The grilled ham and cheese sandwich is one of the world’s great comfort foods. It also happens to be a surprisingly difficult sandwich to perfect at home, taking patience and a watchful eye. A well-seasoned cooking surface doesn’t hurt, either. It’s a wonderful dish for learning about cooking.
If you’re looking for an example of an excellent grilled ham and cheese, check out the bikini from Cooks & Soldiers.
<<RELATED: Learn to make the bikini sandwich from Cooks & Soldiers
Be forewarned: The bikini is a fancy grilled ham and cheese, which is not a description you usually want to see. The simple grilled cheese too often is gussied up with unnecessary additions that rob it of its best assets. But, the bikini is thoughtfully designed, so that it still has the textural contrast of a crispy-crunchy exterior and melty, buttery interior, as well as flavor balanced between savory, tender Iberico ham, tangy cheddar and a little funkiness from the truffle mayonnaise.
The combination of a simple grilled ham and cheese with the round, unctuous flavor of black truffle elevates this sandwich, and it travels pretty well as takeout. It’s an inexpensive luxury that’s comforting, and just a little bit ridiculous, but now is the time to treat yourself, if ever there was one. Just make sure to cut your bikini into the classic four triangles when you eat it at home; it just doesn’t taste the same otherwise.
Cooks & Soldiers. 691 14th St. NW, Atlanta. 404-996-2623, cooksandsoldiers.com.
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