The Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
When the weather turns cold, I begin to crave comfort foods. Salads and fresh veggies just seem to lose their appeal the lower the temperature drops. I want warm. I want gooey. I want grilled cheese sandwiches.
Yes, I know, not exactly the healthiest thing to eat when fixed the way many moms used to make them. You know what I mean: white bread, processed American cheese, grilled in lots and lots of butter. So, while I want the basic taste, I’m gradually trying to adapt mine to a healthier concoction, while still satisfying that basic craving.
First off, I make mine with whole grain bread, adding in lots of fiber and nutrients. Next, I like to mix up the types of cheeses that I use. As a basic, I’ll use either shredded, low fat mozzarella or low fat four-cheese mix. Both melt quite nicely. To add a bit more taste, I may sprinkle in a bit of feta or Parmesan cheese on top of that.
Next, I like to add something else to the cheese. My favorite addition is sliced green olives, but they really add no nutritional value to the mix. I also like to add sliced tomatoes, but I have to be careful with these, or they can make the sandwich too runny. I’ve tried adding roasted red peppers, but they weren’t a big favorite.
Finally, most times when I make it, I’ll cook it in my toaster oven, to completely eliminate the added fat (and added yumminess, of course) that comes from grilling it in butter.
At the moment, this is my breakfast each morning, so I’m really looking for other suggestions of things to add. Any ideas?
How about you? Is there some food you find yourself craving when the weather turns icy cold?
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Add a little water to the onions. It helps to keep them moist and turn a lovely golden brown. Something I have learnt from watching dh (known at our local soccer club as Mr Barbecue!) grill onions at fundraisers.
A favourite addition to grilled cheese and tomatoes on toast for me is fresh basil. Just tear the leaves up and put them on when the grilling is done. I tend to do mine as toasted cheese under an oven grill.
Well…in, The Devil Wears Prada movie, the boyfriend (don’t know his name) makes the Anne Hathaway character grilled chees with Jarlsberg. I think that was the high point of the movie for me. I was thinking….”I do that, I use Jarlsberg!” I actuallly shared that with my daughter, who was at the movie with me, and loves Jarlsberg. We were very impressed with that part of the movie. Although…loved the rest of it too.
I’ve trained my daughter to make them and hers are the best. I can never avoid thinking about butter or whether I should use one less slice of cheese. So, I let her make them and force myself to ignore the calories. I do feel satisfied afterwards and rarely snack later.
Tee, that’s a clever way to make them. I desperately need a new teflon pan, but as soon as I get one will give it a try. I have tried mustard before and it adds a really nice taste.
My favorite grilled cheese is adding some diced green peppers and onions, mustard, then grilling over a low heat in a covered teflon pan (no butter added to the bread, nor oil in the pan). I suppose some Pam could be sprayed, but I prefer it dry.
As to your question about which foods beckon to me on cold, cold days. Just about everything, unfortunately. I really have to hold myself back from the fridge. Everything becomes comfort food on such days.
Kara, I agree, with tomato soup they’re just fantastic. I may have to consider doing a cup (of the real stuff) for breakfast…that would add nutrients as well.
Oh, these are some brilliant ideas.
Theresa, I never thought of caramelized onions, but that sounds yummy.
Xina, I agree about the grilled being best (have to try a bit of pam the next time). I’ve never tried Jarlsberg cheese in one. I think I’d like it.
Jean, mushrooms sound great! Another thing I’ve never thought of.
Katie, oh, pesto would be wonderful!
I looooove grilled cheese sandwiches! My (current) favorite way to prepare them is with cracked wheat bread, pesto, and mozzarella cheese. Then I either lightly butter the outside, or I use the toaster oven like you mentioned, depending on how much fat I’m willing to consume that day.
Mushrooms. Definitely mushrooms. I loooove mushrooms. Then with red onions. Mmmmmm.
I am all about cooking healthy, but with grilled cheese, I see no way around the grilled part. :) I make them with Jarlsberg cheese, thick slices of cracked wheat or some type of grainy bread, butter on the outside of each slice, a little Pam sprayed in the pan and grill slowly. With the thick bread slices, if it’s not grilled slowly the outside will burn before the cheese melts. Delicious, but not made a lot. Too many calories and fat, but a nice treat now and then.
grated pepper, fresh pitted black olives chopped or sliced, green onions chopped, caramilized onions, cherry tomatoes sliced
Ooooohh…Grilled Cheese sandwich sounds sooooo good right now!!! I love it with tomato soup (not the Campbell’s kind…the real kind…tomato bisque). Looks like that is what I am having for lunch today!!! I am going to try the different cheeses….sounds great!!!!