Waffle Grilled Cheese
This sandwich is a classic, but done this way it is a real surprise and a fun way to make the same old grilled cheese. The genius of the waffle iron is that it cooks evenly on both sides simultaneously, saving you time in the end. The sandwich comes out crispy, crunchy and cheesy, something the kids are sure to think is really silly. Have a variety of cheeses on hand to get them used to goat cheese and others they may not have had. A Belgian waffle maker works best, but a standard one works, too. Be prepared: The cheese may ooze out of the waffle iron. This recipe serves two because you will not be able to resist eating one yourself!
Ingredients
- 4 slices soft whole-wheat bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 4 slices cheddar or Monterey jack cheese
Directions
Place a sheet of aluminum foil underneath a nonstick waffle iron to aid in cleanup, just in case the cheese oozes. Preheat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Assemble the sandwiches by buttering the outsides of the bread slices and placing the cheese slices on the insides.
When the waffle iron is hot, put the sandwiches in the waffle iron and close it. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the undersides are golden brown and the cheese is oozing. Peek once or twice to make sure they are not getting overcooked. No need to flip these because they will cook evenly on both sides. Remove the sandwiches with tongs or a fork and cool slightly before little hands touch them. Makes 2 sandwiches.
Variations:
Recipe Note:
Adapted from The Toddler Café, by Jennifer Carden (Chronicle Books, 2008).
Assemble the sandwiches by buttering the outsides of the bread slices and placing the cheese slices on the insides.
When the waffle iron is hot, put the sandwiches in the waffle iron and close it. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the undersides are golden brown and the cheese is oozing. Peek once or twice to make sure they are not getting overcooked. No need to flip these because they will cook evenly on both sides. Remove the sandwiches with tongs or a fork and cool slightly before little hands touch them. Makes 2 sandwiches.
Variations:
- Try adding a bit of smoked mozzarella or fontina cheese.
- Try adding a slice of deli meat or thinly sliced tomato.
Recipe Note:
- To clean your waffle iron, lay a damp paper towel in the hot waffle iron for a few seconds to steam the leftover grunge, and use a Q-tip to clean out the crevices.
Adapted from The Toddler Café, by Jennifer Carden (Chronicle Books, 2008).