"New" Old-Fashioned Grilled Cheese Sandwich

"New" Old-Fashioned
Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Serves 4

Old-Fashioned Grilled Cheese Sandwich Few cheese dishes come close to the comfort level offered by a grilled cheese sandwich. The buttery bread and the oozing cheese spill out ease and warmth. While grilled cheese sandwiches are hardly challenging to make, the right proportion of ingredients is key to the perfect sandwich. Ultra-thin-sliced hearty bread, butter and the perfect amount of grated cheese is all it takes. This creates a crispy exterior for the soft melted cheese.

Although grilled cheese sandwiches are traditionally made with cheddar or (heaven forbid!) processed American cheese, almost any type of good melting cheese works perfectly. Use what you like. To make a more up-to-date version, try placing a few basil leaves in the center. It's a wonderful fresh surprise.

1/2 pound Cougar Gold cheese,
coarsely grated (or use cheddar or Gouda)
4 large 1/8-inch-thick slices country, pain levain, or
other hearty bread, cut in half
12 fresh basil leaves (optional)
3 tablespoons butter

Sprinkle the grated cheese over 4 slices of the bread. Top with the basil leaves, if using. Cover with the remaining 4 bread slices.

In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cover. Cook until the sandwich is golden brown on the underside, about 3 minutes. Turn with a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 2 more minutes. Serve immediately.

Buy the Book!

The New American Cheese
Profiles of America's Great Cheesemakers and
Recipes for Cooking with Cheese
By Laura Werlin
Stewart Tabori & Chang, May 2000
Hardback, $35.00
Color photographs throughout
ISBN: 1-55670-990-0
Recipe reprinted by permission.