Mini Grilled Cheese Dippers with Tomato Soup Recipe

Introduction

Mini grilled cheese dippers are a fun and delicious twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for dipping into warm, creamy tomato soup. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these bite-sized treats make an ideal snack or appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 12 slices of sturdy white or sourdough bread
• 12 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices of provolone or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 quart of creamy tomato soup, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lay out all 12 slices of bread on a work surface. Spread the softened butter generously on one side of each slice, covering the entire surface to ensure a golden, crispy crust.
2. Step 2: Flip over 6 buttered bread slices so the unbuttered side is facing up. Top each with two slices of sharp cheddar cheese and one slice of provolone or Monterey Jack. Fold or trim any overhanging cheese as needed.
3. Step 3: Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top of the cheese layers, buttered side facing out, forming 6 sandwiches.
4. Step 4: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place 2 or 3 sandwiches in the skillet without overcrowding.
5. Step 5: Grill the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes on the first side until deep golden and crispy, pressing gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly.
6. Step 6: Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Step 7: Remove sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to set for cleaner cuts.
8. Step 8: Optionally, trim the crusts from each sandwich, then slice each vertically into 3 or 4 equal “dippers.”
9. Step 9: Serve immediately with warm tomato soup for dipping, enjoying while hot and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• Use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for different melt and flavor profiles.
• If you don’t have tomato soup, try serving the dippers with a creamy roasted red pepper dip or your favorite marinara.
• To avoid soggy bread, don’t overload the sandwiches with cheese and keep the grilling heat moderate.
• For extra crispiness, use a cast iron skillet and press down gently with a weighted lid or spatula while grilling.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled cheese dippers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the sandwiches and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before grilling. For best results, grill just before serving to maintain crispiness and gooey cheese.

What if I don’t have provolone or Monterey Jack cheese?

You can substitute with any meltable cheese such as mozzarella, fontina, or even Swiss to achieve a similar gooey texture and delicious flavor.

Mini Grilled Cheese Dippers with Tomato Soup Recipe

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Mini Grilled Cheese Dippers are a fun and comforting snack featuring crispy golden bread filled with a gooey blend of sharp cheddar and melty provolone or Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfectly grilled to golden perfection and sliced into bite-sized sticks, these dippers pair wonderfully with warm creamy tomato soup for a nostalgic twist on a classic sandwich.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 sandwiches, approximately 18-24 mini dippers 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Cheese

• 12 slices sturdy white or sourdough bread
• 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices provolone or Monterey Jack cheese

Butter

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

Soup

• 1 quart creamy tomato soup, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Lay out all 12 slices of bread on a large cutting board or clean work surface. Using a butter knife or spatula, generously spread the softened butter on one side of each slice of bread, covering the entire surface to ensure a golden, crispy crust.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Flip over 6 of the buttered bread slices so the unbuttered side is facing up. On each, layer two slices of sharp cheddar cheese, followed by a slice of provolone or Monterey Jack cheese. Fold or trim cheese slices if they extend beyond the bread edges.
3. Top the Sandwiches: Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top of the cheese-layered slices, with the buttered side facing outwards, forming 6 complete sandwiches ready for grilling.
4. Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat to prevent burning. Place 2 or 3 sandwiches at a time in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd.
5. Cook to Golden Perfection: Grill the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes on the first side until the bread turns deep golden brown and crispy, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage even cooking and cheese melting.
6. Flip and Finish: Carefully flip each sandwich and cook for another 3-5 minutes on the other side until equally golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey, visible slightly oozing from the edges.
7. Rest and Slice: Transfer the grilled cheese sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest for 1-2 minutes to set the cheese for cleaner slicing.
8. Create the Dippers: Using a sharp serrated knife, optionally trim off all crusts from the sandwiches, then slice each sandwich vertically into 3 or 4 equal-sized sticks to form the mini dippers.
9. Serve Immediately: Arrange the dippers on a platter and serve warm with bowls or cups of creamy tomato soup for dunking. Enjoy while hot and crispy.

Notes

• Use firm bread like sourdough or brioche to prevent sogginess when dipped.
• Softened butter spreads evenly and yields an even golden crust.
• Maintaining medium-low heat is key to melting cheese without burning bread.
• Optional crust removal creates tender dippers but can be skipped for rustic appeal.
• Serve immediately for best texture; grilled cheese becomes less crispy as it cools.
• Substitute cheeses or mix varieties to customize flavor and meltiness.

Keywords: grilled cheese, mini grilled cheese, cheese dippers, snack recipe, easy appetizer, tomato soup, comfort food, melted cheese