Description
The Smoked Sausage Grilled Cheese is a bold and flavorful sandwich that combines smoky, savory smoked sausage with a blend of melted, gooey cheeses on toasted bread. Ready in under 20 minutes, this comforting and customizable grilled cheese is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, offering a perfect balance of smoky richness and cheesy indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz smoked sausage, sliced into thin, even rounds
- 4 slices sturdy bread (such as sourdough or Texas toast)
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 2 tbsp butter, softened (for toasting the bread)
Optional Seasonings & Variations
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Jalapeños or chipotle mayo for a spicy kick (optional)
- Fresh basil or thyme for herb infusion (optional)
- Alternative cheeses like gouda or pepper jack (optional)
- Gluten-free bread as a substitute (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the smoked sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into thin, even rounds to ensure every bite has that smoky flavor. Lightly pan-fry the slices in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to render some fat and deepen the taste before assembling.
- Assemble the sandwich: Lay out your bread slices and butter one side of each slice thoroughly for toasting. Place the buttered sides down on a clean surface, then layer the cheese blend and smoked sausage on the unbuttered sides. Be generous with the fillings for a rich, gooey bite.
- Grill the sandwich: Preheat a skillet over medium or medium-low heat. Place the assembled sandwich butter-side down onto the skillet. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese has melted completely. Press gently with a spatula while grilling to achieve an even, compact sandwich.
- Serve warm: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for about a minute to let the cheese thicken slightly. Slice carefully and serve immediately for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Use a mix of sharp and creamy cheeses for ideal melt and layered flavor.
- Butter both sides of the bread for an evenly golden, crispy crust.
- Cook on medium-low heat to prevent burning while melting cheese thoroughly.
- Press gently with a spatula to create a compact, crispy sandwich.
- Let the sandwich rest briefly after grilling to let flavors settle and cheese thicken.
- Optional seasonings like smoked paprika or garlic powder enhance smoky depth.
- Customize with different cheeses, breads, and additions to suit preferences.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg