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Origins in The Community: City House Nashville and its Comforting Grilled Cheese
Imagine the vibrant and eclectic culinary scene of Nashville, a city that embraces both its musical roots and a growing appreciation for globally-inspired flavors. The story of City House Nashville unfolds as a rustic-chic eatery where the comforting traditions of Italian cuisine are celebrated with a contemporary and soulful touch.
City House Nashville isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of the diverse culinary landscape of Italy, a place where simple, high-quality ingredients come together in exciting and harmonious ways. The name “City House” itself evokes a sense of community and warmth, a place where friends and family gather to share a meal. The ambiance is rustic and inviting, a space that mirrors the honest and approachable nature of Italian cooking.
During my visit to City House Nashville, I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing their Grilled Cheese, a dish that perfectly embodies City House Nashville’s culinary philosophy. It wasn’t just a simple grilled cheese; it was a thoughtful and flavorful creation. The perfectly toasted bread, encasing a blend of carefully selected cheeses, created a symphony of textures and flavors. The dish stood as a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients and employing creative culinary techniques.
Savoring that Grilled Cheese at City House Nashville, I understood that City House Nashville is more than just a place to eat; it’s a place to experience the art of Italian-inspired cuisine in a fresh and exciting way. It’s about honoring the rich traditions of the region while embracing innovation and presenting dishes that feel both grounded and surprisingly novel. City House Nashville’s origin likely lies in the vision of its founders to introduce a fresh, contemporary perspective to the diverse and delicious flavors of Italy to Nashville, a city that truly appreciates culinary artistry and bold flavors. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of this vibrant cuisine and its remarkable ability to create memorable and transporting dining experiences.
If you’re seeking a taste of fresh, artfully presented Italian-inspired cuisine in a stylish and welcoming setting in Nashville, City House Nashville is a destination that should undoubtedly be on your list. City House Nashville is a true gem in Nashville’s ever-evolving and richly diverse culinary landscape.
A Celebration of Simple Comfort: Crafting Your Own City House-Inspired Grilled Cheese
To capture the comforting, soulful essence of City House Nashville’s celebrated Grilled Cheese in your own kitchen, begin with good quality bread and your favorite cheeses, and a touch of neighborhood warmth. This culinary journey celebrates the simple beauty of well-prepared comfort food, much like the Italian-inspired ethos at City House Nashville.
Embarking on this endeavor is a lesson in appreciating the satisfying combination of perfectly toasted bread and the melty, gooey goodness of quality cheese. Focus on the gentle cooking process that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply comforting experience. Start by selecting your preferred slices of bread and a flavorful cheese (or blend), the foundation of this delightful sandwich.
Consider incorporating elements that reflect City House Nashville’s focus on highlighting the best of simple, well-sourced ingredients. A thin spread of good quality butter or even a touch of flavorful mayonnaise will enhance the inherent flavors and create a beautifully crisp exterior. The key is to let the quality of the bread and cheese be the stars.
Pay close attention to the grilling process, allowing the bread to develop a golden-brown crust while ensuring the cheese melts into a warm, inviting pool. The gentle heat should coax out the best textures and flavors. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a testament to the simple yet profound transformation of quality ingredients into pure comfort.
As you prepare this comforting dish, you’ll appreciate the ease and satisfaction of creating something both delicious and deeply satisfying. It’s a celebration of classic comfort food, minimal fuss, and the pure pleasure of enjoying a simply prepared yet flavorful dish, inspired by the warmth and quality of City House Nashville.
Chef’s Notes: Classic Melted Cheese Toastie
• Room Temperature Butter – Make sure the butter is soft for easy spreading without tearing the bread.
• Freshly Grated Cheese – Always grate your own cheese for the best melt and flavor; pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that affect texture.
• Low Heat is Key – Medium-low heat allows the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
• Press Lightly While Cooking – Gently pressing with a spatula helps the cheese and bread bond without squeezing the filling out.
• Use Thick, Sturdy Bread – Sourdough holds up best; avoid very soft sandwich bread that can get soggy.
• Layer Cheese Evenly – Distribute cheese all the way to the edges for every bite to have that perfect cheesy pull.
• Watch for Butter Sizzle – If the buttered side isn’t gently sizzling, your pan is too cool; if it’s smoking, it’s too hot.
• Diagonal Cut = Better Pull – Slicing diagonally shows off more of the gooey cheese strands.
• Rest Before Slicing – Give sandwiches 1–2 minutes off heat to let the cheese settle slightly for cleaner cuts.
• Reheat Like a Pro – If you need to reheat, pop the toastie back in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes each side instead of microwaving.
Classic Melted Cheese Toastie
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this Classic Melted Cheese Toastie! Think golden-brown sourdough layered with two kinds of melting cheese, kissed by butter on every side, and cooked to crispy, oozy goodness in under 20 minutes. It’s the kind of comfort that makes you want to shout, “Yes, chef!”—even if you’re flying solo in your own kitchen. Perfect for a quick lunch, a family favorite after school, or a cozy weekend brunch, this easy stove-top sandwich is about to become your new go-to indulgence.
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Ingredients
- Bread Butter
8 slices sturdy sourdough loaf (about ½″ thick per slice)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Cheese Blend
1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- Alternative Ingredients
Gluten-free bread replaces sourdough
Vegan margarine or coconut oil spread replaces butter
Dairy-free cheddar-style shreds replaces cheddar
Plant-based mozzarella alternative replaces mozzarella
Gluten-free all-purpose flour tortilla as a wrap option instead of bread
Directions
- Butter Preparation – Spread room-temperature butter evenly on one side of each sourdough slice, ensuring every edge is coated for a golden crust. (Prep time: 3 min)
- Cheese Assembly – In a small bowl, toss shredded cheddar and mozzarella together until well blended. This combo offers sharp flavor plus that iconic cheese pull. (Prep time: 2 min)
- Toast Base – Heat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat without any added fat. Place four buttered-side-down slices into the pan; toast for about 1 minute until the bottoms are light golden. This initial browning jump-starts melt without burning. (Cook time: 1 min)
- Sandwich Build Press – Flip the toasted slices, divide the cheese blend evenly among them, and crown with the remaining bread slices (butter side up). Gently press down with a silicone spatula to encourage melty contact. (Cook time: 30 sec)
- Finish Flip – Continue cooking for 2½–3 minutes until the bottom is deeply golden; then carefully flip each sandwich and toast the second side for another 2½–3 minutes. Adjust heat down if the crust browns too fast before cheese melts. (Cook time: 5 min)
- Rest Serve – Transfer to a clean board, let rest 1–2 minutes for the cheese to settle, then slice diagonally. Admire that perfect pull, and serve immediately. (Resting time: 2 min)
Equipment
- Nonstick Pan
- silicone spatula set
- measuring cups and spoons
- box grater
Notes
- • For extra crunch, press the sandwich with a weighted skillet for the last minute of cooking.
• Serve alongside a bowl of piping hot tomato soup or a crisp green salad to balance richness.
• Add thin tomato slices, cooked bacon, or fresh basil leaves inside for flavor twists.
• Use a cast iron skillet instead of nonstick for deeper caramelization on the bread.
• For a smoky note, swap half the cheddar for smoked gouda or provolone.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 807kcal
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 27g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 129mg
- Sodium: 1427mg
- Potassium: 212mg
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 33g
- Vitamin A: 1292IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 629mg
- Iron: 5mg
FAQs: Classic Melted Cheese Toastie
what’s the best type of sourdough for toasties?
Choose a sturdy, medium-density sourdough loaf; overly airy ones can tear, and very dense ones can overwhelm the cheese.
can i use different cheeses?
Yes! Good substitutes include gruyère, fontina, havarti, or a bit of American cheese for extra creaminess.
how do i keep the bread from burning before the cheese melts?
Use medium-low heat and let the bread slowly crisp; patience is key for the perfect melt without scorching.
what’s the best pan to use?
A nonstick skillet works best for beginners, but a well-seasoned cast iron skillet gives deeper browning and a crunchier crust.
can i make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can prepare buttered bread slices and pre-mix the cheese blend ahead; assemble and cook when ready.
can i bake them instead of pan frying?
Yes—assemble sandwiches, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
what’s a quick add-in that won’t make it soggy?
Thin slices of tomato, cooked bacon, or a sprinkle of chili flakes can be added without affecting crispness.
how do i make it even crispier?
Use clarified butter or ghee instead of regular butter to fry; it has a higher smoke point and creates an extra-crispy crust.
what’s a kid-friendly variation?
Swap cheddar for a milder cheese like Monterey Jack, and cut the sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters after cooking.
can i freeze them?
It’s not ideal because melted cheese doesn’t reheat perfectly after freezing, but you can freeze fully assembled (uncooked) sandwiches and cook straight from frozen over lower heat.
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Grilled Tomato and Cheese Mini Pizzas
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