Name: Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Knoxville Restaurants Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Recipe
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 slices thick homestyle bread slices; 2 tbs unsalted butter, softened; 1 slice American cheese slices; 0.5 cups Swiss cheese, thinly sliced or shredded; 0.5 cups Havarti cheese, thinly sliced; 2 tbs Parmesan cheese, finely grated; 2 strips cooked bacon strips, drained and halved; 0.25 cups marinara sauce; 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups frozen steak fries or hand-cut potatoes; 2 tbs vegetable oil (for frying) or olive oil (for roasting); 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp paprika (optional); 1 tbs extra grated Parmesan for sprinkling; 1 tbs fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Method

Fries (side)

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) if roasting fries. If frying, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).

Toss the fries or potato pieces with 2 tbs oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp paprika until evenly coated.

If roasting: spread fries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and roast 22–30 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. If frying: fry in batches 3–5 minutes until golden, then drain on paper towels.

Keep fries warm on a baking sheet in the oven (lowest setting) while you make the sandwiches. Just before serving, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil if using.

Sandwich

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. A lower heat helps thoroughly melt multiple cheeses without burning bread.

Spread 1 tbs softened butter evenly on the outer side of each bread slice. Place one slice, buttered-side down, in the skillet.

On the unbuttered side of that slice in the pan, layer the cheeses in this order for even melting: American slice (for melt), 1/4 cup Swiss, 1/4 cup Havarti. Sprinkle 1 tbs grated Parmesan over the cheese pile.

Season the cheese with 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Spoon the marinara (about 2 tbs) in a thin line over the cheese toward the center — avoid over-saucing to prevent soggy bread.

Lay the two bacon strips (halved) over the marinara and cheese.

Top with the second bread slice, buttered-side up. Press down lightly with a spatula.

Cook the sandwich 3–5 minutes on the first side, checking occasionally to ensure the bread is golden brown but not burned. When the bottom is nicely golden and the cheese begins to melt, carefully flip.

Cook another 3–4 minutes on the second side, lowering heat if the bread is browning too fast. If the cheese isn't fully melted after flipping, cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes to trap heat and encourage melting.

Once the sandwich is golden on both sides and cheeses are melted, transfer to a cutting board. Let rest 1 minute, then slice in half.

Finish & Serve

Plate the sandwich with fries. Spoon any remaining marinara into a small ramekin for dipping.

Sprinkle the sandwich halves and fries with the remaining 1 tbs grated Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley if using. Serve immediately.

Grown-up Grilled Cheese Recipe