Sweet Grilled Cheese Recipes

GRILLING CHEESE WITH SWEET PEPPERS AND BLACK LENTILS

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add lentils and cook until just tender but not falling apart (they should hold their shape), about 20 minutes. Drain well.
• Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, honey, and 3 Tbsp. oil in a small bowl to combine; season with kosher salt and pepper. Set dressing aside.
• Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add cheese and cook, turning occasionally, until heated through and brown and crispy on all sides, about 5 minutes total. (Some varieties of paneer are made without salt; if using one of these, season your pieces of cheese while cooking.) Transfer to a plate.
• Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil to same pan, then add sweet peppers and oregano. Season with kosher salt and black pepper and cook over medium-high, stirring and pressing down occasionally on sweet peppers with a wooden spoon so they make good contact with the pan, until softened and blistered in spots, 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Add warm lentils and reserved dressing to pan and toss to combine, then toss in cheese.
• Transfer sweet pepper mixture to a platter or plates. Top with basil and season with sea salt and more black pepper.

SWEET GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat a grill pan over medium heat.
• In a medium-sized bowl add the mascarpone and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cheeses until combined. Slowly add the powdered sugar, while mixing, until well incorporated and fluffy. Set aside.
• Lay out the 12 slices of pound cake on a work surface. Spread a liberal amount of the cream mixture on 6 slices and cover with the remaining 6 slices. Spread each side of the sandwiches with a little butter. Put them on the hot grill pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove them to a cutting board. Slice each sandwich, diagonally, and arrange them on a platter before serving.

THE PERFECT GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Oven method (great for a crowd of six or fewer): Put a rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Make one sandwich per person: Sandwich 2 slices of cheese between 2 slices of bread. Spread or brush the outside of the sandwich with 1 tablespoon of fat. Place on the preheated baking sheet and cook until the cheese starts to melt, about 5 minutes. Flip the sandwich and bake until golden brown, an additional 5 minutes.
• Panini press method (for crispy crunchy sandwich that needs minimal attention): Sandwich 2 slices of cheese between 2 slices of bread. Preheat a panini press to medium heat. Spread or brush the outside of the sandwich with 1 tablespoon of fat and place in the press. Close the top and cook until lightly browned and the cheese is melted, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Skillet method (fool-proof and low-tech): Sandwich 2 slices of cheese between 2 slices of bread. Preheat a skillet over medium-low heat. Spread or brush the outside of the sandwich with 1 tablespoon of fat and cook until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the sandwich, and continue cooking until browned and the cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes more.
• Great combos:
• 1. Pepper jack and sourdough, brushed with chili oil
• 2. American and white bread, brushed with butter
• 3. Swiss and rye, brushed with mayo
• 4. Cheddar and brioche, brushed with butter

SWEET AND SPICY GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lower heat to medium. Add onions and saute, stirring, until edges are browned, about 10 to 12 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
• Place 3/4-ounce Cheddar on 1 slice bread. Spread 1 tablespoon caramelized onions on top of cheese and top with 3/4-ounce pepper Jack. Top with 1 large or 2 medium slices tomato and other slice of bread. Repeat with 3 other sandwiches.
• Spray a nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray and heat until hot. Place sandwich on griddle and weigh down with a heavy skillet or plate. Lower heat to medium-low and grill until underside is a deep brown but not burnt and cheese is partially melted, about 5 to 6 minutes. Flip sandwich and grill other side, an additional 4 to 5 minutes. Slice in half and serve hot.

SWEET & SALTY GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Steps:

• Spread a THIN coat of butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
• On unbuttered side, layer cheese and dates.
• Cover with the second slice, buttered side out.
• Preheat a frying pan on med-high heat.
• Place sandwich in pan.
• Cook 2-3 minutes until golden and cheese has melted enough that you can flip it without everything slipping out.
• Flip over, flatten with spatula if desired.
• Cook another 2-3 minutes until golden.