Delight in the Grilled Cheese with Lobster Bisque from Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille. Photos: Chris Emeott
Discover tips to create (or order!) a beloved grilled cheese sandwich.
It started with a slice of bread topped with grated cheese that was served to the troops during World War II as part of the government-issued cookbook. The open face sandwich didn’t receive its lid until 1949—and the grilled cheese sandwich that we know and love was born.
Gradually, it’s moved from the lunch table to the dinner menu, even sneaking a spot at appetizer lists and as a member of the Bloody Mary accoutrement crew. The grilled sandwich has foodies and kids of all ages searching for their favorite combo and has even started the great ingredient debate—does one use butter or mayonnaise to cover the bread slices before grilling or toasting?
The Great Debate
What side of the aisle do you sit? When it comes to crafting the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich, are you a mayonnaise fan or a butter devotee?
Consider that mayonnaise is easier to spread from edge to edge on the grill-facing side of the bread. Since it’s oil based and has a higher burning temperature, it is easier to achieve that perfectly grilled sandwich. But then there is butter, which supports that classic grilled cheese sandwich flavor in the most delightful way.
What’s your vote?
Regardless of where you stand, did you know that April is National Grilled Cheese Month? Celebrate by creating your own version (with some help from the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin!), or lean into the month by visiting some local restaurants, featuring today’s version of the classic sammie.
The Brisket Grilled Cheese from Duke’s on 7 is a must.
Order Local
If you aren’t hankering for a homemade bite, visit area restaurants for their takes on grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are just a sampling of Lake Minnetonka area spots to visit:
Benedict’s: The Sourdough Grilled Cheese goes way beyond what the name suggests. Benedict’s uses a brioche bread, American cheese and an herb butter, which is the key ingredient. Served for all three meals, most diners find the breakfast potatoes to be the perfect complement. 845 Lake St. E., Wayzata: 952.923.1903; benedicts.com
Order the Sourdough Grilled Cheese from Benedict’s.
Duke’s on 7: The Brisket Grilled Cheese is filled with slow smoked brisket, which cozies up between buttered Texas toast with barbecue sauce, sautéed onions and provolone and cheddar cheeses. It’s a local delight and would make any Texan proud. 15600 Minnesota 7, Minnetonka; 952.767.2320; dukeson7.com
Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille: Come for the Grilled Cheese. The name is basic, but when the chef adds bacon and caramelized onions to the classic sandwich, goodness abounds with American and Swiss cheeses. 14401 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.935.3600; gntag.com
Haskell’s Port of Excelsior: Try the Grilled Cheese & Prime Rib. It all starts with a slow cooked prime rib piled on sourdough bread with melted cheese and is served with au jus and horsey sauce. Diners can also ask for a more traditional Grilled Cheese Sandwich with sliced tomato. 1 Water St., Excelsior; 952.474.0937; haskellsport.com
Try the Grilled Cheese & Prime Rib from Haskell’s Port of Excelsior.
