Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Cheddar and Shallot

The grilled cheese conundrum: Young cheeses have no taste but melt perfectly, while aged cheeses have sophisticated flavor but turn grainy. We wanted the best of both worlds.

A cookbook recipe exclusively for ATK Essential members from The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook

YIELD 4

TIME 45 minutes

The Complete Vegetarian CookbookA cookbook recipe exclusively for ATK Essential members from The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook

Why This Recipe Works

Gather Your Ingredients

Key Equipment

Key Equipment - Food Processors
Key Equipment - 12-Inch Nonstick Skillets

Before You Begin

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Look for a cheddar aged for about one year (avoid cheddar aged for longer; it won’t melt well). To quickly bring the cheddar to room temperature, microwave the pieces until warm, about 30 seconds. The first two sandwiches can be held in a 200-degree oven on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.

Instructions

1.

Process cheddar, Brie, and wine in food processor until smooth paste is formed, 20 to 30 seconds. Add shallot and pulse to combine, 3 to 5 pulses. Combine butter and mustard in small bowl.

2.

Working on parchment paper–lined counter, spread mustard butter evenly over 1 side of slices of bread. Flip 4 slices of bread over and spread cheese mixture evenly over slices. Top with remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered sides up.

3.

Preheat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. (Droplets of water should just sizzle when flicked onto pan.) Place 2 sandwiches in skillet; reduce heat to medium-low; and cook until both sides are crispy and golden brown, 6 to 9 minutes per side, moving sandwiches to ensure even browning. Remove sandwiches from skillet and let stand for 2 minutes before serving. Repeat with remaining 2 sandwiches.

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