Ina Garten’s Dreamy Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese Recipe

Melted cheese and tangy chutney dance together in this Ina Garten cheddar & chutney grilled cheese that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Sharp cheddar brings robust flavor to every golden-brown bite.

The combination of crispy bread and gooey cheese creates a sandwich that sings with simplicity and sophistication.

Warm spices from the chutney add unexpected depth to this classic lunch favorite.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of crunch and creamy richness.

The secret lies in selecting quality ingredients and mastering the art of gentle toasting.

You’ll fall in love with this gourmet twist on a beloved sandwich that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

What You’ll Need to Make Ina Garten’s Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese

• Sourdough Bread: Sturdy and tangy foundation that provides crispy, golden exterior and robust flavor profile for the sandwich.
• Butter: Creates irresistible golden-brown crust and adds rich, luxurious taste to grilled cheese.

• Mango Chutney: Sweet-tangy condiment that introduces exotic complexity and bright notes to the classic grilled cheese.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, intense cheesy punch with smooth melting qualities and sharp undertones.

• Butter (Additional): Ensures perfect crispy exterior and helps achieve beautiful golden-brown grilling results.

Tools for Preparing Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese, Ina Garten Style

• Cutting board: A flat surface for preparing and assembling ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Essential for shredding the cheddar cheese evenly.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for generously coating bread slices with melted butter.
• Panini press or skillet: Key for grilling and achieving golden-brown, crispy sandwiches.
• Knife: Useful for cutting sandwiches diagonally after grilling.

How to Assemble Ina Garten’s Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese

• Bread Preparation

Arrange slices on a clean surface, ready for delicious transformation.

• Chutney Layer

Coat each slice with a generous spread of tangy chutney for a flavor explosion.

• Cheese Blanket

Sprinkle cheddar across the chutney-covered bread, creating a rich and creamy foundation.

• Sandwich Assembly

Top the cheesy slices with remaining bread, creating perfect little flavor packages.

• Grilling Magic

Use a panini press or skillet to transform these sandwiches into crispy, golden masterpieces. Cook until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

• Serving Moment

Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately while still warm and irresistible. The crispy exterior and melted cheese will make mouths water and hearts sing.

Grilled Cheese Upgrades: Tips for Ina Garten’s Cheddar & Chutney Classic

• Expert Tips and Twists
• Experiment with different sharp or mild cheddars, or blend multiple cheeses like gruyère, gouda, or monterey jack for complex flavor profiles.
• Try mango, tomato, or spicy jalapeño chutneys to transform the classic sandwich's taste, adding unexpected sweet or tangy dimensions.
• Use sourdough, whole wheat, or artisan country bread for varied textures and deeper taste experiences that complement the melty cheese.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like thyme or chives on top, or add crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions for extra gourmet flair before grilling.
• Grill on medium-low heat to ensure even melting and prevent burning, creating a perfectly golden-brown exterior with a gooey cheese center.

Serving Ideas for Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese by Ina

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Complement the rich, cheesy sandwich with a light, tangy green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Add Pickle Punch: Serve alongside crisp dill pickles or a small pickle relish to provide a sharp, briny contrast to the melted cheddar.
• Create Weekend Brunch Delight: Elevate the grilled cheese by presenting it as part of a casual weekend brunch spread with fresh fruit and a light mimosa.
• Dip in Tomato Soup: Offer a classic accompaniment of warm, creamy tomato soup for dunking, creating a comforting and nostalgic meal experience.

How to Store & Reheat Ina Garten’s Chutney Grilled Cheese

• Store Strategically: Wrap leftover grilled cheese sandwiches in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, restoring crispy exterior and melty cheese. Avoid microwave to maintain texture.
• Prep Ahead: Grate cheddar and chop chutney ingredients the night before, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This reduces day-of cooking time.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible, grilled cheese loses crispness when frozen. If freezing, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw in refrigerator and reheat in skillet.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Gourmet Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cheddar & chutney grilled cheese blends sharp cheddar with sweet-tangy chutney between golden, buttery bread. Crisp exterior and melted interior promise a luxurious sandwich experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 240g / 8 oz (3 cups) extra-sharp white cheddar, grated
• 12 slices (¼-inch thick) good bakery white bread
• 240g / 8.5 oz mango chutney
• 115g / ¼ lb (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Arrange bread slices on a clean cutting board, brushing each side generously with melted butter to ensure complete coverage.
2. Chutney Layer: Spread tangy chutney evenly across the unbuttered side of each bread slice, creating a flavorful foundation for the sandwich.
3. Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle freshly grated cheddar cheese uniformly over the chutney-coated surfaces, ensuring comprehensive cheese coverage.
4. Sandwich Assembly: Top the cheese-laden slices with remaining bread pieces, creating complete sandwich structures with seamless edges.
5. Surface Preparation: Coat the exterior of each sandwich with additional melted butter to promote a crisp, golden-brown finish.
6. Cooking Process: Heat a panini press or large skillet to medium-high temperature, ensuring an even cooking surface for optimal grilling.
7. Grilling Technique: Place sandwiches on the hot surface, applying gentle pressure to achieve uniform browning and thorough cheese melting.
8. Final Touches: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown color develops and cheese becomes completely molten.
9. Serving: Remove from heat, allow brief cooling, then slice diagonally into triangular halves for an appealing presentation.

Notes

• Butter Like a Pro: Use a pastry brush for even, generous butter coverage to guarantee perfectly golden, crispy bread edges.
• Chutney Spread Technique: Apply chutney carefully to cover entire bread surface, ensuring balanced flavor in every bite.
• Cheese Distribution Matters: Grate cheddar fresh and spread uniformly to create consistent melting and optimal cheese-to-bread ratio.
• Perfect Grilling Timing: Watch sandwiches closely during 3-4 minute cooking, aiming for rich golden-brown color and fully melted cheese interior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 80mg