Grilled Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Sandwich Recipe

I personally love this very unusual and tasty Italian-style Grilled Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Sandwich version of the classic grilled cheese sandwich.  So simple and so good!

The pepper makes a wonderful tasting statement along with the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, so use whole peppercorns and freshly-grind on your sandwich.  Grilled cheese sandwiches can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  This Grilled Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Sandwich is also great to serve at a wine tasting, just cut into small finger sandwiches and serve with your favorite wines.

Did you know that since 2008 in the European Union, the word “Parmesan” is defined by law to be only Parmigiano-Reggiano according to Italian regulations. Therefore, within the European Union, Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano are the same cheese

One of America’s all-time comfort foods is the grilled cheese sandwich.  Grilled cheese is a classic American food, and every adult seem to have a story about how their mom used to make it for them.  Upscale or downtown, gourmet or simple, the grilled cheese sandwich is back with a vengeance!

 

Grilled Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Sandwich

 

Grilled Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Sandwich Recipe:
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Grilled Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Servings: 2 whole sandwiches or 16 finger sandwiches
Ingredients
  • 4 slices country bread (coarse or firm textured bread)*
  • Good-quality butter, unsalted, room temperature**
  • 1 1/2 cups Parmesan Cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano), finely-grated or shredded
  • Black pepper, coarsely ground
Instructions
  1. Generously and evenly butter one side of all the 4 slices of bread.

  2. Evenly cover two (2) slices of the unbuttered side of the bread with a layer of the fluffy-grated parmesan cheese.

  3. Freshly-grind the black pepper and generously spread over the top of two (slices) of bread.  Place the remaining slices of bread on top to make sandwiches (with buttered sides out).

    Grated Parmesan Cheese
  4.  

    Preparing grilled cheese sandwich
  5. Use a large non-stick griddle or frying pan (I like to use my cast-iron griddle. Traditionally, the cast-iron skillet is the all time favorite, but a non-stick skillet would be better for no sticking and easy flipping.)

  6. Add enough butter to provide a film to prevent sticking.  Heat the butter over medium-low heat until melted.  I try to maintain a low heat when grilling cheese sandwiches.

  7. Add the prepared cheese sandwiches, gently pressing them onto the pan with your hand or a spatula; slowly grill, regulating the heat so the butter does not burn.  Once the sandwiches are a light brown, turn the sandwiches over using a wide spatula, and press down with the spatula to compress slightly.  Slowly brown the other side.

    Grilled Parmesan Cheese Sandwich
  8. When done, transfer the sandwiches to a paper towel to drain off any excess butter.  Cut each sandwich in half diagonally, and serve with your favorite wine.

  9. Makes 2 whole sandwiches or 16 finger sandwiches.


  10. Variation Ideas:

  11. I have also combined grated cheddar cheese and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. My husband also really likes this version. I am going to take this variation to my next wine tasting to get everyone's comments.

  12. Add thin slices or Prosciutto di Parma before grilling.

Recipe Notes

* Bread slices should be between 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick.

** Be sure that your butter is fresh so it will not carry old refrigerator flavors onto your sandwich.

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