The Almost-Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

It all started when we were kids. I say ‘we’, I mean ‘I’. I mean, ‘you, the reader’. I mean every cheese-eating being on Earth. One day mum called us in for lunch, and put in front of us a harmless combination of food – toast, cheese, and a bit of butter. Little did we know, that placed in front of us was, The PERFECT Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Referred to, in some circles, as, The Perfect Lunch.

No doubt you’ve spent hours trying to recreate it, but no matter what… not even after mum gave you the recipe… no matter what, it just wasn’t perfect. The Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich is out there, and I’ve been on a quest to find it.

Relentless. I burnt my pinky finger during my last effort! Undeterred.

Relentless. I burnt the toast during my first effort! Undeterred.

It’s out there, I will find it. Nay, I MUST find it.

this recipe

The Totally True Origin Story of the Almost-Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This recipe was actually inspired by a good friend of mine, Captain N.

This recipe was actually inspired by a good friend of mine, Captain N.

Summer 2014. The winter was finally behind us. No more snow, no more ice storms, no more blackouts. It was the summer, and a warm, dust-laden ray of sunshine peeked past the curtain above my bed. There was commotion outside – music, and laughter. It reminded me of where I was. I was in my bedroom at the cottage my friends and I had booked for the weekend. But 9.30am was far too early for a night owl such as myself to get out of bed. I drifted back to sleep.

ZZZZzzzzZZZZ….. BEEP!!! BEEP!!! BEEP!!!!

The loudest, most brain-penetrating noise you had ever heard. The wail of the smoke alarm brought me back to consciousness with all the joy of being woken by your cousin pouring a bucket of ice cold water on your face (that’s a story for another day). Dazed and unsure of what was happening, I reached for my mobile and rang Finance Bro.

“Hello…” BEEP! BEEP!! BEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!

“Zzz… Do I need to get out of bed?”

“Nah bro, it’s just the smoke alarm. We’re taking care of it.” BEEEEEP!!!! BEEP!!!! BEEP!!!!

“Zzz… Cool. You okay?”

“Yeah bro, it’s all good. Breakfast is nearly ready though.” BEEP! BEEP!! BE–…. Peace.

Harmless conversation between two bros, right? Wrong. As it turns out, the music I’d heard was being streamed to the speakers from Finance Bro’s mobile. And when he’d answered my call, my groggy-voiced concern for him was also broadcast from said speakers!

When I emerged from my bedroom shortly after for breakfast, I was subject to teasing from everyone present. And then something happened. Something wonderful. Captain N put a plate in front of me – avocado and grilled cheese on toast. And suddenly, the voices around me faded into nothingness. I devoured the slices in front of me.

“More please.”

Oh by the way, Captain N – happens to be the owner of the Crossroads Board Game Café in Waterloo, Ontario. If you happen to be in the area, check it out. He even serves a version of his Avocado Grilled Cheese there, amongst other yummy varieties!

Also, we were staying at Elm Cove Cottages. If you’re looking for a cottage to rent, do give the lovely people there a call. I know I’m already looking forward to visiting again!

The Almost-Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It’s as close as I’ve gotten to that first bite from my childhood. I’m beginning to think that maybe the PERFECT Grilled Cheese Sandwich only comes along that one time – like life – a gift from our parents. Or maybe the universe is telling me to step up my game. Maybe the Perfect Grilled Cheese sandwich is just one attempt away.

Other Recipes You’ll Enjoy

• Not-So-Traditional Croque Madame
• Burnt Basque Cheesecake
• Baked Brie with Honey & Pistachios

What do you think? Have you found the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich? Comment below and please spread my blog via your social media platforms. Because, sharing is caring.

Print

📖 Recipe