Smoked Dutch Rye Grilled Cheese on the Arteflame Grill

There is something undeniably comforting about a grilled cheese sandwich, but when you swap standard white bread for dense, flavorful Dutch rye and cook it on an Arteflame grill, you elevate a simple staple into a gourmet experience. This is not just a sandwich; it is a collision of textures and deep, earthy flavors. The high heat of the Arteflame cooktop creates a perfect, golden crust that standard pans simply cannot replicate, locking in the gooey richness of the cheese while imparting a subtle smokiness from the wood fire. Whether you are looking for a hearty savory breakfast or a quick, satisfying lunch, this recipe brings a European twist to classic American comfort food. Get ready to experience the perfect crunch combined with the robust taste of rye and aged cheese, all achieved effortlessly on your outdoor griddle.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of dark Dutch Rye bread (Friesian style or Pumpernickel works well)
• 4 to 6 slices of Aged Gouda or Edam cheese (depending on slice thickness)
• 3 tablespoons of salted butter, room temperature
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of coarse grain mustard
• Optional: Thin slices of ham or cured meat

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sandwich

1. Begin by laying out your slices of Dutch Rye bread. Because this bread is denser and smaller than standard loaves, you want to maximize the surface area for the cheese.
2. Spread a thin layer of salted butter on one side of each bread slice. This buttered side will eventually face the grill to create that signature crispy crust.
3. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a light layer of coarse grain mustard if desired.
4. Layer the Aged Gouda cheese generously on top of the mustard. If you are adding ham or cured meats, place them between layers of cheese to ensure everything warms through evenly. top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start your Arteflame grill by building a fire in the center. Allow it to burn down until you have a solid bed of coals and the cooktop is hot.
2. The goal is to use a medium-heat zone. Dutch Rye is dense and contains molasses or syrups that can caramelize quickly, so you want to avoid the scorching heat directly next to the fire pit. Aim for the middle-to-outer ring of the cooktop where the temperature is consistent but manageable.
3. Drizzle a tiny amount of oil or butter directly onto the steel griddle to test the heat. If it sizzles gently without smoking instantly, you are ready to cook.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

1. Place your sandwiches onto the flat top griddle. Listen for that satisfying sizzle.
2. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich, ensuring the rye bread makes full contact with the hot steel for an even sear.
3. Once the bottom is golden brown and crispy, flip the sandwich carefully.
4. Cook the second side for another 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely to ensure the cheese melts completely. If the bread is browning too fast but the cheese hasn't melted, slide the sandwich further out to the cooler edge of the grill to finish melting without burning the bread.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the grilled cheese from the Arteflame once the cheese is oozing and the bread is toasted to your liking.
2. Let it rest for one minute to allow the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from spilling out when you cut it.
3. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Tips

Cooking Dutch Rye bread on an Arteflame requires a slightly different approach than white bread due to its density and moisture content. The most important tip is heat management. Because rye bread often contains molasses or malt syrup, it has a higher sugar content that can scorch if placed in the center inferno of the grill. Always utilize the distinct heat zones of the Arteflame flat top; start searing in the medium zone and move to the outer, cooler edges if you need more time for the cheese to melt. Additionally, because Dutch rye is prone to crumbling, handle the flipping process gently. Using a wide spatula helps keep the sandwich intact. For an extra crisp finish, you can use mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of the bread, which has a higher smoke point and creates a tangy, crunchy crust.

Variations

While the classic Gouda and Rye combination is timeless, the robust flavor of the bread stands up well to bold ingredients. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your palate or utilize leftovers. Since the Arteflame provides plenty of cooking space, you can even grill these additions right next to the bread before assembling the sandwich. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• The Savory Sweet: Add thin slices of Granny Smith apple and a drizzle of honey inside the sandwich to contrast the sharp cheese.
• The Reuben Twist: Add sauerkraut, corned beef, and a smear of Russian dressing for a classic deli experience.
• The Earthy Veggie: Sauté mushrooms and onions on the Arteflame flat top first, then add them to the grilled cheese with a slice of Swiss.
• The Breakfast Rye: Add a fried egg (cooked on the flat top) and a slice of crispy bacon inside the sandwich.
• The Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a layer of kimchi for a fusion of spice and fermentation.

Best pairings

A sandwich this rich and flavorful deserves a partner that can cut through the density of the rye and the creaminess of the cheese. The traditional pairing is, of course, a hot bowl of soup. A classic tomato basil soup or a hearty split pea soup works wonders, offering a liquid contrast to the crunch of the toast. If you are serving this for lunch or a light dinner, consider a crisp, acidic side like a cucumber dill salad or pickled vegetables, which cleanse the palate between bites. For beverage pairings, a dark beer like a Stout or Porter complements the roasted malt flavors of the bread beautifully. If you prefer wine, a bold red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp, dry Riesling pairs surprisingly well with the aged Gouda.

Conclusion

Mastering the Dutch Rye Grilled Cheese on the Arteflame grill is about celebrating simple, high-quality ingredients enhanced by wood-fired cooking. The combination of the smoky, crispy crust and the rich, melted cheese creates a flavor profile that is sophisticated yet deeply satisfying. It is a testament to how the right equipment can transform a quick snack into a memorable meal. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with our suggested variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your outdoor cooking repertoire. So light up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the rustic elegance of this European classic right in your own backyard.