Grilled Cheddar and Fennel Sandwiches with Curry Mayo

Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches featuring melted sharp cheddar and crisp fennel, elevated with a homemade curry-spiced mayonnaise. These sandwiches combine the comfort of traditional grilled cheese with sophisticated flavors of curry and aromatic fennel.

4 servings
29 min

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder (preferably Madras)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 whole baguette
  • tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ lb extra-sharp Cheddar
  • ¼ cup fennel bulb

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cook shallot and curry powder in oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over moderate heat, stirring, 2 minutes, then transfer to a small bowl and stir in mayonnaise and lemon juice. Wipe skillet clean and set aside.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Cut 16 (1/4-inch-thick) diagonal slices (about 6 inches long) from baguette. Spread 1 side of each slice with butter, then turn over and spread opposite side with curry mayonnaise. Cut cheese into thin slices no wider than bread slices. Divide cheese among 8 slices of bread, then top with fennel and remaining slices of bread, buttered sides up.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Heat skillet over moderate heat until hot, then cook sandwiches in 2 batches, turning over once and pressing occasionally, until browned and cheese is melted, about 7 minutes per batch.

    14 min