BLT's and Tomato Sandwiches

Zana · October 26, 2011

Cheddar and Cilantro Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Source : Jennifer Meier, Your About.com Guide to Cheese

Adding cilantro, or any type of fresh herb for that matter, to this grilled cheddar sandwich is an easy way to turn simple grilled cheese into a sandwich with more flavor. Use any type of cheddar you like, although a white, sharp cheddar is especially good. And don't be stingy with the cilantro - its typically strong flavor is mellowed by the melted cheese.

Tips for Making the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Keep the heat low so the bread becomes brown and crispy but doesn't burn before the cheese melts
Pressing down on the sandwich as it cooks helps the bread brown
Adding a lid to the skillet for a few minutes at the end can help the cheese melt
The bread slices shouldn't be much more than 1/2" thick
Don't be stingy with the amount of butter or olive oil used to coat the bread
Grated cheese melts faster than cheese slices

Yield: At least 4 sandwiches

Ingredients:
1/2 pound cheddar cheese, sliced thinly or grated
1 bunch of cilantro
slices of bread (sourdough is delicious with this sandwich)
butter or olive oil to coat bread

Preparation:
• Set out two slices of bread.
• Butter one side of each slice or drizzle generously with olive oil, then flip the bread over so it is laying butter/oil side down.
• Add desired amount of cheddar cheese to one slice and add cilantro on top.
• The cilantro can be roughly chopped, or you can simply lay sprigs that have most of the stem removed inside the sandwich.
• Use a generous amount of cilantro if you really want the flavor to come through.

• Place the second slice of bread on top (buttered/oiled side up) to make a sandwich.
• Repeat until you've made your desired amount of sandwiches - there should be enough cheese and cilantro to make at least 4 sandwiches.

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sandwich to the pan and cook 3-5 minutes until the side touching the pan is nicely browned.
• Flip the sandwich and turn the heat down to medium low.
• Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is nicely toasted.
• If necessary, you can add a lid to the pan to help the cheese melt.

More Cheese and Fresh Herb Combinations for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Mozzarella and Basil
Gruyere and Dill
Feta and Mint
Goat Cheese and Chives

Cooking with Cilantro

Often just the leaves of fresh cilantro are used in recipes, but the stems are edible as well, although sometimes a bit chewy.

Zana’s Variations:
I add Oka and sometimes spiced Gouda to the cheese mix.
Add slices of Black Krim Tomato, sweet onion, and a slice of double smoked Canadian Back Bacon to the Cheddar Cheese.
To spice it up, chiffonade some hot peppers of choice and add those too before grilling.

October 26, 2011	#11
Zana Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Southwestern Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,521	Cheddar and Cilantro Grilled Cheese Sandwich Source : Jennifer Meier, Your About.com Guide to Cheese Adding cilantro, or any type of fresh herb for that matter, to this grilled cheddar sandwich is an easy way to turn simple grilled cheese into a sandwich with more flavor. Use any type of cheddar you like, although a white, sharp cheddar is especially good. And don't be stingy with the cilantro - its typically strong flavor is mellowed by the melted cheese. Tips for Making the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Keep the heat low so the bread becomes brown and crispy but doesn't burn before the cheese melts Pressing down on the sandwich as it cooks helps the bread brown Adding a lid to the skillet for a few minutes at the end can help the cheese melt The bread slices shouldn't be much more than 1/2" thick Don't be stingy with the amount of butter or olive oil used to coat the bread Grated cheese melts faster than cheese slices Yield: At least 4 sandwiches Ingredients: 1/2 pound cheddar cheese, sliced thinly or grated 1 bunch of cilantro slices of bread (sourdough is delicious with this sandwich) butter or olive oil to coat bread Preparation: • Set out two slices of bread. • Butter one side of each slice or drizzle generously with olive oil, then flip the bread over so it is laying butter/oil side down. • Add desired amount of cheddar cheese to one slice and add cilantro on top. • The cilantro can be roughly chopped, or you can simply lay sprigs that have most of the stem removed inside the sandwich. • Use a generous amount of cilantro if you really want the flavor to come through. • Place the second slice of bread on top (buttered/oiled side up) to make a sandwich. • Repeat until you've made your desired amount of sandwiches - there should be enough cheese and cilantro to make at least 4 sandwiches. • Heat a skillet over medium heat. • Add the sandwich to the pan and cook 3-5 minutes until the side touching the pan is nicely browned. • Flip the sandwich and turn the heat down to medium low. • Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is nicely toasted. • If necessary, you can add a lid to the pan to help the cheese melt. More Cheese and Fresh Herb Combinations for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Mozzarella and Basil Gruyere and Dill Feta and Mint Goat Cheese and Chives Cooking with Cilantro Often just the leaves of fresh cilantro are used in recipes, but the stems are edible as well, although sometimes a bit chewy. Zana’s Variations: I add Oka and sometimes spiced Gouda to the cheese mix. Add slices of Black Krim Tomato, sweet onion, and a slice of double smoked Canadian Back Bacon to the Cheddar Cheese. To spice it up, chiffonade some hot peppers of choice and add those too before grilling.