Crisp Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

By
María del Mar Cuadra
A headshot of Maria del Mar Cuadra, a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
María del Mar Cuadra
María del Mar Cuadra is a food stylist, recipe developer, and art director. She has written three cookbooks and worked for America's Test Kitchen.
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Updated March 21, 2019
20150219-parmesan-crispy-grilled-cheese-1.jpg
Photograph: Vicky Wasik

Up your standard grilled cheese game by adding a layer of crispy browned Parmesan cheese to the exterior of your sandwiches. Can you say meta-grilled cheese?

Recipe Details

Crisp Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Active 20 mins
Total 25 mins
Makes 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 8 slices Texas toast or other thick-sliced white bread
  • 8 tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (2 ounces) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Spread each slice of bread on both sides with butter. Arrange four slices in large skillet and cook over medium heat until turning light golden, 2 to 3 minutes.

  2. Sprinkle slices with 1/2 cup Parmesan and, using spatula, flip over.

  3. Sprinkle toasted sides of bread with 1 cup cheddar and cook until cheddar begins to melt and Parmesan begins to brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.

  4. Once cheddar is melted, turn 2 of the slices onto the other two and press together to sandwich. Transfer to cutting board and repeat with remaining ingredients.

  5. Allow sandwiches to rest about 3 minutes, then cut in half and serve.

Special equipment

large skillet, spatula, grater or microplane

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