Parmesan-Crusted Grilled Cheese
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Nutritional Facts Per Serving (1 sandwich): Calories 299, Total Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 25 g, Dietary Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 16 g, Cholesterol 42 mg, Sodium 488 mg
- Total Time: 1 hr 25 min
- Active Time: 1 hr 15 min
Creamy Stovetop Bacon Mac and Cheese Ingredients:
- Kosher salt
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 strips thick-cut smoked bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups hot whole milk
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard, or more to taste
- 8 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces Muenster cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Parmesan-Crusted Grilled Cheese Ingredients:
- Eight 1/2-inch thick slices of brioche
- 8 slices American cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 4 tablespoons crushed Calabrian hot chili peppers, jarred
- 8 thin slices of tomato (or 4 large slices, depending on tomato size)
- 2 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- For the Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese: Dive into indulgence by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until just tender; drain. In an extra-large skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, crisp up the bacon until fat renders, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve bacon, keep 1/4 cup fat (add olive oil or butter if needed).
- Stir in flour, cooking until bubbly and thick, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 3 cups hot milk until sauce thickens, ~5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper; boil then simmer 2-3 minutes. Mix in mustard, melt in Cheddar and Muenster until smooth. Add hot sauce and remaining milk. Toss with pasta and bacon; adjust seasoning. Reserve 2 cups for sandwichespure comfort awaits!
- For the Grilled Cheese: Elevate your sandwich game: Place American cheese on each of 8 brioche slices. Spread 1/2 cup mac and cheese on 4 slices, top with basil, Calabrian peppers, and tomato slices. Crown with remaining bread.
- Heat nonstick skillet over medium. Sprinkle 1/3 cup Parmesan in bread-sized circle; let it melt golden, 2-3 minutes. Add sandwich, cook 2 minutes for crispy crust. Flip, repeat. Cook in batches, keeping warm in 200F oven. Bite into cheesy, crunchy bliss!
Recipe courtesy of Kelsey Nixonyour next crave-worthy creation!
