Lately I’ve been craving grilled cheese. So I indulged by making myself my ‘famous’ Grilled Cheese a la Maison. Then low and behold I discover it’s National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month! Maybe some kind of chefs’ 6th sense? I don’t know but here are my three favorite grilled cheese recipes for you to enjoy.
Grilled Cheese a la Maison
This is the one that (kinda) went down in history (in my town) when I became a chef and did a demo with tasting at my son’s elementary school career day. Needless to say it was a big hit that left me nearly famous because well, who wouldn’t find a chef and grilled cheese more exciting than listening to a parent talk about investment banking? (No offense!) Here’s the secret formula: American cheese between two slices of white bread. Melt some butter in a pan. Sprinkle the butter with Herbs d’Provence. Toast up your grilled cheese in the butter and serve it with marinara sauce for dipping. Simply delicious!
Image of Croque Monsieur from RTE’s Perfect Euros Snack
Croque Monsieur/Madame
A classic and very grown up French version of grilled cheese and a staple in French bar and cafe cuisine. French ham and gruyere between two thin slices of bread toasted up in butter then topped with more cheese and toasted under the broiler just until the cheese is perfectly melted and browned. If you really want to be on trend then make it a Croque Madame by topping your sandwich with a fried egg. Trés gourmand!
Image of The Charlotte from GrilledCheeseAcademy.com
The Charlotte aka our “Grown Up Grilled Cheese”
I wish I could take credit for this one but the Charlotte was created by an acquaintance of Theo’s in Minneapolis, MN. We offered it in our former cafe as “Grown Up Grilled Cheese” and it got rave reviews. Creamy havarti, parmesan, kielbasa, brussels sprouts and a laundry list of savory ingredients toasted up between two slices of rye bread. You may want to dial back the garlic and red pepper flakes a tad. I love them both but this sandwich has a lot going on. Pure genius!