Restaurants›AQUA›Grilled Cheese Recipe

Grilled Cheese Recipe

Name: AQUAs Grilled Cheese Recipe
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices white sandwich bread; 4 slices American cheese slices; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for spread); 0.25 tsp black pepper; 400 g frozen French fries (or homemade cut potatoes); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for oven or pan); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp paprika (optional)

Inspired by AQUA

Time30m

Serves2

American cheese on white bread grilled and served with fries

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Ingredients

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Sandwich

Fries

14 1/8 oz (400 g) frozen French fries (or homemade cut potatoes)2 tbsp vegetable oil (for oven or pan)1 tsp kosher salt1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

Method

Sandwich

Assemble

Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of butter evenly on one side of two slices of bread. On the other two slices, spread mayonnaise if using (about 1/2 tablespoon each) — this creates a crisp, golden exterior and a slightly tangy interior. Place one buttered-side-down bread slice on your work surface. Layer two American cheese slices on the bread, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle a light pinch of black pepper over the cheese. Top with the second bread slice, buttered-side-up.

Heat pan

Place a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low to medium heat and let it warm for 1–2 minutes. The pan should be hot enough to sizzle butter but not so hot that the bread browns immediately.

Grill first side

Put the assembled sandwich in the skillet, buttered side down. Cook for 3–4 minutes undisturbed, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even contact. Watch the edge of the bread — it should turn golden brown.

Flip and finish

Carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula. Reduce heat to medium-low if the pan is searing too quickly. Cook the second side for 3–4 minutes until golden and the cheese is fully melted. If the cheese is slow to melt, cover the pan with a lid for 30–60 seconds to trap heat and finish melting.

Rest and slice

Transfer the grilled cheese to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Slice diagonally or down the middle and serve immediately with fries.

Fries

Oven (preferred for frozen fries)

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Spread the frozen fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over the fries and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon paprika, tossing again. Bake 18–25 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. Increase or decrease time per package instructions and oven performance.

Pan-fry (for fresh or small batches)

If using homemade cut potatoes or a small amount of frozen fries, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fries in a single layer and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes to develop a crust. Stir or flip and continue cooking 6–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon paprika while hot.

Finish and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer fries to a serving plate alongside the grilled cheese. Serve immediately while warm.