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.
The Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
Instructions
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
What I would have done differently had I thought of it at the time:
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.
And I think it’s gorgeous! I can almost taste it now. Mmmmm….. I also think it’s fabulous that you documented it for posterity. :-)
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Good job Lil’ E! Looks like a pretty darn good sandwich to me. Now I got the craving!
.-= megan´s last blog ..Cooking Light: Crab Cakes! =-.
I still remember our kids’ first efforts at grilled cheese sandwiches, though it was quite some time ago!
.-= Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)´s last blog ..Nutella® (Recipe: apples with Nutella and walnuts) =-.
Thanks for the mention. Always LOVE to see kids cooking!!
.-= Lori @ RecipeGirl´s last blog ..An Interview w/ RecipeBoy on his Birthday (& Snickerdoodle Cupcakes) =-.
*HUGS* He did such an awesome job!!! I wish I could have been there for it, but please telll him how proud I am of him, honey. :)
I think a grilled cheese is one of those universally loved foods. I personally like to spread some hot mustard on the bread before I put the cheese on. Gives it a little zip. Haven’t tried it with olive oil though I use it a lot in cooking.
Mustard would be a great touch!
I remember the 1st time my daughter (who is now a mother herself) cooked. She made me scrambled eggs and although there were eggshells in them, they were the best I’ve had to this day. WTG Lil’ E. It looks yummy!!
Yes, it makes it very, very special!
A perfect grilled cheese sandwich HAS TO be over-stuffed with cheese! I love your pictures, I love this sandwich and congrats to your boy’s perfect sandwich!