Description
Gourmet cream cheese grilled cheese elevates the classic sandwich with luxurious layers of tangy spread and melted cheeses. Crisp golden bread and rich fillings create a comforting meal that satisfies you in every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices sandwich bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter, softened
- 1 pinch garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Select robust, crisp-friendly bread slices with the capacity to withstand grilling without compromising structural integrity.
- Butter Application: Coat the exterior of each bread slice generously with softened butter, ensuring complete coverage for optimal golden-brown caramelization.
- Cheese Foundation: Layer cream cheese smoothly across the inner bread surface, creating a uniform base that will enhance the sandwich’s creamy texture and flavor complexity.
- Cheese Layering: Distribute shredded cheese over the cream cheese, allowing for a luxurious melting process that binds the sandwich’s components and creates a rich, gooey interior.
- Optional Enhancement: Elevate the flavor profile by sprinkling complementary herbs or cracked black pepper across the cheese layer for added depth and aromatic intrigue.
- Sandwich Assembly: Construct the sandwich by positioning the remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered sides face outward for pristine grilling potential.
- Cooking Process: Preheat a heavy skillet or griddle to medium heat, creating an even cooking surface that promotes uniform browning and prevents potential burning.
- Grilling Technique: Carefully place the assembled sandwich onto the heated surface, monitoring the browning process and listening for the characteristic sizzling soundtrack of perfectly grilled bread.
- Final Touches: Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, rotating when the bread achieves a rich, golden-brown hue and the cheese transforms into a seductively molten state. Transfer to a cutting board, slice diagonally to reveal the tantalizing interior, and serve immediately with optional accompaniments like tangy pickles or a warm, comforting tomato soup.
Notes
- Choose Sturdy Bread: Select thick-cut, hearty bread that can withstand grilling without becoming soggy, ensuring a crisp exterior and stable structure.
- Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for smooth, even spreading that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
- Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium heat during grilling to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, creating a crispy texture and fully melted cheese.
- Experiment with Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle herbs, cracked pepper, or add thin slices of ham to elevate the sandwich’s taste profile and create exciting variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg