Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipes

EASY TOMATO SOUP AND GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS

Steps:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven such as Le Creuset, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in the chicken stock, tomatoes, saffron, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, fill a medium pot with water, add 2 teaspoons salt and bring to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 7 minutes. (It will finish cooking in the soup.) Drain the orzo and add it to the soup. Stir in the cream, return the soup to a simmer and cook for 10 more minutes, stirring frequently.
• Serve hot with Grilled Cheese Croutons scattered on top.
• Heat a panini grill. Place the four slices of bread on a cutting board and brush lightly with the melted butter, being sure to butter the corners. Turn the slices over and pile Gruyere on two of the slices. Place the remaining two slices of bread on top of the Gruyere, buttered sides up.
• Grill the sandwiches on the panini grill for about 5 minutes, until nicely browned. Place on a cutting board, allow to rest for 1 minute and cut into 1-inch cubes.

EASY TOMATO SOUP & GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS

Steps:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven such as Le Creuset, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in the chicken stock, tomatoes, saffron, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, fill a medium pot with water, add 2 teaspoons salt, and bring to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 7 minutes. (It will finish cooking in the soup.) Drain the orzo and add it to the soup. Stir in the cream, return the soup to a simmer, and cook for 10 more minutes, stirring frequently.
• Serve hot with Grilled Cheese Croutons scattered on top.
• Heat a panini grill. Place the four slices of bread on a cutting board and brush lightly with the melted butter, being sure to butter the corners. Turn the slices over and pile Gruyere on two of the slices. Place the remaining two slices of bread on top of the Gruyere, buttered sides up.
• Grill the sandwiches on the panini grill for about 5 minutes, until nicely browned. Place on a cutting board, allow to rest for 1 minute, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Note: The Grilled Cheese Crouton recipe was halved for the taping of this episode.

GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS

Steps:

• On stove, heat a grill pan (or frying pan) over medium-high heat.
• Brush one side of each bread slice with butter.
• Place two slices in the pan, buttered side down.
• Top with one slice of cheese each, then top with remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
• Grill 2-3 minutes, until toasted; turn and grill other side.
• Cut into 1-inch squares.
• Serve your choice of soup hot, topped with a few croutons per serving.
• This recipe should make enough for 6 servings of soup.

GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.
• In a small bowl, combine butter and thyme. Spread over one side of each bread slice with the butter mixture.
• Place 3 slices in the pan, buttered side down. Top with the cheese, then with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
• Cook, turning once, until toasted on both sides, 3-5 minutes per side.
• Remove the sandwiches from the pan. Let them cool slightly, then cut them into 1" squares. Use in soups(tomato is especially nice), on top of salads, etc. Enjoy!
• Makes about 60 croutons.