13 best gourmet grilled cheese

Name: The Gourmet Grilled Cheese Cookbook
Brand: Kit Graham
Price: 167 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (250 reviews)

Gourmet grilled cheese is an elevated and flavorful take on the classic comfort food, grilled cheese sandwiches. It involves using high-quality ingredients and creative combinations to create a more sophisticated and indulgent version of this beloved dish.Here are some key points about gourmet grilled cheese:

Bread: Gourmet grilled cheese often starts with artisanal or high-quality bread. Common choices include sourdough, ciabatta, or rustic multigrain bread. These bread types add a depth of flavor and texture to the sandwich.
Cheese Selection: The choice of cheese is crucial in gourmet grilled cheese. While cheddar is a classic option, gourmet versions may incorporate a wide range of cheeses, such as brie, Gruyère, fontina, blue cheese, or goat cheese. These cheeses offer a variety of flavors and melt beautifully.
Additional Ingredients: Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches frequently include additional ingredients to enhance flavor and texture. These can include ingredients like caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, prosciutto, bacon, avocado, or even fig jam. These add-ons add complexity and depth to the sandwich.
Spreads and Sauces: Gourmet versions often feature spreads or sauces to elevate the taste. Some common choices include pesto, garlic aioli, truffle oil, honey, or Dijon mustard. These condiments complement the flavors of the cheese and other ingredients.
Grilling Techniques: Achieving the perfect grilled cheese involves mastering the grilling technique. It's essential to use butter or olive oil to ensure a crispy and golden-brown exterior. Some recipes also recommend using a panini press or griddle for even cooking and uniform meltiness.
Pairings: Gourmet grilled cheese can be served as a standalone dish, but it's often paired with soups, salads, or even a glass of wine. Tomato soup is a classic companion, but salads with fresh greens and vinaigrette also make excellent pairings.
Creative Variations: There are countless creative variations of gourmet grilled cheese. Some examples include caprese-style grilled cheese with mozzarella, tomato, and basil, or a sweet and savory combination with apples, cheddar, and caramelized onions.
Presentation: Gourmet grilled cheese is often presented in a more upscale and visually appealing manner. It might be served as smaller, bite-sized sandwiches for appetizers at parties or plated elegantly with garnishes.
Cookbooks and Recipes: Many cookbooks and online resources offer gourmet grilled cheese recipes and inspiration for those looking to experiment with this classic dish. These recipes can provide guidance on ingredient combinations and cooking techniques.

Gourmet grilled cheese is all about creativity and taking a simple comfort food to a new level of sophistication and flavor. It's a versatile dish that can be tailored to individual tastes and preferences, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts and those looking to indulge in a delicious and satisfying meal.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best gourmet grilled cheese on the market

The Gourmet Grilled Cheese Cookbook

Kit Graham

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Grilled Cheese Kitchen: Bread + Cheese + Everything in Between (Grilled Cheese Cookbooks, Sandwich Recipes, Creative Recipe Books, Gifts for Cooks)

Chronicle Books

Based on 397 reviews Check latest price

The Great Grilled Cheese Book: Grown-Up Recipes for a Childhood Classic [A Cookbook]

Ten Speed Press

Based on 99 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Tomater

12 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated or cut into 8 slices

8 slices brioche bread

Pesto

1 cup dry-packed

sun-dried tomatoes

¼ cup fresh basil leaves

4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

¼ cup candied walnuts

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup olive oil

8 slices heirloom tomato

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, for finishing

To make the pesto, in a saucepan, combine the tomatoes with water to cover, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil for 5 to 7 minutes, until rehydrated and tender. Drain well and let cool.

In a food processor, combine the cooled tomatoes, basil, garlic, walnuts, and Parmesan and pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, add the oil in a slow, thin stream and process until the oil is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Line up half of the bread slices on a work surface. Top each slice with 1 cheese slice, one-fourth of the pesto, 2 tomato slices, and a second cheese slice. Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices.

Line a large platter with paper towels. In a skillet over high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Turn down the heat to low, add 1 sandwich, and cook, turning once, for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until browned and crisp on both sides and the cheese is melted. Transfer to the prepared platter to blot the excess grease. Repeat with the remaining butter and sandwiches.

Cut the sandwiches in half, plate, and serve.