The Perfect Hot Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 60 g of sliced ​​melting cheese (about 2 slices), such as cheddar, muenster, havarti, swiss, fontina, mozzarella, monterey jack, pepper jack, provolone
• 2 slices of bread, such as white, rye, brioche, sourdough, whole grain, potato, or pumpernickel
• 1 tbsp fat, such as mayonnaise, butter, olive oil, coconut oil, or chili oil

Preparation:

1. Oven cooking method (suitable for 6 people or less): Place a rimmed baking sheet on the center rack of the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Make one sandwich per person: place 2 slices of cheese between 2 slices of bread. Grease the outside of the bread with 1 tablespoon of shortening. Place on the preheated baking sheet and bake until the cheese begins to melt, about 5 minutes. Flip the sandwich over and bake until golden brown, another 5 minutes.
2. Panini Maker Method (for a crispy sandwich that doesn't require close supervision): Place 2 slices of cheese between 2 slices of bread. Preheat a panini press on medium heat. Grease the outside of the bread with 1 tablespoon of shortening and place in the panini press. Close the lid and cook until the cheese is golden brown and melted, 5-6 minutes.
3. Cooking method in a frying pan (old proven method): Place 2 slices of cheese between 2 slices of bread. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Brush the outside of the bread with 1 tablespoon of shortening and cook until lightly browned, 3-4 minutes. Flip the sandwich and continue cooking until browned on the other side and the cheese is melted, another 3-4 minutes.
   
   

   Best combinations:

   
   1. Pepper Jack Cheese and Sourdough Bread Brushed with Chili Oil
   
   2. American cheese and white bread spread with butter
   
   3. Swiss cheese and rye bread spread with mayonnaise
   
   4. Cheddar and brioche, brushed with butter