Ultimate Grilled Cheese

I am in love with the grilled cheese sandwich.  Maybe it is because as a kid mom would make them and we would have them with tomato soup.  What a great lunch on a cold day!  It doesn't need to be cold to enjoy a grilled cheese.  In fact, it is very hot outside but I still enjoyed every bite!

The Ultimate Grilled Cheese has a spread of mayo, Dijon mustard, and parmesan that is delightful when coupled with Gruyere, cheddar and bacon!  It was a wonderful lunch.  The recipe will be featured in Ina's soon to be published cookbook, How Easy is That? available on October 26th.  Until then, you can find the recipe at Barefoot Bloggers or below.

Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Barefoot Contessa How Easy is That? Fabulous Recipes and Easy Tips

by Ina Garten

12 slices thick-cut bacon, such as Nodine’s applewood smoked

1 cup good mayonnaise
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 white pullman loaf or sourdough bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick (12 slices)
6 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
6 oz aged Gruyere or Comte cheese
6 oz extra-sharp Cheddar, such as Cabot or Shelburne Farms

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange the bacon on a baking rack set over a sheet pan in a single layer and roast for 20 to 30 minutes, until nicely browned. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels and cut in 1-inch pieces.


Meanwhile, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Lay 12 slices of bread on a board and spread each one lightly with butter. Flip the slices and spread each one generously with the mayonnaise mixture. Don’t neglect the corners!

Grate the cheeses in a food processor fitted with the largest grating disk and combine. Distribute the bacon evenly on half the slices of bread. Pile 1/3 cup grated cheese evenly on top of the bacon and top with the remaining bread slices, sauce side down.

Heat an electric panini press. When the press is hot, cook the sandwiches for 3 to 5 minutes in batches until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Allow to cool for 2 minutes. Cut in half and serve warm.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

 
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese, is the ultimate!  Barefoot Bloggers are preparing and enjoying every bite.