I recently read in a news article that April is considered “Grilled Cheese Month” and that during this time, a Grilled Cheese Invitational cook-off is held annually in Los Angeles, California. During this event, contestants attempt to cook the best-grilled cheese sandwich and are judged based on taste, presentation and “weirdness” factor.

Grilled cheese sandwiches are my absolute favorite weekend lunch- crunchy bread on the outside, warm gooey cheese on the inside. I like to dip my grilled cheese sandwiches in ketchup- don’t laugh, its delicious! How do you like to make your grilled cheese sandwiches? Send me your comments or attach your favorite recipe below!

Anthony Sedlak, Food Network star and author of The Main, has included this unique recipe for grilled cheese sandwiches in his new book. It is stuffed with caramelized onions, aged cheddar cheese and uses and egg-based bread called challah. Definitely way more exciting than the white bread and Kraft cheese sandwiches I grew up with. Try this recipe for your family this weekend, grilled cheese sandwiches will never be the same again!

Aged Cheddar Grilled Cheese
8 slices challah (or other egg-based) bread
4 Tbsp Caramelized Onion Relish (see recipe this page)
2 Bosc pears, peeled and thinly sliced
4 slices aged cheddar cheese, cut 1/8 inch thick
2 Tbsp chopped thyme
salt and pepper
3 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 400°F.

On a work surface, lay out 4 slices of bread. Spread 1 Tbsp of Caramelized Onion Relish on each. Top with sliced pears and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle each sandwich with thyme and salt and pepper. Top with remaining 4 slices of bread.

Whisk together eggs and buttermilk. Pour into a shallow dish and soak sandwiches in a single layer, about 10 to 20 seconds on each side.

In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add 2 sandwiches and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Cook remaining sandwiches, adding more butter as needed. Transfer sandwiches onto baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until cheese has melted.