Grilled Cheese Grows Up

Give the classic American sandwich an update.

A simple grilled cheese is pure American comfort food, but you can easily update the classic for a grown-up meal. For a gourmet version, steer clear of Kraft singles and sliced white bread. A grilled cheese sandwich easily transforms into a panini or a croque monsieur with the right ingredients.

Tips for making a grown-up grilled cheese:

• Use good quality bread, butter and cheese. I like Kerrygold Irish butter.
• Cook the grilled cheese at a lower heat than you think and use a lid if your pan is thin and doesn't distribute heat well.
• Let the butter come to room temperature if you normally store it in the fridge. When it is soft, spread it lightly on the outer sides of the bread.
• If you don't have time to soften the butter, then melt it in the pan before you lay the sandwich down.
• You can also use a thin layer of olive oil on the pan if you don't want to use butter.
• Use two slices of cheese, both next to the bread, with the fillings inside. This will keep the sandwich intact when the cheese melts.

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Ideas

Croque Monsieur

Brioche sliced bread

+ Ham

+ Gruyere cheese

Croque Madame

Brioche sliced bread

+ Ham

+ Gruyere cheese

+ Fried egg

Simple, but beautiful grilled cheese

Rustic sliced bread (I like Trader Joe's Rustic bread)

+ Brie cheese, sliced

+ Raspberry preserves

variation: Brie and thinly sliced apples or pears

Pizza Panini

Ciabatta bread

+ Fresh mozzarella

+ Salami or pepperoni

+ Crushed red pepper

+ Tomato

+ Fresh basil

Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich

Nut bread

+ Goat cheese

+ Spinach

+ Mustard

Grown-up Grilled Cheese with Chicken

Sourdough bread

+ Fontina cheese

+ Chicken

+ Dried currants or cranberries

+ Tomato

+ Arugula

Simple Panini

Foccacia, sliced in half with the herbed side turned inwards

+ Edam cheese

+ Prosciutto

+ Tomatoes

+ Fresh basil

Twisted Salad Grilled Cheese

Rye or sourdough bread

+ Blue cheese

+ Bacon

+ Red onion

+ Arugula