If you think grilled cheese is just for kids, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. This Grown Up Grilled Cheese takes everything you loved about the classic childhood staple and turns it into a showstopping lunch or dinner. Imagine layers of melty sharp cheddar, nutty gruyère, and creamy provolone, accented by tangy Dijon mustard, peppery arugula, and optional crispy bacon, all tucked between slices of rustic sourdough. It’s crispy, gooey, and loaded with sophisticated flavor — perfect for when you want comfort food with a gourmet twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Grown Up Grilled Cheese is carefully chosen to give you the ultimate balance of crunch, creaminess, and just enough sophistication. The ingredients are simple, but when combined, they create irresistible flavor and texture that elevates the everyday grilled cheese.
- Artisan Sourdough or Rustic Bread: These sturdy slices provide crispness and a slight tang, making for the perfect grilled cheese foundation.
- Butter, softened: Spreading butter on the outside ensures a deeply golden, crunchy crust.
- Dijon Mustard: This adds a welcome punch of sharpness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: Bold and tangy cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth of flavor.
- Gruyère Cheese: Nutty and melty, bringing an elegant twist to each bite.
- Provolone Cheese: Mild and creamy, provolone balances the more assertive cheeses for the perfect melt.
- Red Onion, thinly sliced: Adds a hint of sweetness and crunch, waking up your taste buds.
- Baby Arugula: Peppery greens that liven up the sandwich and add a pop of color.
- Bacon (optional): For those who love it, crispy bacon brings smoky, savory bliss — but it’s still fantastic without.
- Cracked Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper brightens and unites all the flavors.
How to Make Grown Up Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by generously spreading softened butter on one side of each bread slice. The buttered outsides will guarantee golden, crispy perfection when grilled. On the unbuttered sides of two slices, slather on the Dijon mustard — it’s the secret to a little zing in every bite!
Step 2: Layer the Cheese
Time to build cheesy layers! Begin by adding two slices of sharp white cheddar to each mustard-coated slice, then top with gruyère and provolone. The combination creates a gooey, nuanced melt that’s absolutely irresistible in your Grown Up Grilled Cheese.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Fillings
Top those cheese layers with thinly sliced red onion for a sweet-sharp bite, and scatter the baby arugula across the cheese. If you’ve opted for bacon, add two slices per sandwich. Don’t forget a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for that final savory touch.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Close up your sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, keeping the buttered sides facing out. Give each sandwich a gentle press to help everything stick together. This step sets the stage for an evenly cooked, toasty Grown Up Grilled Cheese.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium. Place the sandwiches in and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula. You’re aiming for crispy brown bread and fully melted cheese — don’t rush it! If needed, turn heat to medium-low and cover the pan for the last minute to ensure gooey cheese all the way through.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for a full minute or two. This keeps the cheesy center from spilling out when you slice. Cut each sandwich in half, and marvel at those gorgeous, stretchy cheese layers before serving!
How to Serve Grown Up Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
Dress up your sandwiches by scattering extra arugula on the plate, grating a little extra cheese over the top, or finishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or fresh herbs. Even a drizzle of good olive oil can add a subtle, aromatic note to the Grown Up Grilled Cheese experience.
Side Dishes
The ultimate pairing is a bowl of classic tomato soup, but you might also enjoy crisp cucumber salad, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a simple mixed greens salad. The contrast between hot, melty cheese and cool, fresh veggies is nothing short of delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Grown Up Grilled Cheese into bite-size cubes and spear them with cocktail picks for a fun appetizer. For brunch, serve triangles stacked artistically on a platter with a side of fig jam or pepper jelly. If you’re hosting, pair halves with mini soup shooters for an impressive (but easy) party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra grilled cheese, let it cool completely. Wrap sandwiches tightly in foil or parchment, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The bread may soften but the flavors meld beautifully.
Freezing
Grown Up Grilled Cheese freezes surprisingly well. Wrap cooled sandwiches individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the crispiest texture, reheat leftover sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing down gently and turning once. Alternatively, bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. The microwave is quick, but the bread will be softer rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use different bread for my Grown Up Grilled Cheese?
Absolutely! While sourdough or rustic bread gives the best crunch and tang, you can substitute with multigrain, country white, or even a baguette. Just opt for something sturdy enough to stand up to all that melty cheese.
What cheeses work if I don’t have gruyère or provolone?
Feel free to swap in smoked gouda, Swiss, fontina, or even mozzarella for a new spin. Mixing a few kinds of cheese often gives you the most flavor and melt.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit the bacon! The Grown Up Grilled Cheese is still packed with flavor from the cheeses, mustard, arugula, and onion, no meat required.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble the sandwiches ahead (without grilling), wrap them well, and refrigerate for up to a few hours. Grill just before serving for the toastiest results.
What’s the secret to extra gooey Grown Up Grilled Cheese?
Use room temperature cheese slices, cover the pan for a minute or two while grilling, and avoid rushing the cook time. Letting the sandwich rest before slicing helps keep all that gooey cheese where it belongs.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, the simple things really are the best — especially when they get a grown-up twist. If you haven’t experienced the magic of a Grown Up Grilled Cheese yet, now is the time! Give this recipe a try and discover just how deliciously comforting and a little fancy a grilled cheese can be.
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Grown Up Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this Grown Up Grilled Cheese recipe. Packed with a mix of cheeses, savory bacon (optional), and peppery arugula, this gourmet sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Bread and Spread:
- 4 slices artisan sourdough or rustic bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Cheese and Fillings:
- 4 slices sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2 slices gruyère cheese
- 2 slices provolone cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup baby arugula
- 4 slices cooked bacon (optional)
- Cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Layer the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread Dijon mustard. Layer the cheddar, gruyère, and provolone cheeses evenly between the two mustard-coated bread slices. Add red onion, arugula, and bacon if using. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper.
- Grill the Sandwich: Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing slightly, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let rest 1–2 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Swap out cheeses with smoked gouda or fontina for a new twist.
- Try adding tomato slices, caramelized onions, or a thin layer of fig jam for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
