Let’s take a moment to talk about one of life’s simple pleasures: the grilled cheese. But wait—this isn’t just any grilled cheese. Oh no. This is The Best Grown Up Grilled Cheese, the kind that takes all the childhood comfort of your classic grilled cheese and elevates it with rich, creamy ingredients and a crispy, golden crust that’s just begging to be devoured.
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Think gooey, melty cheese oozing out from between buttery, toasted bread, with a hint of sophistication that’ll make you feel like you’re eating a fancy, grown-up version of your favorite comfort food. Trust me, this sandwich is a game-changer. If you love grilled cheese as much as I do, you’re going to want to try this one.
Why You’ll Love The Best Grown Up Grilled Cheese
This isn’t your typical grilled cheese. This recipe brings the best of both worlds—comfort and elegance—and I’m here for it. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
Elevated Flavors: This version swaps the plain American cheese for a mix of rich, flavorful cheeses that melt perfectly. Think sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and maybe a bit of goat cheese. It’s a flavor explosion with every bite.
Simple Yet Fancy: It’s still super easy to make, but it feels like you’re treating yourself to something a little extra special. Great for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even as a fun, unique snack.
Crispy, Buttery Perfection: The bread gets a nice, golden, crispy crust, thanks to the butter, and that melt-in-your-mouth cheese that stretches with every bite? Yes, please.
Customizable: Feel free to add extras like caramelized onions, arugula, or even a drizzle of honey for that perfect sweet and savory combo.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this grilled cheese is sure to impress. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and gourmet.
Ingredients in The Best Grown Up Grilled Cheese
This is a simple recipe with a few ingredients that make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Bread: Choose a hearty, rustic bread like sourdough or a thick-cut white bread. It adds a chewy texture and a perfect toastiness when grilled.
Cheeses: The star of the show. I recommend a combination of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and goat cheese. Feel free to get creative here—gruyère or fontina work beautifully too.
Butter: A generous amount of butter for that golden, crispy crust. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Garlic Powder: A little sprinkle of garlic powder gives the sandwich a savory kick without being overpowering.
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper to balance all the flavors.
Optional Extras: Caramelized onions, arugula, honey, or a dash of balsamic vinegar for an extra pop of flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make this perfect grown-up grilled cheese:
Prepare the Bread: Start by buttering one side of each slice of bread. Make sure you spread it all the way to the edges for that perfect golden crust.
Assemble the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, layer the cheeses. Be generous with your cheese portions! For a little extra kick, sprinkle in some garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Grill to Perfection: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich, buttered side down, into the pan. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy, then flip and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Optional Add-Ins: If you’re adding extras like caramelized onions or arugula, layer them in between the cheese before grilling. For a sweet touch, drizzle a little honey on the inside of the bread before pressing it together.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the sandwich is golden brown and crispy on both sides, remove it from the skillet, slice it in half, and serve hot!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
How to Serve The Best Grown Up Grilled Cheese
This elevated grilled cheese is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
Tomato Soup: A classic pairing that never gets old. The rich, savory flavors of the soup complement the cheesy goodness of the sandwich.
Salads: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully with the rich, buttery grilled cheese.
Pickles: Serve with crunchy, tangy pickles on the side for that perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy sandwich.
Beverages: A cold glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a glass of red wine works beautifully with this sandwich.
Additional Tips
Use Room Temperature Butter: For an even spread and easier grilling, bring your butter to room temperature before using.
Grill Slowly: Don’t rush the grilling process. Cooking on medium-low heat ensures that the cheese melts completely and the bread gets crispy without burning.
Experiment with Bread: If you want to switch things up, try using brioche, ciabatta, or any other bread with a little more texture or sweetness.
Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and dairy-free butter for a plant-based version of this sandwich. It’s still creamy and delicious!
Make It a Meal: Add a protein like grilled chicken, turkey, or even bacon for a heartier sandwich.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use just one kind of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer one cheese, go for it. Sharp cheddar is a classic, but you can also try brie or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Q2: How do I prevent the cheese from spilling out?
A2: Make sure to layer the cheese evenly and don’t overload it. Also, grilling on medium-low heat gives the cheese time to melt without oozing out too quickly.
Q3: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A3: Grilled cheese is best fresh, but you can prepare the sandwich and refrigerate it before grilling. Just be sure to reheat it slowly to maintain that crispy crust.
Q4: How can I make the sandwich spicier?
A4: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or drizzle some hot sauce inside the sandwich before grilling.
Q5: Can I freeze grilled cheese sandwiches?
A5: Yes! Freeze the ungrilled sandwich, then grill it from frozen when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the grilling time.
Q6: Can I add other toppings like mushrooms or tomatoes?
A6: Of course! Sautéed mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, or even a bit of pesto would be fantastic additions.
Q7: Can I use a panini press?
A7: Yes! A panini press works wonderfully for this sandwich, giving it a perfect crispy crust with minimal effort.
Q8: How do I reheat leftovers?
A8: If you have leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Q9: How do I make this sandwich gluten-free?
A9: Use gluten-free bread, and the rest of the ingredients should be good to go!
Q10: Can I add some herbs for extra flavor?
A10: Definitely! Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano would be a lovely touch. Add them into the sandwich before grilling.
Conclusion
The Best Grown Up Grilled Cheese takes a humble favorite and transforms it into something next-level. It’s indulgent, rich, and packed with flavor—all while being just as easy as your childhood classic. So grab your bread, cheese, and butter, and get ready for the best grilled cheese of your life. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Print
The Best Grown Up Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grown Up Grilled Cheese takes your classic childhood favorite to a whole new level. With sharp cheddar, muenster or Monterey jack, fresh herbs, and the spicy kick of Calabrian chili peppers, it’s the perfect balance of cheesy, herby, and spicy.
Ingredients
- 2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 oz muenster or Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped Calabrian chili peppers, plus more to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more if needed
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheeses and herbs. Toss until the mixture is well combined.
- Assemble the sandwiches by spreading Calabrian chili peppers on the inside of each slice of bread. Top one slice with half of the cheese and herb mixture, then place the other slice of bread (chili pepper side down) on top. Repeat the process for the second sandwich.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter once the skillet is hot.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, pressing down slightly until golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook for another 1-3 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese is melted. Adjust the heat if the bread is browning too quickly.
- Once golden and crispy, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Slice in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili peppers to your heat preference.
- If the sandwiches brown too quickly, reduce the heat to avoid burning the bread.
- For extra crispy sandwiches, add a bit more butter as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg