RestaurantsTHE SMOKE PITGrilled Cheese And Fries Recipe

Grilled Cheese And Fries Recipe

Inspired by THE SMOKE PIT
Time40m
Serves1

Make Grilled Cheese And Fries Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Sandwich

Optional Condiments

Method

Fries

1

Prepare potatoes

Cut the potatoes into 1/4–1/2-inch sticks (matchstick or classic fry size). Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water until the water runs clear to remove surface starch.

2

Dry and toss

Pat the potatoes very dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the dried potatoes with cornstarch until evenly coated (this helps crispness).

3

Season

Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl and toss to distribute evenly.

4

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Spread the fries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of oil over the fries and toss once on the sheet to coat. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once at the 12–15 minute mark, until golden brown and crisp. If you prefer extra crispness, broil 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.

5

Cook (fry method - alternative)

Heat 2–3 cups oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F). Fry potatoes in batches for 3–5 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove to a paper towel–lined tray and immediately season with additional salt if desired.

6

Keep warm

When fries are done, keep them on a warm oven tray at low heat (about 100°C / 210°F) while you make the sandwich so everything is hot at serving.

Sandwich

7

Prep bread

Spread about 1 tablespoon of butter evenly across the outside face of each bread slice. On the inside face of one slice, spread the Dijon mustard.

8

Assemble

On the non-buttered (inside) face, layer half the cheddar and all the Gruyère, then top with the remaining cheddar to create an even cheese layer. Sprinkle the 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper over the cheese.

9

Grill

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan, buttered-side down. Cook 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Butter the top slice if desired (or leave butter on both outsides) and carefully flip the sandwich. Press gently with a spatula or a weight and cook another 3–4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. Lower the heat if the bread browns too quickly before the cheese melts.

10

Finish and rest

Remove sandwich from the pan and let rest 1 minute — this helps the cheese set slightly and avoids squeezing out all the melted cheese when cutting. Slice the sandwich diagonally or in half.

11

Serve

Serve the grilled cheese hot with the fries. Offer ketchup, mayo, or a mayo-hot sauce blend on the side for dipping.