Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe

Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 everything bagel, sliced in half horizontally
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 slice American cheese
  • 1 slice Provolone cheese

Directions

Begin by preheating a skillet over medium heat. Take the bagel halves and spread half a tablespoon of mayonnaise on each cut side. Place the bagel half with the mayonnaise side down in the skillet. Lay the American and Provolone cheese slices on top of the bagel, and then place the second bagel half, cut side up, over the cheese.

Press down gently with a spatula to ensure the sandwich sticks together, and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes or until the bottom turns golden brown. Flip the sandwich carefully, press down again, and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes until the other side is browned and crispy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value*
Calories 809 -
Total Fat 25g 32%
Saturated Fat 10g 49%
Cholesterol 41mg 14%
Sodium 1481mg 64%
Total Carbohydrate 112g 41%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 19g -
Protein 33g 66%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 945mg 73%
Iron 8mg 44%
Potassium 323mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

The Story Behind the Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese

The Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese is a modern twist on two classic American staples: the everything bagel and the grilled cheese sandwich. The everything bagel, first popularized in New York City during the 1980s, was created to combine a variety of seeds and seasoningssesame, poppy, onion, garlic, and saltinto one bread product, offering maximum flavor in a single bite. Pairing it with the grilled cheese, which has roots in early 20th-century American comfort food culture, transforms a simple snack into a flavorful, indulgent treat thats crunchy, savory, and melty all at once.

Regional Characteristics

This sandwich is most commonly associated with urban Northeastern cuisine, particularly New York, where everything bagels are a cultural staple. In these regions, local bakeries often add subtle variations, like including caraway seeds or using a denser, chewier bagel dough. In other parts of the United States, the sandwich may use locally available bagels or cheeses, giving rise to regional adaptations that reflect local tastes and ingredients.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While it may seem similar to a classic grilled cheese, the Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese stands apart due to the bagels unique texture and flavor profile. The combination of multiple toppings baked into the bagel crust adds an extra savory crunch that plain sandwich bread cannot match. Additionally, using an everything bagel allows for stronger seasoning without the need for extra spices or condiments, differentiating it from ordinary grilled cheese or other bagel-based sandwiches like the bagel melt.

Typical Serving Occasions

This sandwich is versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. It is often enjoyed as a casual lunch or a hearty breakfast option, especially in cafes and delis across the United States. Food trucks and brunch menus have also embraced it, sometimes offering creative variations with additional cheeses, meats, or spreads. Its portability makes it ideal for on-the-go meals without sacrificing flavor.

Interesting Facts

  • The everything concept of bagels was reportedly invented by a Montreal-born bagel baker who moved to New York and sought to use up leftover toppings.
  • The sandwichs combination of bagel and grilled cheese represents a fusion of two iconic textures: chewy bread and melty cheese.
  • Some chefs have experimented with gourmet cheeses like Gruyre or aged cheddar, elevating this humble sandwich into a trendy brunch item.
  • Despite its indulgence, the sandwich provides a surprisingly balanced profile of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, making it both satisfying and comforting.

Overall, the Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese is more than just a sandwichits a culinary reflection of American creativity, combining classic flavors into one irresistible bite.

FAQ about Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe

If you have any leftover grilled cheese sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, it's best to use a skillet or toaster oven to maintain the crispy texture, though the sandwich may not be as crunchy as when freshly made.

Absolutely! While this recipe uses an everything bagel for its seasoning and flavor, you can substitute it with other bagels like sesame, plain, or even a sweet variety like cinnamon raisin. The choice of bagel will affect the overall flavor, but it's all about personal preference.

Yes, you can definitely switch up the cheeses based on what you have or your taste preferences. Cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses will work wonderfully for this recipe.

Yes! If you don't like mayonnaise or prefer to avoid it, you can substitute it with butter or olive oil for grilling the sandwich. Some people even use cream cheese for a rich, tangy option.

Yes, to make this recipe vegan, you can use a plant-based bagel (ensure it's dairy-free) and replace the cheese with vegan cheese slices. Use vegan mayonnaise or butter to grill the sandwich.

To add some spice, you can include a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes inside the sandwich before grilling. You could also try using a spicy cheese or adding jalapeño slices for an extra kick.

The entire process, from preparation to cooking, takes around 10 minutes. You'll spend 5 minutes preparing the sandwich and another 5 minutes grilling it to perfection.

While the Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese is best served fresh and hot, you can prepare the sandwich ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it. When ready to eat, simply grill it as directed for a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.

This sandwich is quick and simple, but it's not ideal for long-term meal prep due to its fresh ingredients. However, you can prep the components (bagels, mayo, and cheese) ahead of time, and then grill the sandwich when you're ready to eat.

Freezing the grilled sandwich is not recommended because it may lose its crispy texture once reheated. However, you can freeze the ungrilled sandwich and toast it later. Just assemble the sandwich, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze. When ready to eat, grill it from frozen.

Comments

Joshua Mitchell

05/08/2023 06:20:13 AM

I found it to be pretty good overall. The recipe was simple to follow, although I did struggle with a few unclear instructions. Since we never have bagels at home, I substituted a bun instead. Despite not being a fan of mayonnaise, I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty it turned out.

Ruth Jones

10/09/2024 08:19:57 PM

Excellent recipe! I made a few substitutions like using butter instead of mayo and a plain bagel instead of everything bagel, but the instructions were really useful. Thank you so much! 😊

Frank Edwards

09/02/2023 12:31:44 AM

This is amazing! I used blueberry bagels and it was absolutely fantastic. *Chef's kiss*

Carolyn Gomez

04/22/2023 02:56:49 AM

Tasty and flavorful.