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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Optional add-ins
Choice of side (pick one)
Method
Sandwich
- 1
Prepare bread and spreads
Lightly spread 1 tablespoon of room-temperature butter evenly on one side of each bread slice (these will be the outside of the sandwich). If using mayonnaise and/or Dijon mustard, spread mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of one slice and the Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of the other slice.
- 2
Assemble cheese
On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, evenly distribute 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar and 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella. Season with a pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of black pepper. If using optional add-ins, arrange tomato slices, caramelized onions, or cooked bacon on top of the cheese, keeping fillings within the bread edges. Top with the second bread slice, buttered side up.
- 3
- 4
Grill the sandwich
Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet, buttered side down. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, checking occasionally, until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula, press gently, and cook the other side 2 to 4 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted. If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the pan with a lid for 1 to 2 minutes to trap heat and speed melting.
- 5
Rest and slice
Remove the sandwich from the pan to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute to allow the cheese to set slightly. Slice the sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve immediately.
Optional add-ins
- 6
If using tomatoes, pat slices dry with a paper towel to avoid extra moisture. For caramelized onions, cook thinly sliced onion in 1 teaspoon oil or butter over low heat for 20–30 minutes until deep golden and sweet. Cook bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels. Add these fillings between the cheese layers during assembly.
Choice of side (pick one)
- 7
Side salad
Toss mixed greens with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon vinegar, a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve 2 cups alongside the sandwich.
- 8
Kettle chips
Spoon 1 cup of kettle chips into a small bowl and serve on the plate next to the sandwich.
- 9
Tomato soup
Warm 1 cup of tomato soup on the stovetop or microwave until steaming (about 2–3 minutes in microwave, stirring once). Pour into a bowl and place next to the sandwich for dipping.
