Cheese Frenchee: Deep-Fried Grilled Cheese Recipe

Cheese Frenchee: Your New Favorite Deep-Fried Grilled Cheese Recipe

Hey y’all! Emily here, your friendly neighborhood food blogger from Austin, Texas. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a dish that’s pure comfort food magic: the Cheese Frenchee. If you’ve never heard of it, prepare to have your grilled cheese world rocked. Think of it as a deep-fried hug in sandwich form – crispy, golden, and oozing with cheesy goodness. This isn’t just any cheese sandwich; it’s an experience. Trust me, once you try a Cheese Frenchee, you’ll be hooked!

What is a Cheese Frenchee? Unlocking the Mystery

So, what exactly is a Cheese Frenchee? Well, it’s essentially a grilled cheese sandwich that takes a detour into the deep fryer. Imagine a classic American cheese sandwich, but instead of being grilled in a pan, it’s coated in a crispy cornflake crust and deep-fried to golden perfection. The result is a textural masterpiece: a crunchy exterior giving way to a molten, cheesy center. The Cheese Frenchee, sometimes referred to as cheese frenchees, is a regional specialty, particularly popular in the Midwest. Think of it as the ultimate upgrade to your regular cheese sandwich, transforming it into something truly special. While some might associate it with fast-food chains, this homemade version allows you to control the quality and flavor, making it even better than anything you might find at King s food or any s food host.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Cheese Frenchee Recipe

Why should you bother making a Cheese Frenchee? Let me count the ways:

• **Ultimate Comfort Food**: This is the kind of food that makes you feel good from the inside out.
• **Crispy Texture**: The cornflake crust adds an irresistible crunch.
• **Cheesy Goodness**: Melty, gooey cheese is the star of the show.
• **Easy to Make**: Don’t let the deep-frying intimidate you; it’s simpler than you think.
• **Kid-Friendly**: Even the pickiest eaters will devour this sandwich.
• **Elevated Classic**: It’s a familiar favorite with a fun, unexpected twist.

The Key Ingredients for the Perfect Cheese Frenchee

Let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these golden wonders:

• **Cornflakes**: 3 cups (2.75 ounces; 78g). These provide the signature crispy coating.
• **All-Purpose Flour**: 1/2 cup (2.5 ounces; 71g). Helps the egg mixture adhere to the bread.
• **Large Egg**: 1. This binds the flour and milk together.
• **Whole Milk**: 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (90ml). Creates the batter for dipping.
• **Kosher Salt**: 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal (use half as much by volume for table salt). Enhances the flavors.
• **Mayonnaise**: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Adds richness and helps the bread brown evenly.
• **White Sandwich Bread**: 4 slices (see notes below). The classic choice for grilled cheese.
• **American Cheese**: 4 slices. Melts beautifully and provides that signature cheesy flavor.
• **Neutral Oil**: Such as vegetable or canola, for frying.

Ingredient Notes:

• Bread: While white sandwich bread is traditional, feel free to experiment with other types of bread like Texas toast or sourdough. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the frying process.
• Cheese: American cheese is the classic choice, but you can also use cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Cheese Frenchee

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make the perfect Cheese Frenchee:

1. **Prepare the Cornflake Crust:** Place cornflakes in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to lightly crush into coarse crumbs (about the consistency of panko). Pour into a shallow bowl or pie plate.
2. **Make the Batter:** In a second shallow bowl or pie plate, combine flour, egg, milk, and salt, and whisk until smooth. Set both bowls aside.
3. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Spread 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Set 2 bread slices down, mayonnaise side up, on a work surface. Center two cheese slices on the mayonnaise side of the 2 bread slices, then top each with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise side down.
4. **Trim and Cut:** Use a serrated bread knife to trim crust from all sides of each sandwich to create straight sides. Cut sandwiches in half diagonally to form triangular wedges.
5. **Coat the Sandwiches:** Working with one wedge at a time, dip all sides into flour batter to evenly cover. Let excess batter drip off, then press all sides into cornflake crumbs to thoroughly coat. Use hand to press in additional cornflake crumbs to ensure even coverage. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining wedges.
6. **Chill the Sandwiches:** Refrigerate wedges while oil heats, at least 20 minutes or up to 1 day. Sandwiches will firm up slightly as they rest. This step is crucial for preventing the cheese from melting out too quickly.
7. **Heat the Oil:** While sandwiches chill, line a large plate with paper towels or place a wire rack inside a baking sheet; set aside. In a large Dutch oven or 10-inch cast iron skillet, add oil until it measures 1 inch deep and heat over medium heat to 350ºF (177ºC).
8. **Fry the Sandwiches:** Using tongs or spider skimmer, carefully transfer two sandwich wedges into oil. Fry, adjusting heat as needed to keep oil temperature between 330 and 350°F (165ºC to 177ºC), until bottom is deep golden brown, about 1 minute. Flip and continue cooking until deep golden brown on second side, about 1 more minute.
9. **Drain and Cool:** Transfer to prepared plate or baking sheet and repeat with remaining wedges. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth!

That’s it! You’ve just made your very own Cheese Frenchee. Get ready to enjoy a truly unique and delicious sandwich.

Emily’s Pro Tips for Cheese Frenchee Perfection

Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your Cheese Frenchee is a smashing success:

• **Don’t overcrowd the pan**: Fry the sandwiches in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
• **Use a thermometer**: A deep-fry thermometer is your best friend for maintaining the correct oil temperature.
• **Chill the sandwiches**: This helps the coating adhere and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
• **Don’t skip the mayonnaise**: It helps the bread brown beautifully and adds a touch of richness.
• **Adjust the heat**: If the sandwiches are browning too quickly, lower the heat. If they’re not browning enough, raise the heat slightly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cheese Frenchee

Even the best cooks make mistakes sometimes! Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• **Oil not hot enough**: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the sandwiches will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• **Overcrowding the pan**: This can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy sandwiches.
• **Skipping the chilling step**: This is crucial for preventing the cheese from melting out too quickly.
• **Burning the sandwiches**: Keep a close eye on the sandwiches while they’re frying to prevent them from burning.

Delicious Variations to Spice Up Your Cheese Frenchee

Want to get creative? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• **Spicy Cheese Frenchee**: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour batter for a kick.
• **Garlic Cheese Frenchee**: Mix garlic powder into the cornflake crumbs.
• **Herbed Cheese Frenchee**: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the cornflake crumbs.
• **Different Cheeses**: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
• Jalapeno Cheese Frenchee: Add sliced jalapenos to the inside of the cheese sandwich before frying.

How to Store and Reheat Your Cheese Frenchee

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• **Storage**: Store leftover Cheese Frenchee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• **Reheating**: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes. Be aware that reheating may affect the texture slightly. The crispy breaded cheese recipe is best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese Frenchee

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• **Can I use different bread?** Yes, but make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the frying process.
• **Can I use different cheese?** Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses.
• **Can I make these ahead of time?** You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
• **Can I bake these instead of frying?** While it won’t be a true Cheese Frenchee, you can try baking them for a healthier option. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Cheese Frenchee

The Cheese Frenchee is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:

• **Tomato Soup**: A classic pairing for grilled cheese.
• **Coleslaw**: The creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
• **French Fries**: Because who doesn’t love fries with a sandwich?
• **Pickles**: The acidity of the pickles cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• **Side Salad**: A light green salad adds a touch of freshness.

The sandwich bread you choose really does matter! Some people enjoy using a thicker cut of bread, like Texas toast, to give the sandwich a more substantial feel. Others prefer the classic white bread for its nostalgic flavor. The cheese frenchee is a versatile dish, and you can really make it your own. The cheese frenchee brings back memories for many, especially those from a Nebraska. It’s a simple yet satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. As a food host, I always love sharing recipes like this one that are both easy to make and guaranteed to please. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, passed down through generations. This isn’t just about the cheese; it’s about the experience. The crispy, golden crust, the melty cheese, the satisfying crunch – it all comes together to create something truly special. From the first bite, you’ll understand why this sandwich is so beloved. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This recipe for fried grilled cheese triangles will be a hit. It’s an easier to make recipe than you think. All sides will be golden brown and crispy. This today show grilled cheese is a must try!

And there you have it! Your very own Cheese Frenchee recipe. I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious sandwich as much as I do. Happy cooking, y’all!

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