Guide to Grilled Cheese

Beemster Dutch Cheeses (any variety)*

Sliced bread (a sturdy, rustic bread will give a better texture than pre-slced bread

Butter or mayonnaise

Dalmatia Spreads

Start by coarsely shredding the cheese. Young cheeses will give you the best melt. Aged cheeses will give you a hit of flavor. Mix and match your cheeses according to what you like! Add a smoked or goad Gouda for extra flavor.

1.     

2.    Preheat a large skillet  over medium-low heat and butter one side of each bread slice or add butter to the skillet.

3.    Place a good amount of cheese on one bread slice. Spread the other with desired Dalmatia Spread and close sandwich.

4.    Cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, turning several times to cook evenly.

Variations:

·      Fig Gouda Grilled Cheese

Beemster Classic Gouda (18 month) + Dalmatia Fig Spread

·      Sour Cherry and Arugula Grilled Cheese

Beemster Signature (12 month), rustic bread slices, Dalmatia Sour Cherry Spread and fresh arugula leaves.

·      Fig and Gouda with Ham Grilled Cheese

Beemster Signature (12 month), rustic bread slices, Dalmatia Fig, Fig Chili or Fig Orange Spread.

·      Gouda and Fig Bacon Jam Grilled Cheese

Cook as above using the Beemster Vlaskaas cheese and a thick layer of Fig Bacon Jam (recipe below).

·      Crunchy Crusted Grilled Cheese

Skip the butter or many and place 2 small piles of cheese (2 month, 6 month or Vlaskaas work best) directly into the preheated skillet. Top with 2 bread slices. Fill with cheese and spread, as desired. Cook until cheese is golden brown and crisp.

·      Mix and match your cheeses! Add smoked or Swiss for a flavor variation. Use a mixture of a young cheese for good melt, and aged cheese for a hit of flavor.

·      Add stone ground mustard, prosciutto, or Figgy Pickled Onions (recipe below) to your sandwich to add additional flavor.

Bacon Jam

This shortcut bacon jam will be one of your new favorite recipes. It adds just the right flavor and texture to your grilled cheese sandwiches. Add fig bacon jam and a fried egg to your grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate bacon and egg grilled cheese!

Prep time:  20 minutes

Cook: 40 minutes

1 lb. good quality bacon, chopped                                                           

1 very large onion, chopped

3/4 cup full flavored beer

2/3 cup Dalmatia Fig Chili or Fig Spread

Garlic salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook bacon in a large pot until very crisp; remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from pot. Add onion and cook for 10 minutes or until translucent, stirring frequently.

2. Add beer and fig spread and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or until slightly thick and golden, stirring frequently. Stir in bacon and season with salt and pepper; cook until heated through. (Mixture will thicken as it cools.)

Figgy Pickled Onions

Caramelized onions are great on a grilled cheese but take so long to cook. This fresh and tangy onion is the perfect addition to a rich grilled cheese sandwich.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Stand time: 15 minutes

3/4 cup red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons Dalmatia Fig Orange or Fig Spread

1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

1 very large red onion, halved and sliced

1.    Bring vinegar, fig spread and salt to a simmer in a small saucepan. Stir in onion and let stand for 15 minutes.

2.    Transfer to a jar and refrigerate until ready to serve.