March 2011
10 Easy Grilled Cheese Upgrades

March is National Grilled Cheese Month! Whether you are young or grown, grilled cheese simply makes you feel good! Crisp on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, those are the textures that satisfy. And Dofino® Havarti is the ultimate melting cheese, since it warms nicely and gently oozes with each bite. Be creative and try different filling combinations tucked inside for the ultimate grilled cheese.

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America voted on Facebook – and here’s your favorite Dofino® Havarti sandwich! Click here for the recipe for the “Kicked-Up Caprese,” submitted by Jennifer D., from LA!

Spicy Grilled Cheese with Bacon

Makes 2 sandwiches

The more the merrier – when it comes to using Dofino® Havarti with Jalapeno cheese, that is. Use a generous two or three ounces of cheese for every sandwich. Microwave the bacon for a quicker preparation.

What you need:

6 ounces Dofino® Havarti with Jalapeno, cut into thin slices
4 thick slices smoked bacon, cooked
4 thick slices of tomato
4 thick slices sourdough bread
3 tablespoons mayonnaise or soft butter (like Lurpak®)

PAN: 10-inch cast iron skillet

What you do:

1.   Layer cheese, bacon, and tomato between the two sourdough slices.
2.   Brush the outside of the bread with the mayo or butter.
3.   Heat the skillet on medium, then arrange the sandwiches, butter side down. Reduce heat to medium low and cook until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove, cut in half, and serve while hot!

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Tips for an Upgraded Grilled Cheese:

Try a different kind of bread – pumpernickel, multigrain. Use hearty ¾-inch slices.
Spread the outside of the slices with either room temperature butter or mayonnaise for even browning and crisping.
Grate the cheese or thinly slice it for easy and even melting.
Be creative: Add goodies such as bacon, vegetables, or prosciutto.
The cheese is your “binder.” Make a layer of cheese, then add additional fillings and top with another cheese layer. This encases the filling.
Cook the sandwich in a cast iron or other heavy skillet. Cover the skillet when crisping the first side, then remove it and cook the second side uncovered. Cook on medium-low heat, so the cheese has time to melt before the bread browns too much.

Combine Dofino® Havarti with interesting ingredients and upgrade to great! Try these options:

Fresh Figs, Prosciutto, and Dofino® Creamy Havarti
Pickled Onions, Ham, and Tomatoes with Dofino® Creamy Havarti
Dofino® Gouda, Toasted Cumin Seeds, Red Onion
Brioche Toast, Dofino® Gouda, and Sliced Pear
Roasted Peppers with Bacon, Tomatoes, and Dofino® Havarti with Dill
Apple, Sage, and Dofino® Fontina
Dofino® Havarti with Jalapeño and Pulled Pork
Grilled Ham, Dofino® Gouda, and Caramelized Onions
Grilled Lobster and Dofino® Havarti with Dill
Dofino® Havarti with Caraway with Tomato on Rye

This timeless favorite has a party side! The next time your family is hosting the soccer team, neighborhood get-together, or class night, turn dinner into an event. Make-it-yourself grilled cheese creations ensure a great time. A simple idea for all ages to enjoy.

Fill small bowls with different fillings and grated cheeses. Arrange them on the table with stacks of different breads to choose from. Have your guests pick and choose fillings and bread combinations. After layering and stacking sandwiches, melt them in the griddle. (Or do what Martha Stewart did at a company party - put between sheets of waxed paper and melt with an iron on an ironing board!) Cut the sandwiches into several pieces so others can share the party creations.

Filling ideas:

Avocado
Jalapeños
Scallions
Prosciutto
Soft vegetables
Pickle onions
Several different grated cheeses
Bacon
Corned beef
Chili
Figs
Roasted peppers