MAKES: 6 servings TESTED BY: Juli H.
027 Deluxe Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
TASTING COMMENTS:
This may not seem like something that needs testing, but we did—to be sure it was as good as it could be! We were even curious to see how the bread toasts when brushed with olive oil, mayo, or butter. Each was good in its own way!—JH
start to finish 20 minutes
- 1 1-lb. loaf unsliced bakery white bread
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 Tbsp. mustard (optional)
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. butter (optional)
While cheddar or American is the classic cheese choice in this sandwich, we love other types, too—especially if we’re jazzing it up with additional ingredients. Try Swiss, provolone, Gouda, Havarti, Monterey Jack (with or without peppers), or Colby.
1. Slice bread into twelve ½-inch-thick slices. Top six slices with cheese slices. If desired, spread one side of remaining bread with mayonnaise and/or mustard; place on cheese, spread sides down. Brush both sides sandwiches with olive oil.
2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. If desired, add 1 Tbsp. of the butter; heat until butter melts. Add two sandwiches to skillet. Cook 2 minutes or until bottoms are golden. Turn sandwiches over; cook 2 to 3 minutes more or until bottoms are golden and cheese is melted. (Adjust heat as necessary to prevent overbrowning.) Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
Per serving 483 cal., 27 g fat (12 g sat. fat), 56 mg chol., 745 mg sodium, 40 g carb., 2 g fiber, 4 g sugars, 20 g pro.
OLIVE OIL This turned out the crispest toast. And it was the lightest option— not quite as greasy as with butter or mayo.
MAYO The bread browned nicely with this option—and it added a pleasantly tangy flavor to the sandwich.
BUTTER This resulted in the most browning—and the most even browning. And then, of course, there was the great flavor of the butter.
This simple sandwich goes gourmet with the addition of just a few ingredients and by mixing up the bread choices. From the top: classic (just cheese), bacon and jam, tomato and basil, and tart apple and ham. Yum!