11+ Ways to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Recipe research is always surprising. In my recipe wanderings, I came across multiple ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich.

 

The Grilled Cheese Sandwich became popular during the depression. It makes me wonder what foods will become popular during this pandemic with all of its ramifications.

(Source: Accessed 1/13/21 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grilled_cheese)

11+ Ways to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

 
Basic process:

• Spread butter or mayo on the outside of two slices of bread. Place one slice butter side down in a skillet.
• Use a spread on the inside of the slice of bread. (Optional)
  
• Top with slice, slices, slivers, or chunks of chosen cheese.
• Add herbs, spices, or other items as desired.
  
• Place second slice of bread on top, butter side up.
• Fry sandwich slowly so cheese has time to melt.
• Once bottom side is brown, flip and toast the other side.
• Remove and place on plate.
• Cut in half or quarters.

 

Variations:

1. Choose from a variety of breads like multi-grain, sourdough, rye, sliced baguettes, or other breads.
   
2. Choose from a variety of cheeses like: Blue Cheese, Brie, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan, or other cheeses, or use a mix of several cheeses.
   
3. Use Garlic-Parsley butter.
   
4. Use Mayo instead of butter.
5. Add Pesto or another spread.
   
6. Add Apple Slices.
7. Add Spinach, fresh or cooked.
   
8. Add Fresh herbs.
9. Add Carmelized onions.
10. Use one slice of bread, make as a  toast topping, top with fruit or other items.
    
11. Reduce calories by using less cheese and adding cut vegetables, fresh, frozen (cooked) or canned (drained and rinsed).
    

 

Some suggested additions, choose 1 or more: pickle slices, potato chips, cooked bacon strips, tomato slices, or slices of lunchmeat.

 

Other Suggested spreads: mayo mixed with mustard, or mayo mixed with BBQ sauce.

Suggested spices: ground black pepper, basil, cilantro, capers, hot pepper sauce, for example.

References:

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/5-ways-grilled-cheese-sandwich

https://www.businessinsider.com/8-way-to-improve-your-grilled-cheese-2016-7?r=MX&IR=T

https://www.rd.com/article/best-grilled-cheese-sandwich/

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/nov/05/how-to-make-the-perfect-grilled-cheese-sandwich

https://www.consumerreports.org/nutrition-healthy-eating/ways-to-make-a-healthy-grilled-cheese-sandwich/

https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/a586/10-greatest-grilled-cheese-sandwiches-71411/

https://www.thedailymeal.com/cook/how-make-perfect-grilled-cheese-sandwich-and-12-ways-make-it-even-better-slideshow/slide-3

Microwave: Salmon Melt

The Spruce Eats comes to the rescue, again.

 

I was tired. I had a can of salmon. But, when I thought of my existing recipes using salmon, I wanted to try something different. I went straight to The Spruce Eats and found many canned salmon recipes.

 

Of course, I did not have all the ingredients recommended, so I adapted the recipe and it turned out great.

 

Microwave: Salmon Melt

(Adapted from: https://www.thespruceeats.com/salmon-melts-909281)

 

 

Ingredients:

 

1 140g (5 oz) can boneless, skinless salmon, drained

4 TBspns Frozen mixed vegetables, cooked and diced

3 Shakes Dry onion flakes


2 Spears DIY pickles, diced

2-3 Tspns Pickle juice

1 Tspn Yellow mustard

2-3 TBspns Mayo

4 Shakes Dry parsley

S/P to taste

1-3 Drops Hot sauce

1 Slice Toast

1-2 TBspns Mixed cheese, shredded or grated

 

Process:

 

In a container with a lid, add salmon with cooked, diced vegs, onion flakes, pickle spears and juice, mustard, parsley, S/P, and hot sauce.

Stir and mix ingredients thoroughly.

Refrig mixture for 8 hours.

Remove.

Place toast on plate.

Spread 1-2 TBspns of mixture over toast.

Top with cheese.

Place in microwave.

Microwave on high for 30 seconds or a more to melt cheese.

 

While this was a little messy, when I made another melt, I used less of the mixture and it was a tidier meal.

Surprisingly, the pickle juice, and the diced vegetables really added more flavor when combined with the cheese.