Grilled cheese has been a popular lunch choice for generations, and the variations on this simple sandwich abound, depending on where you are in the world. While American or cheddar cheese are the popular choice for this treat in the United States, some parts of Europe prefer Swiss or Gouda cheese to fill their bread slices.

There are also a number of additions that can go into a grilled cheese sandwich, like ham, tomato, herbs and spices, or sauces like ketchup or mustard. Some of these will go between the slices of bread before the grilling takes place, and some are sprinkled on the top or used as a dip. Many Canadians enjoy dipping their sandwiches in ketchup or applesauce, while people in the United States tend to prefer their sandwiches with tomato soup or French fries on the side.
The Perfect Grilled Cheese Recipe

There are many gadgets on the market today that will grill up a lovely sandwich for you to enjoy. If you don’t own one of the specialty grillers however, a good old-fashioned cast iron pan that is well seasoned will do. In fact, if you have a brand new cast iron skillet, a grilled cheese sandwich will be the perfect choice for seasoning your new pan.

Bread can run the gamut from a hearty wheat to a crusty white, depending on your preference. Texas toast can make a yummy choice, as can many rye breads. The good news about selecting a bread for your grilled cheese is that once you have added plenty of butter and melted cheese, almost any bread will fit the bill in a tasty way.

Butter is the next ingredient for making your sandwich, and can be spread directly onto the bread or melted into the pan. It is a good idea not to skimp on the butter, although a well-seasoned pan can add plenty of flavor with a smaller amount of butter needed. Your cheese can be American, Havarti, cheddar, or Swiss, depending on your own tastes and preferences.

Place your first piece of bread in the pan with the buttered side down, add the cheese of your choice, and place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese with the buttered side up. Grill the first side until the bread is nicely toasted, then flip your sandwich and cook the other side until the cheese inside is melted.

Variations

There are so many variations on the grilled cheese sandwich today; your choices are only limited by your tastes and imagination. Try tossing in some avocado and tomato, or a slice of ham or bacon. Sprinkle with a dash of oregano, or add some mayonnaise to the bread.

Some people enjoy a tuna melt, which adds tuna or tuna salad to the melted cheese inside. Others like to dip their bread slices into beaten eggs before placing them on the skillet. Whatever your preferences, you are guaranteed to find a grilled cheese sandwich that will tantalize your taste buds. Bon a petit!

By: Ann Marier -

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Ann Marier has written many articles on health issues and useful house and garden Topics. Latest articles are about types of cheese and their uses.

Cheese Sandwich
This has got to be the best ham and cheese sandwich ever. I got the original recipe from my half-sister Mary in the early 1970s. We doctored it up a lot to make it just how we like it.
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon onion, grated
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/8 cup sherry or white wine
6 slices bread
12 slices ham
6 long slices Swiss cheese
Saute mushrooms in butter for 5 minutes. Remove mushrooms from pan.
Add onions to pan and cook for a 30 seconds.
Blend together flour and salt.
Add milk.
Cook until thickened.
Blend in sour cream and mushrooms. Heat.
Add wine.
Toast and butter bread. Place on cookie sheet.
Place one slice of ham, then some creamy mixture, another slice of ham, and then the cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 7 minutes.
Serves 4-6.