Cooks Illustrated Grown Up Grilled Cheese Recipes

SHEET-PAN GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Position rimmed baking sheet on a rack in middle of oven and preheat to 450°F. Spread about 1 1/2 tsp. mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Arrange 6 slices, mayo side down, on second inverted rimmed baking sheet. Mound 1/2 cup cheese in the center of each slice, season with salt and pepper, and top each with remaining bread slices, mayo side up.
• Using oven mitts, carefully remove preheated baking sheet from oven and place, rimmed side up, on top of sandwiches, then, holding both rimmed baking sheets together, return to oven. Bake until bread is browned and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Carefully remove baking sheets from oven and transfer sandwiches to a cutting board. Cut into pieces and serve.

"GROWN UP" GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Steps:

• Cut loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Top the bottom bread slice with the Teleme cheese, then the smoked ham, distributing it evenly. Place top of bread on sandwich and brush with butter.
• Heat a sandwich grill until hot. Set sandwich, butter side down in grill. Butter top side of bread. Place a heavy pan on top of entire sandwich to evenly distribute weight and cook until nicely browned and the cheese is melted, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
• Transfer the sandwich to a work surface and remove the top slice of bread. Spread the underside of the bread with mustard, and add roasted peppers, if desired.
• Replace the top slice of bread, cut the sandwiches into slices, and serve immediately.

GROWN-UP FARMHOUSE GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Set a rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Lay the pancetta slices on the rack on the baking sheet and bake until crisp, 15 to 18 minutes.
• Meanwhile, set your toaster to a low setting and toast the brioche slices, (they should be slightly dry but not brown).
• Lay 4 slices lightly toasted brioche on a work surface and cover the slices with half the cheese, followed by a slice of tomato. Season each sandwich with a pinch of salt and a healthy grind of black pepper. Top each with 2 pancetta rounds and the remaining cheese. Lay the remaining brioche slices on top and press down lightly. Butter the top of each sandwich with 1/2 tablespoon butter.
• Heat a large griddle pan over medium heat.
• Melt the remaining tablespoon butter on the griddle pan and add the sandwiches, buttered side up. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is beginning to melt. Flip the sandwiches, press lightly, and continue cooking until golden and toasty. Transfer to a cutting board and slice the sandwiches with a serrated knife, on the diagonal. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately.

GROWN-UP GRILLED CHEESE

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.