Cuisine: Cheese

Classic Patty Melt

The Classic Patty Melt…
When a grilled cheese meets a hamburger.
The Bread should be sliced rye (seeded or seedless, depending on preference) is traditional and provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Some might opt for sourdough or even Texas toast, but classic rye offers a unique and essential flavor profile.
The Beef patty should be made from freshly ground chuck, ideally an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures juiciness and flavor. They should be seasoned simply with salt and pepper, cooked on a hot griddle or cast-iron skillet to develop a beautiful sear and crust, while remaining juicy on the inside.
The Onions should be deeply caramelized. This is where the magic truly happens.
The Cheese must be melty and flavorful. The classic choice for a patty melt is Swiss cheese. I prefer a sharp cheddar. And then there are those people that like American cheese… Well, they are not invited to this party!
The Classic Patty Melt is stacked with meat, onions and cheese and then cooked until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and oozy.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Slow Roasted Feta-Dill Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Creamy Tzatziki

Slow-Roasted Feta, Dill, and Pistachio-Crusted Salmon is an easy weeknight upgrade that boasts incredible flavor and texture. Experience perfectly moist salmon topped with a crispy, salty, and tangy crust, beautifully nestled on a bed of arugula and creamy tzatziki. It's truly the most delicious way to enjoy salmon! Truth be told, I bought ready-made tzatziki!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Cheesy Chile Crisp White Beans

Cheesy Chile Crisp White Beans are a simple, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of white beans with the spicy, textural kick of chili crisp and the richness of melted cheese. If you are looking for something quick, satisfying, and vegetarian-friendly, this is the answer! You can serve it with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping, or or spoon it over rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Spinach Quiche (Gluten-Free)

This Crustless Spinach Quiche is naturally gluten-free! It's an elegant yet easy dish, ideal for brunch, a light lunch, or even a simple dinner, offering all the flavor without the fuss of a crust. This recipe proves that going gluten-free doesn't mean compromising on deliciousness. It's also lower in carbohydrates, making it a versatile and healthy option.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 10 - 12 Servings

Sausage & Biscuit Breakfast Casserole

Are you not a morning person? Then this Sausage & Biscuit Breakfast Casserole is about to become your new favorite recipe! Forget complicated breakfast spreads or rushing around before coffee. This casserole is incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or even big holiday gatherings. It's delicious, feeds a crowd, and best of all, you can prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven the morning of. Wake up to the aroma of a home-cooked meal without any of the morning hassle!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 12 Servings

Grilled Cheese with Harrison Ford’s Twist

I love grilled cheese. I even entered a Tillamook grilled cheese contest early on in my culinary career. I came in 18th out of 230 contestants. Not a horrible result. Anyway, this recipe is Harrison Ford’s, the iconic actor known for roles like Indiana Jones and Han Solo, has a surprisingly simple yet memorable take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. His version, often referred to as "Harrison Ford's Twist," gained popularity when his professional chef son, Ben Ford, shared details about it.
The Secret Ingredient: Worcestershire Sauce. This is the key component that elevates his grilled cheese. A dash (or a "heavy-handed pour" as some sources suggest) of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami-rich, and slightly tangy depth that transforms the otherwise simple sandwich. It brings a complexity that complements the richness of the cheese.
Whole Wheat Bread and Sharp Cheddar melts beautifully and offers a robust flavor. He also adds sliced tomato, which provides a fresh, slightly acidic contrast to the cheese and adds a juicy, meaty texture. Like most grilled cheese, butter or even mayonnaise can be used on the outside of the bread to achieve that desirable golden-brown, crispy crust. I use mayo on my grilled cheese. It’s easier to spread and offers a tanginess.
So, if you're looking to elevate your next grilled cheese, a splash of Worcestershire sauce and some fresh tomato, Harrison Ford style, might be just the twist you need!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yields: 1 Serving

Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos with Chipotle Crema

These aren't your average tacos! Craving a flavorful and fast weeknight dinner? These Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos with Chipotle Crema deliver! Juicy, tender chicken thighs, boldly spiced and quickly cooked, mingle with melty cheese in warm tortillas. The real magic? A smoky chipotle crema drizzled on top. Ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Roasted Carrots with Shallots, Mozzarella and Spicy Bread Crumbs

This vibrant sheet-pan Roasted Carrots with Shallots, Mozzarella, and Spicy Bread Crumbs recipe proves that simple can be sensational. Effortlessly prepared on a single pan, it delivers an incredible explosion of flavor. You can do the initial roasting in advance and then when you are ready to serving add the cheese, olives and spicy bread crumbs and pop it back in the oven to finish.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts

Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts offer a twist on the classic Roman pasta dish, replacing the noodles with crispy, flavorful Brussels sprouts. Cacio e Pepe translates to "cheese and pepper" in Italian. The slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts provides a counterpoint to the richness and saltiness of the cheese, creating a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than if you were simply eating cheese and pepper on their own.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Sage Brown Butter Hasselback Potatoes with Boursin Chive Sour Cream

I made Sage Brown Butter Hasselback Potatoes with Boursin Chive Sour Cream for my husband’s birthday dinner. It’s a recipe that I have had booked marked forever. It’s from one of my favorite Los Angeles-based chefs, Sara Tane.  This recipe elevates the humble potato to a gourmet side dish. I have been a fan of hasselbacking for years. The name "Hasselback" comes from the restaurant Hasselbacken in Stockholm, Sweden, where the dish was first served. The technique creates crispy edges and a tender interior, while the sage brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor. The creamy Boursin chive sour cream provides a tangy, herbaceous counterpoint. It’s just so good.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings