Jack-o'-Lantern Grilled Cheese (Print)

Cheddar sandwiches transformed with jack-o'-lantern faces—ideal for a playful, savory Halloween treat.

# Components:

→ Bread

01 - 8 slices sandwich bread (white or whole wheat)

→ Cheese

02 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese

→ Butter

03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Garnishes

04 - Ketchup or marinara sauce, for dipping

# Directions:

01 - Using a sharp paring knife, cut jack-o'-lantern faces—triangles for eyes and nose, and a zigzag mouth—into 4 slices of bread.
02 - Spread a thin, even layer of softened unsalted butter on one side of each bread slice.
03 - Arrange 4 plain bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Place 2 slices of cheddar cheese on each.
04 - Top each cheese-covered bread slice with a jack-o'-lantern cut-out slice, buttered side up, aligning edges to form sandwiches.
05 - Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Serve sandwiches warm, accompanied by ketchup or marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Made with just pantry ingredients so it is easy to pull off on a busy weeknight
  • Ready in twenty minutes which means more time for pumpkin decorating and ghost stories
  • Perfect hands-on cooking project for kids and also a playful appetizer for grown-ups
02 -
  • Fun way to get kids involved in kitchen on Halloween
  • Vegetarian and can be made nut-free if you check labels
  • Sandwiches freeze well and can be quickly reheated
03 -
  • Spread the butter gently right to the edges for uniform browning
  • Use a slightly lower heat so bread does not burn before cheese melts
  • Keep knives sharp for carving more detailed jack-o'-lantern faces and try chilling bread first for cleaner cuts
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