Giant Grilled Cheese Sandwich

 

Prep: 25 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Total: 45 mins

Servings: 8 servings

Yield: 8 servings

A giant grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect solution for feeding a group of up to eight people. This method ensures everyone enjoys a hot, cheesy, and crisp sandwich simultaneously. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 loaf unsliced white sandwich bread
• 8 slices American cheese
• 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Steps to Make It

1. Prepare the Bread:

   • Gather all ingredients.
   • If your loaf is very large (i.e. Pullman), slice off the top 2 inches to make the loaf more square than rectangular. If your loaf is average-sized, slice 1/2-inch to an inch off the top.

2. Slice and Hollow the Loaf:

   • Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and open the two halves like a book, so the interior of each half is facing you.
   • Using a spoon, dig an indentation about 1/2-inch deep along the crust edges of each half, then remove a shallow layer of the bread's interior by gently pulling it out towards you with your fingers. This will give the cheese a small well to melt into. Reserve the scooped-out bread to make breadcrumbs.

3. Prepare for Baking:

   • Place a baking sheet on the middle rack in the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C).
   • Cut a sheet of parchment paper that will fit both halves of the loaf and place it on your work surface. Flip both halves of the bread over so the exteriors are facing you.
   • Generously spread the tops of the loaf halves (not the interior section with the scooped-out wells) with mayonnaise, then flip over once more and place both halves mayonnaise-side down on the parchment.

4. Layer the Cheese:

   • Layer the cheese slices into the scooped-out wells in each half: start with American cheese, then cheddar, and finally mozzarella.

5. Bake the Sandwich:

   • Remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven, then quickly transfer the halves from the parchment to the baking sheet, using a spatula if necessary.
   • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top of both halves is bubbly and browning.

6. Assemble and Serve:

   • Remove the baking sheet from the oven, then carefully flip the top half of the bread onto the bottom to make a sandwich. Transfer the whole thing to a cooling rack and let rest for 10 minutes.
   • Make the first slice in the middle (and check out that cheesy pull), then let rest for another 5-10 minutes before slicing individual sandwiches out from the middle of each half of the giant grilled cheese. This will ensure even distribution of cheese within each slice.

Recipe Tips

• Soup Dippers: These slices make excellent soup dippers — pair with classic tomato soup or your favorite creamy or chunky soup for a satisfying meal.
• Variations: Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses — try pepper jack or habanero cheddar for a kick, or try spreading the interior of the loaf with caramelized onions and layering on Gruyere or Swiss for a giant take on French onion grilled cheese.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 538
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 50g
• Protein: 21g

Enjoy your giant grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for sharing with family and friends!