Grilled Cheese
This recipe guides you in crafting a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich featuring country-style bread, sharp farmhouse Cheddar, crispy bacon, and thinly sliced green apple. Spread with Dijon mustard and buttered, the sandwiches are cooked on a skillet or panini press until golden brown with perfectly melted cheese, offering a delightful blend of savory, tart, and rich flavors.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet or Griddle Essential for cooking the sandwiches. A panini press can be used as an alternative.
- 1 Spatula For flipping the sandwiches during cooking.
- 1 Chef's knife For thinly slicing the green apple and Cheddar if not pre-sliced.
- 1 Cutting Board For safe and efficient ingredient preparation.
- 1 Spreading Knife For applying Dijon mustard and butter evenly.
Ingredients
Main
- Dijon mustard
- Eight 1/2-inch thick slices country-style white bread
- 12 ounces farmhouse Cheddar sliced
- 12 slices bacon cooked to desired doneness
- 1 green apple thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. Alternatively, you can use a panini press if you have one.
- Generously spread the Dijon on 4 slices of bread. Top each slice with some of the Cheddar, 3 pieces of bacon, some apple and additional Cheddar. Place a slice of the remaining bread on top of each sandwich and spread with the butter. Place a sandwich on the skillet buttered-side down and butter the remaining side. Cook until the cheese is slightly melted and the bread is browned. Flip the sandwich and continue to cook until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the sandwich is golden brown. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
Notes
Achieving the perfect grilled cheese hinges on heat control; medium-low heat is crucial to melt the cheese thoroughly without burning the bread. For best results, use a high-quality, flavorful country-style bread and sharp farmhouse Cheddar. Ensure bacon is cooked to your preference – slightly less crispy if you prefer some chew, or very crispy for added crunch. Slice the green apple thinly for even integration and to prevent crunching through the sandwich. A touch of garlic powder or fresh chives mixed into the butter can elevate the flavor. Always serve immediately for optimal texture. If using a panini press, monitor carefully to avoid over-compression and ensure even browning.