With so much time to spend at home, many Italians have dedicated themselves to one of our favorite hobbies in the Bel Paese: cooking. The oven light is on – so that means homemade pasta, pizza, risotto, elaborate main courses, desserts, and so on.
Not everyone, however, loves to dabble in cooking, and when ideas and desires start to run out, a light bulb in the brain lights up and everyone agrees: grilled cheese sandwich! It's easy-to-make and fine to eat on the sofa, without having to set the table. There are few dishes to wash and – more importantly – it's definitely delicious!
When it comes to Italian grilled cheese sandwich, many people think of the great classic: ham and cheese. But if you’re looking to change the taste up a little, here are some ideas for original recipes!
Italian grilled cheese… let's make it weird!
Let's start with the simplest ingredients: salami and smoked provola cheese, perhaps. Or with tuna, tomato and arugula. No? How about zucchini and cheese plus some bacon, mustard, and cheddar? Sliced turkey, apples, and a knob of butter? Then there’s always the timeless speck and fontina cheese combination. Oh, and the super tasty mortadella and provolone!
The toaster oven is a necessity!
The only real indispensable tool for making Italian grilled cheese is the toaster oven. The best is the kind that works like a press – ideal for toasting bread and mixing the ingredients. Alternatively, you can toast the bread in your usual oven.
Neapolitan grilled cheese with friarielli
If you’re looking for a super tasty recipe, the Neapolitan grilled cheese with sausage and friarielli is the right choice.
Croque monsieur
The French relative of the grilled cheese is the croque monsieur. It is prepared with butter, grated gruyère and ham.
Sweet Italian grilled cheese
Italian grilled cheese can also become an excellent dessert: here is the version with banana and nutella. Use a slice of brioché for the bread, fried in butter (after dipping it in a batter of eggs and milk).