Gourmet Grilled Cheese

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a world where comfort meets sophistication with our Gourmet Grilled Cheese. This isn't your everyday sandwich — it's a cheesy masterpiece that brings together a blend of delicious cheeses and fresh herbs, all nestled between slices of artisan sourdough bread. Let’s take your grilled cheese game to a whole new level!

Ingredients for Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Artisan sourdough bread is not only sturdy enough to hold all that cheese but also adds a delightful tanginess. Unsalted butter ensures that you get the perfect golden-brown crust without any unexpected saltiness. The star of the show is the cheese blend: Gruyère cheese offers nuttiness, aged sharp cheddar brings a sharp bite, fontina cheese adds creaminess, and a touch of blue cheese gives it a bold punch. Dijon mustard cuts through the richness with a little zing, while fresh thyme adds an aromatic herbaceous note. Finally, a dash of cracked black pepper gives just the right amount of heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a panini press if you have one for a perfectly even crisp.
  • Let the cheeses sit at room temperature for a bit before mixing; they’ll melt more smoothly.
  • Experiment with different bread types — rye or multigrain can add interesting flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This gourmet grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with a bowl of tomato bisque or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied beer can also complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any cheese for your favorite. Just keep the total amount the same for the best melting experience.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works as well, but use half the amount since it's more concentrated.
How can I store leftovers?
Grilled cheese is best fresh, but you can reheat in a skillet over low heat to regain some of that crispy texture.

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This gives you the perfect temperature to melt the cheese slowly without burning the bread. While it’s heating, spread your softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. You want a nice even layer — too much and it will be greasy; too little and it won't brown properly.

Next, grab a bowl and mix together your cheeses: Gruyère, cheddar, fontina, and blue cheese. On the unbuttered side of half of your bread slices, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard. This will add a nice tanginess that complements the cheese beautifully.

Distribute the cheese mixture evenly over the mustard-coated slices. Don’t skimp! Sprinkle with some fresh thyme and cracked black pepper. Top with the remaining bread slices, making sure the buttered side is facing out.

Place your sandwiches on the preheated skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll want to press gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly. Once the bread is golden brown and the cheese is oozy, it’s time to take them off the heat. Slice them in half and serve immediately for the best gooey experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines four kinds of cheese for a rich, complex flavor.
  • Uses artisan sourdough for a perfect crunchy exterior.
  • Infused with fresh thyme and Dijon mustard for a gourmet twist.
  • Quick and easy — ready in just about 15 minutes!

Ingredients

8 slices of artisan sourdough bread
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
4 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
4 oz aged sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 oz fontina cheese, shredded
1 oz blue cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
2. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
3. In a bowl, mix Gruyère, cheddar, fontina, and blue cheese together.
4. On the unbuttered side of half the bread slices, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
5. Evenly distribute the cheese mixture on top of the mustard-coated slices.
6. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
7. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
8. Place sandwiches on the preheated skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheeses are melted.
9. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve immediately.

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