By Itself Recipe
Make By Itself Recipe in just 12m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Optional garnish / serve
Method
Sandwich
- 1
Prepare bread
Spread unsalted butter evenly over one side of each slice of bread. On the opposite (unbuttered) side of one slice, spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard and sprinkle with the salt and black pepper. This creates a gentle tang and seasoning layer inside the sandwich.
- 2
Assemble cheeses
On the unbuttered, mayo-mustard side of the bottom slice, layer the sliced aged cheddar evenly. Sprinkle the grated white cheddar over the sliced cheddar to create an even melt profile and cover the surface so every bite has cheese.
- 3
Grill
Heat a nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat (about 275–325°F / moderate). Place the assembled sandwich in the pan with the buttered side down. Place the remaining slice of bread buttered side up. Cook gently for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich and press lightly with a spatula or a second pan. Cook another 2–3 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread browns too quickly before the cheese melts, reduce heat to low and cover the pan for 1–2 minutes to trap heat and finish melting.
- 4
Rest and slice
Transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and let it rest for 1 minute to stabilize the melted cheese. Slice diagonally or straight down the middle, depending on preference.
Serve
- 5
Plate the sandwich by itself or with optional cornichons and a small handful of mixed greens on the side. Serve immediately while hot so the cheeses are gooey and the crust is crisp.