The Dirty Grilled Cheese Food

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

THE DIRTY GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Butter one side of each piece of bread liberally and place buttered side down on a plate.
• Evenly distribute Muenster cheese on one piece of bread.
• Place pickled jalapenos on top of the Muenster, distributing evenly around the sandwich so there are jalapenos in every bite.
• Place two slices of tomato on top of the jalapenos. Evenly top with the pepper jack cheese.
• Close sandwich with the other piece of sour dough (buttered side facing out) and place in a heated skillet. Place steak weight or heavy plate on top of the sandwich and press lightly.
• Check after 2 to 3 minutes (should be lightly toasted and golden). Flip sandwich to toast other side until golden, approximately 2 minutes.
• Check the inside of the sandwich to make sure all of the cheese is melted. When sandwich is finished on stove, remove and set aside on cutting board. Open up top of sandwich, add potato chips, close sandwich, and cut in half. Serve immediately to ensure the best crunchiness.

GINA'S DRUNKEN GOAT GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
• Spread each bread slice with Roasted Shallot Mayo. Add layers of grated goat cheese, a small handful arugula, and finish with more grated cheese, then top with bread. Repeat for the second sandwich.
• Add the sandwiches to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and crisp and the cheese is melted, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Cut the sandwich in 1/2 before serving.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the shallot and garlic on a square of aluminum foil. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold up and seal the foil. Place in the oven and roast for 1 hour. Remove and let cool.
• Add the shallot and garlic to a bowl. Add the mayonnaise and mix together until smooth.