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A stacked gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with cheese, tomato, red onions, and lettuce.
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5 from 1 vote

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Classic comfort food elevated to the next level. A chic, fancy, and amazing gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with a French cafe twist.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner & Main Dishes, Lunch & Picnic
Cuisine: French
Keyword: cheese sandwich, fancy grilled cheese, gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, grilled cheese sandwich
Servings: 2
Calories: 623kcal

Ingredients

grilled cheese sandwiches

  • sourdough bread 2 slices
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan grated
  • 4 slices brie
  • 5 cornichons
  • pickled red onions 3-4 slices
  • heirloom tomato 2-3 thick slices
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup baby spring lettuce
  • 2 tablespoons vinagigrette dressing

parmesan vinaigrette

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons regular Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
  • ½ sea salt
  • ½ small shallot peeled and minced (about 1 tablespoon)

Pickled Red Onions

  • 2 cups red onions thinly sliced ¼” strips
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled and cut in half
  • 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
  • 1 small chile
  • 2 teaspoons peppercorns
  • 2 cups white wine vinegar

Instructions

pickled onions

  • Make pickled red onions if using them in your cheese sandwiches.
  • Place sliced onions, peeled/halved garlic cloves, and chile in a 1 quart jar.
  • Make the brine; in a small pan add sea salt, sugar, peppercorns, and vinegar.
  • Bring the pickling liquid up to a rapid boil, pour boiling liquid over onions & garlic, chile, in a jar.
  • Make sure the onions are under the liquid and cool to room temperature.
  • Once the onions cool, close the lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.

parmesan vinaigrette

  • Add all ingredients to a mason jar with a fitted lid and shake.
  • Toss 1 tablespoon of vinaigrette with the cup of lettuce. Set aside.

make the grilled cheese

  • Set out your butter, its easier with soft butter. Heat a hot griddle or a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Spread a bit of butter on each slice of bread, sprinkle parmesan cheese on the pan, and lay the buttered bread side down on top of the cheese in the pan. Slightly move the bread in the pan, this is the easy way to get all the cheese melted on the outside of the bread.
  • Grill the bread until it is golden brown and you have crispy bread on the outside. Turn the heat down to medium-low heat if the cheese is browning to fast.
  • Next, spread Dijon mustard in a thin layer on the side of each bread slice. Then top with sliced Brie and allow to melt. Remove the toasted bread slices from the large skillet to a plate.
  • Stack on heirloom tomato, cornichons, pickled red onions, and pile the salad tossed in vinaigrette, and close the grilled cheese. Slice, serve and enjoy!

Notes

What Kind Of Bread Is Best?

The best bread is found in any grocery store. The main thing is to use a good quality of thicker sliced bread to hold all the ingredients.
  • sliced French bread
  • regular or multi grain sandwich bread
  • garlic bread
  • Challah bread
  • sourdough bread

Types Of Cheese

You can use grated or sliced. Avoid pre-shredded in the bag as it has an anticaking agent that doesn't allow it to melt as well as hand-grated or slices.
The best one to use will have flavor and melts well. There really are endless possibilities, and even a combination or mix of cheeses will be wonderful.
  • gruyere
  • Swiss
  • slice of Havarti
  • manchego cheese
  • Boursin
  • French compte
  • blue cheese
  • white cheddar 
  • Monterey jack
  • American
  • sharp cheddar 
  • pepper jack 
  • chevre goat cheese
Almost any condiment like mustard, jam, or chutney will work on a grilled cheese. All the things you like in sandwiches will be great in your own cheese sandwich recipes you create at home. Use meats, vegetables, and things you have on hand.

Fancy Grilled Cheese Flavors

Caramelized Onions, Cheddar, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella
Goat Cheese, Fig Jam, and Arugula
Olive Tapenade, Fire Roasted Peppers, and Compte
Turkey, Brie, and Cranberry Sauce
Grilled Vegetables and Mango Chutney
Sliced Apples, Ham, and Swiss
Kimchi, Crisp Bacon, and American Cheese
Shredded Chicken and Buffalo Hot Sauce
Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, BBQ Sauce, and Monterey Jack
Cooked Lobster, Crispy Bacon, and White Cheddar

Nutrition

Calories: 623kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 3188mg | Potassium: 323mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1250IU | Vitamin C: 37.8mg | Calcium: 286mg | Iron: 2.2mg