Next Level Grilled Cheese: Toasties

Grilled Cheese is a beloved American meal and what could be easier? Slap some cheese between two pieces of bread, butter and grill! This is a meal that can be prepped in a few minutes and customized for those around your table. This was nevera. favorite of mine. So I decided to take this recipe up a few notches, move away from the processed American cheese and try some Aged Cheddar, Gruyere, Havarti or even Smoked Gouda on good bread, crusty artisan or sour dough breads or even breads with raisins or nuts. Grilled Cheese is not really American cuisine as so many cultures have taken cheeses from their regions and delicious local breads to make the same repasts. Grilled Cheese is perfect for busy people for a quick prep for an easy and filling dinner, with school is beginning and vacations ending! Add a side salad or the traditional tomato soup for a fuller supper.

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Next Level Grilled Cheese: Toasties

Servings: 2

4 slices of bread of choice

1/4 pound cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, Smoked Gouda or Aged Cheddar

Butter or mayonnaise to spread

2 thick slices of tomato

Shred cheese—this make cheese melt evenly on the bread.
Heat a heavy-duty skillet, such as one of cast iron. Add 2 tablespoons butter.
Spread mayonnaise on each slice of bread. Add shredded cheese, press down a bit with your hand or spatula. Add the sliced tomato. Place 2nd slice of bread on top. Spread top slice with mayonnaise.
Cook in skillet over a medium low heat. Do not turn the heat higher to get it done faster—this cooks the grilled cheese unevenly and scorches the bread. Cook at low temperature to get bread evenly toasted and cheese totally melted.
When browned, gently flip the grilled cheese with a spatula. Add more butter if needed in the bottom of the pan.
Brown and serve with a side salad or with a classic bowl of tomato soup.

Expandthetable suggestions

Add a bit of spice: Pesto spread on each inside piece of bread.

Sweeten the taste: Spread honey on each slice of bread, before adding the cheese

Apples: Add thinly sliced and peeled apples on top of the cheese before cooking.

Vegan: Use vegan cheese in place of dairy.

Gluten free: Use gluten free bread.

Ingredients