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Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Cheddar and Shallot

Source of Recipe

Cook's Illustrated


Recipe Introduction

"In an attempt to liven up grilled cheese, some add so many ingredients that the cheese is an afterthought. Our grown-up grilled cheese sandwiches start with flavorful aged cheddar to which we add a small amount of wine and Brie. These two ingredients help the aged cheddar melt evenly without becoming greasy. A little bit of shallot increases the sandwiches' complexity without detracting from the cheese, and a smear of mustard butter livens up the bread."

List of Ingredients

◦ 7 ounces aged cheddar cheese, cut into 24 equal pieces, room temperature
◦ 2 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed
◦ 2 tablespoons dry white wine or vermouth
◦ 4 teaspoons minced shallot
◦ 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
◦ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
◦ 8 slices hearty white sandwich bread


Recipe

Before you begin:
Look for a cheddar aged for about one year (avoid cheddar aged for longer; it won't melt well). To quickly bring the cheddar to room temperature, microwave the pieces until warm, about 30 seconds. The first two sandwiches can be held in a 200-degree oven on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.

Process cheddar, Brie, and wine in a food processor until smooth paste is formed, 20 to 30 seconds. Add shallot and pulse to combine, 3 to 5 pulses. Combine butter and mustard in small bowl.

Working on parchment paper-lined counter, spread mustard butter evenly over one side of slice of bread. Flip four slices of bread over and spread cheese mixture evenly over slices. Top with remaining four slices of bread, buttered sides up.

Preheat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. (Droplets of water should just sizzle when flicked onto pan.) Place 2 sandwiches in skillet; reduce heat to medium-low; and cook until both sides are crispy and golden brown, 6 to 9 minutes per side, moving sandwiches to ensure even browning. Remove sandwiches from skillet and let stand for 2 minutes before serving. Repeat with remaining 2 sandwiches.

Serves 4