Alton Brown Grilled Cheese Recipe

This Alton Brown Grilled Cheese Recipe is a crispy and melty sandwich, which uses Dijon mustard and a mix of smoked gouda and Gruyere cheese. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 10 minutes.

Alton Brown Grilled Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• 2 slices hearty country bread, whole wheat or white
• 1 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard, plus more to taste
• 3 ounces grated cheese, such as smoked gouda and Gruyere or Fontina with a young Asiago
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons clarified butter

How To Make Alton Brown Grilled Cheese

1. Preheat cast-iron skillets: Place two 10-inch cast-iron pans over high heat for 5 minutes.
2. Assemble the sandwich: Spread Dijon mustard on one slice of bread. Top with grated cheese and a sprinkle of pepper. Place the second slice of bread on top to close the sandwich.
3. Butter the bread: Brush the outer sides of the sandwich with clarified butter for even browning.
4. Toast the sandwich: Turn off the heat. Place the sandwich, buttered side down, in one skillet. Brush the top side with butter, then place the second skillet directly on top to press.
5. Cook until cheese melts: Let the sandwich cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese melts and the bottom is golden and crisp.
6. Rest and serve: Remove the top skillet and transfer the sandwich to a cutting board. Let rest for 1 minute before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips

• What’s the best cheese for grilled cheese?
  A mix of smoked gouda and Gruyere melts well and delivers great flavor. Fontina and Asiago are also good options.
• Why use clarified butter?
  It has a higher smoke point and prevents the bread from burning while achieving a golden, crispy crust.
• Can I use a regular skillet?
  Yes, just use a spatula to press the sandwich down or weigh it with another pan.
• Why rest before cutting?
  Letting the sandwich rest for 60 seconds keeps the cheese from spilling out and allows it to set slightly.

What To Serve With Grilled Cheese

This sandwich pairs perfectly with cozy, savory sides:

• Tomato soup
• Pickles or a simple green salad
• Potato chips or sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• Roasted tomato salad

How To Store Grilled Cheese

Refrigerate: Store leftovers wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

Freeze: Not recommended—grilled cheese sandwiches lose texture and become soggy when thawed.

Grilled Cheese Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 23g
• Sodium: 620mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced cheese instead of grated?
Yes, but grating cheese helps it melt more evenly and quickly.

What’s the benefit of pressing with a skillet?
It gives you a crisp, evenly toasted exterior and helps the cheese melt faster.

Can I add extra ingredients like tomato or ham?
Absolutely—just don’t overload the sandwich or it won’t cook evenly.

Is clarified butter necessary?
You can use regular butter, but clarified butter improves browning and flavor.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Dill Pickles Recipe
• Alton Brown Chicken Stock Recip
• Alton Brown Chicken and Dumplings Recipe