Of course! Here is a recipe for a truly next-level Garlic Herb Grilled Cheese Sandwich that transforms the classic comfort food into a gourmet experience. It’s crispy, buttery, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Gourmet Garlic Herb Grilled Cheese
This recipe infuses garlic and herbs directly into the butter for a crispy, flavorful crust and uses a blend of cheeses for the perfect melt.
Why You’ll Love It:
· Restaurant-Quality at Home: The garlic-herb butter takes it to a whole new level.
· Perfect Cheese Pull: A blend of cheeses ensures amazing melt and flavor.
· Crispy & Golden: The secret to the perfect crust is in the technique.
Recipe
Yield: 1 magnificent sandwich Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
· 1 small clove garlic, finely minced or grated
· 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
· ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh chives (optional)
· A pinch of salt
For the Sandwich:
· 2 slices of good bread (sourdough, country white, or Italian bread are perfect)
· ⅓ to ½ cup shredded cheese blend (see recommendations below)
· 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispness)
The Best Cheese Blend (Choose one):
· Classic Blend: 2 parts sharp cheddar, 1 part Monterey Jack, 1 part mozzarella (for stretch).
· Gourmet Blend: Gruyère and Fontina.
· Simple & Perfect: Just extra-sharp white cheddar.
Instructions:
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, and a pinch of salt until combined.
- Prepare the Bread: Spread the outside of each bread slice with the garlic herb butter. Be generous and spread it all the way to the edges. This will create the crispy, flavorful crust.
· Pro Tip: For an even crispier, more uniform golden brown, also spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside over the butter. The oil and egg in mayo promote fantastic browning. - Add the Cheese: Flip the slices over so the un-buttered sides are up. Pile the shredded cheese onto one slice. Place the other slice on top, buttered sides out.
- Cook Low and Slow: Place the sandwich in a cold non-stick skillet or griddle. This is the secret to melting the cheese perfectly before the bread burns.
- Turn on the Heat: Turn the heat to medium-low. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the bottom is a deep, golden brown. Do not press down aggressively; a gentle press is enough.
- Flip Carefully: Use a sturdy spatula to carefully flip the sandwich. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side, until equally golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the pan and let it rest for just 1 minute on a cutting board. This allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t all ooze out when you cut it. Slice in half and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sandwich:
· Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Block cheese you grate yourself will always yield a superior, gooier melt.
· Room Temperature Cheese: Taking your cheese out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before making the sandwich helps it melt faster and more evenly.
· The Lid Trick: If your bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, place a lid loosely over the skillet for a minute or two. This traps heat and helps melt the cheese.
· Add-Ins: For an even more incredible sandwich, consider adding:
· A few very thin slices of tomato (pat them very dry with a paper towel first).
· A layer of caramelized onions.
· A few slices of avocado inside the sandwich after it’s cooked.
· A thin spread of fig jam or apple butter on the inside of the bread for a sweet and savory twist.
Enjoy the best grilled cheese of your life