Read Melt: 100 Amazing Adventures in Grilled Cheese Online
Authors: Shane Sanford Kearns
The Tropical
3 tablespoons sweet butter, divided
2
⁄
3
whole nectarine, peeled and sliced
1
⁄
4
whole mango, peeled and sliced
3 teaspoons brown sugar, divided
1 piece plain naan bread, halved
1
⁄
2
cup ricotta cheese
The naan used in this recipe is a traditional Asian flatbread that is perfect when simply brushed with olive oil and baked. Naan does come in multiple flavors, including whole wheat or garlic, but for this sandwich it is definitely recommended to use plain naan, which will allow the sweetness of the fruit to shine.
2–4 tablespoons melted sweet butter, for grilling
2 slices multigrain bread
2 tablespoons currant preserve
1
⁄
2
cup shredded Jarlsberg cheese
1
⁄
2
cup arugula, de-stemmed
Forget the standard grape jelly that you’ve been slathering on sandwiches for years, and get ready to try a unique currant preserve instead! Currants—a dried, black, seedless grape—have a sweet, tart taste that pairs well with many dessert foods such as ice cream or a tart.
2–4 tablespoons melted sweet butter, for grilling
2 hand-cut slices challah
Brie to coat bread, approximately 4 ounces
3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
2 tablespoons walnuts
The pomegranate is an intriguing and exotic fruit that makes a wonderful juice. The pomegranate has ancient roots in the Middle and Near East and dates back more than 4,000 years. This fruit provided both nutrition and sustenance during long-distance journeys. The seeds, also known as jewels, add a great crunchy texture to a grilled cheese sandwich, while also providing a tart flavor.
Tips from the Stovetop
Prior to cutting into a pomegranate, make sure you are using a plastic cutting board and clothes you don’t care about as to avoid staining. Working over a bowl helps keep the splashing from staining your clothes. Cut the pomegranate in half, through the stem, or crown. Then cut the halves in half. Using a spoon, or your fingers, dig out the required seeds, or jewels, for this grilled cheese recipe. Munch on the remaining seeds as a healthy snack.
Apple Pie
1
⁄
3
large ciabatta, 12" total (4 inches in length)
3 tablespoons sweet butter, divided
1 golden delicious apple, unpeeled and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon +
3
⁄
4
teaspoon brown sugar, divided
1 tablespoon white sugar
1
⁄
2
teaspoon cinnamon
1
⁄
4
pound MT TAM cheese by Cowgirl Creamery
Walnuts, to taste (optional)
1
⁄
2
graham cracker, cracked into small to medium-sized pieces
Apple pie is as American as … well … apple pie. But in this sandwich, it goes gourmet with a distinctive organic cheese from Cowgirl Creamery that works to add a creamy texture and earthy flavor. If you are unable to find MT TAM cheese in your area, replace with either brie or Camembert cheeses.
Tips from the Stovetop
Apple pie is routinely served “à la mode,” or with ice cream. Add a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top of this apple pie grilled cheese for an even more delectable dessert.
2 tablespoons butter
1
⁄
3
cup canned pineapple chunks
2 slices chocolate kuchen bread
1
⁄
2
cup shredded brick cheese
Caramelizing onions is a common practice that adds great flavor to any creation. But this awesomely sweet grilled cheese recipe calls for caramelized butter, which adds a rich, sophisticated, nutty flavor to the sandwich. This technique is less common, but the payoff is well worth it!
2–4 tablespoons melted sweet butter, for grilling
2 slices cinnamon or chocolate kuchen bread
1
⁄
2
cup shredded Havarti cheese
1
⁄
2
–
2
⁄
3
kiwi, sliced and peeled, depending on taste
1
⁄
2
teaspoon raisins
Caramel syrup, to taste
It’s not often that you’ll find the kiwi playing a starring role. Perhaps due to its subtle flavor, it usually takes a backseat to stronger players, but not in this recipe! Here, kiwi steps forward to take its rightful place in the spotlight, backed by the sweet tastes of raisins, caramel, and Havarti cheese. This sandwich doubles as a meal or a dessert, so treat yourself to a kiwi delight.
Carrot Cake
1 box bran bread or muffin mix
3
⁄
4
cup fresh zucchini, peeled and grated
1
⁄
4
cup walnuts, divided
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1
⁄
2
cup fresh carrot, peeled and shredded, divided
2
1
⁄
2
teaspoons cinnamon sugar, divided (see Harvest Fest recipe in this chapter for cinnamon sugar details)
With flavors ranging from sweet to nutty, carrot cake is a perennial favorite. This recipe takes all the nutty flavors of the original and packs them into a sweet, creamy grilled cheese! You’ll never look at carrot cake the same way again!