of water should just sizzle when flicked onto pan.) Place 2 sandwiches in skillet; reduce heat to medium-low; and cook until both sides are crispy and golden brown, 6 to 9 minutes per side, moving sandwiches to ensure even browning. Remove sandwiches from skillet and let stand for 2 minutes before serving. Repeat with remaining 2 sandwiches.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the sandwich will be. Look for a sharp cheddar cheese that melts well, and a sturdy bread that can hold up to the grilling process.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and fillings. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a great way to use up leftover ingredients. Try adding ham, turkey, bacon, or avocado to your sandwich.
Make sure to cook the sandwich over medium heat. This will help the cheese melt evenly and prevent the bread from burning.
If you're using a cast iron skillet, preheat it over medium heat for at least 5 minutes before adding the sandwich. This will help the sandwich get a nice, crispy crust.
Serve the grilled cheese sandwich immediately. This is when it will be at its best.

Conclusion:

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're quick and easy to make, and they can be customized to suit your own taste. Whether you like your grilled cheese sandwich simple or loaded with toppings, there's a recipe out there for you.