Gouda & Mushroom Grilled Cheese with Truffle Oil

Happy New Years!

Thoughts & Inspiration

What's more satisfying than a grilled cheese on a rainy day?!  This grilled cheese is perfect - cheesy and smoky, gooey and crunchy all in one.

Ingredients

6 ounces shitake mushrooms, sliced

2 medium sized shallots, sliced

1 tsp olive oil

1 tsp truffle oil

Salt and pepper

4 slices of sour dough bread

2 Tbsp butter

4 slices Gouda

Spinkle of garlic salt

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a skillet add olive oil and toss in shallots.  Cook on medium heat for about 4 minutes stirring occasionally, until the shallots sweat and become slightly browned.  Toss in mushrooms and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Remove from heat and mix in 1 tsp truffle oil.

Assemble sandwiches - On one slice of bread place one slice of Gouda, half the mushroom shallot mixture, another slice of Gouda and finally top with the other slice of bread.  Press together lightly.  Assemble second sandwich.  

Using a grill pan (or the same skillet) melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium-low heat.  Place sandwiches down onto melted butter for one second and then gently flip over to the other side.  Cook for about 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.  Gently flip sandwich onto the other side and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat and place both sandwiches onto a baking sheet.  Sprinkle top of sandwich with garlic salt and place in oven for 2 minutes.  Remove from oven, cut and enjoy!

Note: I place the grilled cheese after being cooked into the oven to crisp up the bread just a tad bit more for that delicious crunch!