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Ingredients
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Sandwich
French Fries (side)
Drink
Method
Sandwich
- 1
Prepare bread
Lay out 8 slices of bread on a work surface. If using mayonnaise instead of butter, spread about 0.5 tbs of mayonnaise on one side of each slice. If using butter, spread about 0.5 tbs softened butter on one side of each slice. For a subtle tang, thinly spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of 4 slices (optional).
- 2
Assemble sandwiches
Place 4 slices of bread buttered-side down. Divide the cheddar cheese evenly among them (about 1/2 cup per sandwich). Add one slice of American or Swiss cheese on top of the cheddar for extra melt if using. Season lightly with 1/8 tsp black pepper and a pinch of garlic powder on each. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered-side up, to form 4 sandwiches.
- 3
Cook
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat (about 300–325°F / 150–160°C if you have a thermometer). Place 1 or 2 sandwiches in the pan without crowding. Cook 3–4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Press gently with a spatula. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning too fast before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the pan for 1–2 minutes to encourage melting.
- 4
Finish and rest
Transfer finished sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve hot.
French Fries (side)
- 5
Oven method (recommended for even crisp): Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet; toss with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/2 tsp paprika. Bake 18–25 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. Timing can be adjusted to finish while sandwiches cook; start fries first, then cook sandwiches during the last 6–10 minutes of the fries' bake time.
- 6
Stovetop shallow-fry method: Heat a large skillet with 1/4 inch oil over medium-high heat. Add fries in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt, pepper and paprika.
Drink
- 7
Prepare drinks while sandwiches and fries cook: Fill four glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup each). Pour 1 cup iced tea or soda into each glass. Serve immediately alongside the hot grilled cheese and fries.
