Ah, the infamous grilled cheese. A childhood staple, a comfort food classic. It has to be the simplest form of comfort food in my opinion. This one is FAR from the “original” that most of us remember from our childhood in the simplest way. My “Fancy” Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are taking it up a notch, & it couldn’t be easier.
I wouldn’t even call this a recipe, it’s more of a guideline. And as if melty cheese wasn’t a good enough reason to motivate you to get out that cheese grater & your griddle, it’s too good to be this easy. Let’s redefine your concept of this humble sandwich. Move over processed cheese, here comes the upgrade!
More than just Cheddar…
Forget the predictability of plain sliced cheddar on white bread. Fancy grilled cheese is a blend of everyday cheeses that give it that dressed up, grown up flair. The fun part is you can mix and swap out just about any of your melty cheese favorites. Don’t like mozzarella? Go for Monterrey Jack. Like a hint of heat? Use a jalapeno jack. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination.
This is also makes a fantastic meal prep! Make this cheesy filling for the week and you will have a hot sandwich to serve with your favorite soup, chili, salad, or even just a piece of fruit. Want to add protein? Add a slice or two of ham, bacon, or prosciutto in the middle before griddling.
What You’ll Need
Bread- The sky is the limit here. Since bread is an important component, use what you love, however, I do not recommend the cheaper sliced sandwich bread. Go for something a little more hearty that can stand up to all of the melted goodness. Maybe try Texas Toast, Country White, Multigrain or even a nice Gluten Free bread.
Do you make your own bread? Try my Butter, Potato , French Bread or Sourdough using the dough cycle of a bread machine.
Cheese- Grate your own cheese, this is probably the most effort that this recipe will require. In my experience, the pre-grated stuff does not melt the same. I usually opt for a combination of Sharp Cheddar, Mozzarella & Cream Cheese. The cream cheese is the only one that is a MUST, but you can customize the rest with your own favorites. Try Monterrey Jack, Jalapeno Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, White Cheddar or go fancier with a little Gruyère.
Butter & Mayo- Mayo is another must for the filling. Along with the cream cheese, it helps to bind the shredded cheeses together to make a spread. You can either butter the bread or spread on more mayo before cooking. Both work great to give the bread that golden crispiness.
Electric Griddle, Cast Iron Skillet, or Large Pan- I love to use my electric griddle to make these. I generally make the filling and cook 3 sandwiches at a time for my family. The large cooking space allows me to be done in the kitchen much faster. If you don’t have one, you can use a large skillet or pan.
Impress them all with Grilled Cheese…
These aren’t just sandwiches; every bite is the perfect combo of a golden brown crust and melty cheeses that will leave you craving more. Whether you enjoy them for a hearty lunch, impressively easy dinner, or even a decadent late-night snack. It’s the perfect way to wow your family and friends with a sandwich that’s both familiar and unexpected.
Looking for more EASY & FUN recipes? Check these out!
Healthy Lemon Herb Salmon Salad
Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Creamy Meyer Lemon Risotto: 2 Ways
If you try my “Fancy” Grilled Cheese Sandwiches or any of my other recipes, comment & rate below.
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“Fancy” Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Equipment
- 1 Large Electric Griddle or Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, SEE NOTES BELOW
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, SEE NOTES BELOW
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
- 10 thick slices of your favorite bread
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl combine the shredded cheeses, mayo, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Mix by hand until well combined or with a electric hand mixer on low.
- Pre-heat an electric griddle to 325 F or a large skillet to medium-heat.
- Butter two slices of bread, both sides. Spread a good layer of the cheese mixture onto one slice of bread. Top with the other slice and cook until golden brown on one side and the cheese starts to melt, flip the sandwich and cook the other side.
- Plate your sandwich and cut in half. Serve alone or with a side of soup, salad, or fruit.
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