Southern Gentlemans Grilled Cheese Sandwich Food

THE ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Steps:

• Preheat a griddle or nonstick skillet to medium-low. Spread 2 teaspoons of the butter on one side of a bread slice. Repeat with the remaining butter and bread. Place one of the slices butter-side down and shingle the cheese on top, covering the entire surface. Top with the other slice of bread, butter-side up.
• Place the sandwich on the griddle and cook until the bottom is golden brown and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. If the bread is browning too quickly, shift the griddle off the heat. Flip the sandwich, then cover with a small metal bowl and cook until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes. Once golden brown on both sides, toast the edges of the sandwich, if desired. Transfer to a cutting board, cut in half on the bias and serve immediately.

SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN'S GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Steps:

• In a sauce pan, combine cherries, brown sugar, bourbon, and cornstarch. Cook on medium heat until thick and bubbly, stirring frequently to break down cherries. Remove from heat and cool.
• Place 2 slices of smoked gouda onto each slice of bread. Top the bottom layer with 2 TBSP cherry jam, pulled pork, and 2 TBSP chow chow. Place on sandwich top. Brush sandwich with melted butter. Grill at 325-350 degrees for 3-5 minutes. Flip and repeat. If bread is browning too quickly, reduce heat. Grill until cheese melts.

THE PERFECT GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Oven method (great for a crowd of six or fewer): Put a rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Make one sandwich per person: Sandwich 2 slices of cheese between 2 slices of bread. Spread or brush the outside of the sandwich with 1 tablespoon of fat. Place on the preheated baking sheet and cook until the cheese starts to melt, about 5 minutes. Flip the sandwich and bake until golden brown, an additional 5 minutes.
• Panini press method (for crispy crunchy sandwich that needs minimal attention): Sandwich 2 slices of cheese between 2 slices of bread. Preheat a panini press to medium heat. Spread or brush the outside of the sandwich with 1 tablespoon of fat and place in the press. Close the top and cook until lightly browned and the cheese is melted, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Skillet method (fool-proof and low-tech): Sandwich 2 slices of cheese between 2 slices of bread. Preheat a skillet over medium-low heat. Spread or brush the outside of the sandwich with 1 tablespoon of fat and cook until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the sandwich, and continue cooking until browned and the cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes more.
• Great combos:
• 1. Pepper jack and sourdough, brushed with chili oil
• 2. American and white bread, brushed with butter
• 3. Swiss and rye, brushed with mayo
• 4. Cheddar and brioche, brushed with butter