The Best Grilled Cheese I Ever Ate

I know, I know, that's a big, bold statement to say this is the best grilled cheese I ever ate. But it's true. Oh sure, there might be a grilled cheese somewhere in the future that is better. That is just a little cheesier, a little crispier, a little more savory... but until that day comes to pass I stand by my statement. For this is no ordinary grilled cheese. In fact, Sade could sing a whole new song about this sandwich.

I get together with a small group of girlfriends about every 18 months for a swap party. We all bring our too big or too small clothes or the ones that just don't work for us individually and we swap. My awesome bright red spring coat came from my friend Liz the first year of the swap and my new jeans (tags still on!) came from my friend Ann this year. Everyone brings their bundle, we have wine and nibblies, and we "shop" each other's closets. At the end of the swap all the leftovers go to a local charity.

Balsamic Onion Jam

This year the girls were standing at the ready while I put the sandwiches together so I didn't have much time to position and plan and photograph. Once you read through the recipe, though, you will understand why this is the best grilled cheese I ever ate. And yes, it pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine.

Best Grilled Cheese ~ amounts per sandwich
2 slices Morel Brioche
1 tablespoon Onion Jam
1 tablespoon creamed mushrooms*
2 slices bacon
1/4 cup baby spinach
3 small slices brie
butter

*OK - so creamed mushrooms are something I generally have in the fridge. I almost always have leftovers when I am making them for a dish. I mince my mushrooms very fine so they are a spreadable consistency and use them on salads, on bread as an appetizer, in pastas, or on pizza. For an example of how to make them check out this post. If you don't want to go to the trouble for one sandwich you can saute sliced mushrooms in the bacon fat instead.

Morel Brioche

Heat a skillet or griddle on the stove. Cook bacon to desired crispness. Remove and drain. Butter one side of each slice of morel brioche. Spread the other side of one slice with onion jam and the other slice with creamed mushrooms. Lay butter side down in the skillet. Top with brie, spinach, and bacon. Close sandwich and cook as normal.

Slice in half, fend off your friends, take a bite and wonder if you've died and gone to heaven. Take a sip of wine. Savor the grilled cheese stuffed with caramelized oniony, earthy mushroomy, achingly melty brie goodness. Admit it. Best grilled cheese you ever ate.

Bacon & brie & mushrooms, oh my!

Enjoy!