Irresistible Grilled Cheese Recipe from Ina Garten’s Kitchen

Melted cheese and crispy bread create a magical combination that speaks to comfort food lovers everywhere.

Ina Garten’s ultimate grilled cheese recipe promises a seriously delectable sandwich experience that transcends ordinary lunch fare.

Golden, buttery bread hugs layers of rich, gooey cheese in a culinary embrace that makes taste buds dance.

She crafts each element with precision, selecting cheeses that melt perfectly and complement each other’s flavors.

The technique involves carefully browning bread to achieve a gorgeous, crisp exterior while maintaining a molten center.

Simple ingredients come together with her elegance, turning a classic sandwich into a gourmet delight.

This recipe will revolutionize your grilled cheese game, offering a mouthwatering twist on a beloved comfort classic.

Add Flare to Ina Garten Ultimate Grilled Cheese

• Bake bacon on a rack for extra crispiness and less mess, ensuring perfect texture without grease splatters.
• Mix Gruyère and Cheddar for a complex, rich flavor profile that melts beautifully and creates irresistible stretchy cheese pulls.
• Add Dijon mustard to the mayonnaise spread for a tangy kick that elevates the sandwich's overall taste and depth.
• Choose a sturdy, thick-cut bread like sourdough or country white that can withstand the rich filling and provide a satisfying crunch when grilled.
• Use a heavy skillet or panini press to create even browning and ensure the cheese melts completely, giving you that perfect golden-crisp exterior.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Ultimate Grilled Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Toss together a light green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy sandwich.
• Dip with Tomato Soup: Serve alongside a warm, creamy tomato soup for a classic comfort food combination that elevates the grilled cheese experience.
• Create a Brunch Spread: Add the grilled cheese to a weekend brunch menu with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and a mimosa for a delightful morning feast.
• Enjoy as Party Appetizer: Cut the sandwiches into smaller triangles for easy finger food at gatherings, perfect for game days or casual get-togethers.

Saving Ina Garten Ultimate Grilled Cheese for Later

• Maximize Freshness: Wrap leftover grilled cheese sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm sandwiches in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy exterior and melty cheese interior.
• Smart Prep Strategies: Grate cheeses and crisp bacon ahead of time, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble uncooked sandwiches, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before grilling for a convenient meal option.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 755 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Ultimate Grilled Cheese

• Bacon: Adds crispy, smoky flavor and textural crunch; choose thick-cut for maximum richness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth to the sandwich's flavor profile.

• Gruyère Cheese: Delivers nutty, complex taste with excellent melting properties; select aged varieties for deeper flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy notes and creamy texture; opt for sharp or extra-sharp for bold taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes salty, umami undertones; freshly grated offers superior taste.

• Mayonnaise: Creates golden, crispy exterior and adds subtle tanginess; use full-fat version for best results.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces zingy, sophisticated flavor complexity; choose classic French style.
• Butter: Ensures rich, golden-brown crispiness; use high-quality unsalted butter.
• Bread: Provides sturdy foundation; select thick-cut sourdough or artisan bread for optimal texture.

Tools to Craft Ina Garten Ultimate Grilled Cheese

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting bacon.
• Cooling rack: Sits on baking sheet to drain bacon.
• Small bowl: For mixing Parmesan spread.
• Box grater or food processor: Grates Gruyère and Cheddar cheeses.
• Skillet or panini press: Cooks and browns sandwiches.
• Spatula: Helps flip and transfer sandwiches.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting sandwiches in half.
• Cutting board: Provides surface for preparation.
• Measuring cup: Helps measure cheese portions.

How to Cook Ina Garten Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Bacon Cheese Dream

• Bacon Preparation Crisp strips of bacon transform into a crunchy, savory topping by roasting in the oven until perfectly golden and delightful.
• Flavor Fusion A magical blend of mayonnaise, zesty Dijon, and rich Parmesan creates a tangy spread that elevates the entire sandwich experience.
• Bread Canvas Soft slices become a delectable foundation, generously coated with buttery goodness and the signature flavor-packed mixture.
• Cheese Symphony Gruyère and Cheddar combine into a molten masterpiece, promising gooey comfort in every single bite.
• Sandwich Construction Layer crispy bacon fragments and generous cheese between bread slices, ensuring maximum deliciousness.
• Golden Transformation Sizzle the sandwich on a hot surface until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and cheese melts into creamy submission.
• Serving Finale Allow the sandwich to rest briefly, then slice diagonally, revealing the incredible layers of flavor and revealing a mouthwatering centerpiece.

Heavenly Ina Garten Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s ultimate grilled cheese combines sharp cheddar and Gruyère on sourdough bread for a luxurious sandwich experience. Sharp ingredients and careful technique elevate this classic comfort dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 12 slices thick-cut bacon (Nodine’s applewood smoked)
• 1 loaf white pullman or sourdough bread, sliced ½ inch thick (12 slices)
• 6 oz (170 g) aged Gruyère or Comté cheese
• 6 oz (170 g) extra-sharp Cheddar (Cabot or Shelburne Farms)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 6 tbsps salted butter, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsps kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Arrange bacon strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C / 400°F for 20-30 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Flavor Spread Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined.
3. Bread Preparation: Arrange bread slices, coating one side with softened butter and the opposite side with the Parmesan mixture. Shred Gruyère and Cheddar cheeses, mixing them together for a rich blend.
4. Sandwich Assembly: Place six bread slices mayonnaise-side up, distributing bacon pieces evenly. Sprinkle cheese mixture over bacon, then top with remaining bread slices, mayonnaise-side down.
5. Cooking Process: Grill sandwiches in a panini press, griddle, or skillet, applying gentle pressure to ensure even browning. Cook for 3-5 minutes until bread turns golden and cheese melts completely.
6. Serving: Rest sandwiches for 2 minutes to set the cheese. Slice diagonally and serve warm, showcasing the gooey, melted cheese and crispy bacon.

Notes

• Bacon Perfection Technique: Roasting bacon on a wire rack allows fat to drip away, creating ultra-crispy texture without soggy edges.
• Flavor-Boosting Spread Secret: Whisking mayonnaise with Parmesan and Dijon creates a tangy, umami-rich base that elevates the entire sandwich’s taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Combining Gruyère and Cheddar ensures a complex, creamy melt with balanced sharpness and smooth consistency.
• Grilling Pro Tip: Applying gentle pressure during cooking helps achieve even golden-brown crust and ensures complete cheese melting for the ultimate gourmet grilled cheese experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 755
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1,151 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 109 mg