American Food Recipes

Where to Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day + Recipe

National-Grilled-Cheese-Day

Grilled Cheese at Parish

Did you know that this Sunday, April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day? Actually, every day should be Grilled Cheese Day IMO. What’s not to love about all that melted gooey cheese placed between two crunchy layers of bread? Here are my 14 picks in Atlanta to get your grilled cheese fix.

Thinking of celebrating National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day at home? No problem. I’ve got a terrific recipe for you:

At Lucques Restaurant in Los Angeles (home to James Beard award winning chef Suzanne Goin) they serve an amazing grilled cheese with shallots.  It’s made with gentle, buttery Cantal, a mild semi-firm cheese with a fantastic creamy consistency when melted.
Perfect Grilled Cheese Recipe:

2 large shallots 
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
Salt, pepper
2 slices country white bread, sliced 1/2 -inch thick
5 ounces Cantal cheese, sliced 1/8-inch thick

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees. Cut the shallots in half lengthwise and peel them. Place the shallots cut-side down. Slice lengthwise into about one-eighth-inch wedges. In a small saute pan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and thyme and season lightly with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook gently, stirring often until the shallots are caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed saute pan over medium heat. Add the remaining butter and swirl in the pan until it is melted. Place the two slices of bread in the pan and toast for a minute or two until just beginning to color. Divide the cheese evenly between the two pieces and top with the shallots.

Place the pan in the oven and cook 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy. Remove to a cutting board and carefully assemble the sandwich, placing together the two slices of bread. Cut in half on the diagonal and serve immediately.

Recipe / photo credit: LA Times

About the author

Malika Bowling

Malika is the author of several books including Culinary Atlanta: Guide to the Best Restaurants, Markets, Breweries and More! and the founder of Roamilicious. She is also a Digital Marketing and Social Media Consultant. Follow us @Roamilicious on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for the content not shared on the blog. And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter (subscribe box below) and never miss a contest, giveaway or the latest must visit restaurant!