Before anyone starts anything, I know that you probably have your own ideas on what makes the perfect grilled cheese sandwich and I’m pretty sure that this one isn’t it. For me though, nobody will ever make a more perfect grilled cheese sandwich than the one I’m discussing here.  Why?  Because my son made it and you can’t top my son’s very first grilled cheese sandwich for the perfect sandwich.

Sure, I helped a little and I stood by while he made it, but this is Lil’ E’s moment, not mine.  this almost 12 year-old is taking his first steps towards learning to be independent (and avoiding the pitfalls of an all fast food diet in college).  It’s an amazing thing to be the one teaching him  some of the skills that will help him through life. And he did a pretty darned good job for a first try, don’t you think?

Please be aware that I’m all for a panini-pressed masterpiece of good aged cheeses and all varieties of additions from ham to prosciutto or veggies and tomatoes, but around the Russell house a grilled cheese sandwich has a few well defined criteria:

1. It’s cooked in olive oil, not butter.  This makes for a crisp sandwich that isn’t slathered in butter.

2 .It must be over-stuffed with cheese.  Cheddar cheese. sharp cheddar is preferred

3. It also must be messy, gooey and dripping copious amounts of cheese all over the eater and the plate.

In all, you are free to have your grilled cheese in any manner you choose.  This particular sandwich will stand out in my memory as the best I’ve ever seen for quite some time, I’m sure.

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Yield: 1 sammich

The Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 11 minutes

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Ingredients

• 2 slices of the bread of your choice. (We prefer multi grain)
• 3 slices cheddar cheese (if you're using pre sliced)
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet and 1 Tbsp olive oil over a medium low flame. Place cheese on one slice of bread, top with the other slice.
2. Drizzle sandwich with olive oil. Place in pan, olive oil side down. Press down firmly. Cook until bread is golden (about 3 minutes.) Drizzle top with olive oil and turn carefully. Cook until remaining side of sandwich is golden and cheese has melted thoroughly.
3. Remove from heat, slice and eat.
4. Make a few of 'em.
5. Share and Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 624Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 853mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 25g

There are endless variations on grilled cheese.  This just happens to be my kids first, so it’s special.  I wouldn’t change a thing.

Links to other recipes like this:

• The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe, from Local Lemons
• The Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich, from Serious Eats
• Paying Homage to Grilled Cheese (and three recipes), from Recipe Girl

What was the first dish you cooked on your own?  Do you remember?  We’d love to hear about it.