Grilled Cheese Croutons

The Base Sandwiches

Build four standard grilled cheese sandwiches with...

• 8 slices buttered bread
• 8 slices American cheese

In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, fry the sandwiches on both sides until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. Remove from the pan and let cool slightly.

Once cool enough to handle, slice away and discard (or eat!) the outer crusty edges of all sandwiches

The First Crispy Sear

Cut each crustless sandwich into four equal strips. Melt into your non-stick skillet over medium heat...

• 2–3 tbsp butter

Working in a clockwise spiral, place each grilled cheese strip into the pan with the open cheese-edge side facing down. Let them sear until deeply golden, then flip each strip to the opposite open-cheese side in the exact order they were placed in the pan.

The Final Crunch

Remove the crispy strips from the pan and slice each one horizontally into bite-sized squares. Melt into the skillet for a final layer of flavor...

• 2–3 tbsp butter

Return all of the grilled cheese squares to the pan in a loose fashion. Toss them around continuously for 1–2 minutes to give them a spectacular final sear on all remaining sides.

Remove from the heat and serve warm over a salad of your choice.