Pro Chef Test.. Adam Ragusea Smashed Grilled Cheese on Brioche

Pro Chef Test.. Adam Ragusea Smashed Grilled Cheese on Brioche is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef James Makinson on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 16 min

Cost: $7.08 total, $7.08 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 piece Brio's Hamburger Bun (pre‑cut, use both halves as sandwich)
  • 1 slice White Cheddar Cheese (sharp white cheddar, sliced)
  • 1 slice Havarti Cheese (mild, buttery, sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (softened for spreading)

Instructions

  1. Gather and Prepare Ingredients

    Lay out the pre‑cut Brio's bun halves, white cheddar slice, Havarti slice, and softened butter on a clean cutting board.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Butter the Bun

    Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outer side of each bun half.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Preheat Skillet

    Place the skillet over medium heat and let it warm for about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 350°F

  4. Smashed Bun

    Lay the buttered sides down in the hot skillet. Using the spatula, gently press each half to flatten slightly, creating a "smashed" texture.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Add Cheese

    Place the white cheddar slice on one bun half, then the Havarti slice on top of it.

    Time: PT30S

  6. Cover and Melt

    Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the bun underside is golden brown.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Flip and Finish

    Carefully flip the sandwich with the spatula and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes, until crisp.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Rest and Serve

    Remove the sandwich, let it rest on a plate for 30 seconds, then slice in half if desired and serve immediately.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Pro Chef Test.. Adam Ragusea Smashed Grilled Cheese on Brioche

Recipe by Chef James Makinson

A crunchy, buttery grilled cheese sandwich made with a smashed Brio's hamburger bun, white cheddar, and creamy Havarti. It’s a quick, indulgent snack that feels like a cross between a panini and a pastry.

EasyAmericanServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
6m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
21m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.08
Total cost
$7.08
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Butter the outer sides of the bun evenly.
  • Press the bun gently to achieve a "smashed" thin layer.
  • Cover the skillet to melt the cheese fully without over‑browning the bun.
  • Flip carefully to crisp the second side without breaking the sandwich.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Butter can splatter; keep a safe distance from the flame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of grilled cheese sandwiches in American cuisine?

A

Grilled cheese has been a staple comfort food in the United States since the early 20th century, originally popularized during the Great Depression as an inexpensive, satisfying meal. Over time it evolved into a nostalgic snack found in school cafeterias, diners, and home kitchens.

cultural
Q

How did Adam’s famous Brios bun smashed grilled cheese become popular within the American snack scene?

A

Adam’s version gained fame on social media for its unique use of a pre‑sliced Brio’s hamburger bun, which creates a buttery, pastry‑like crust. The combination of a smashed bun and premium cheeses turned a simple grilled cheese into a viral, Instagram‑ready snack.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of grilled cheese in the United States?

A

In the Midwest, grilled cheese often includes cheddar and is served with tomato soup. The West Coast favors artisanal breads and cheeses like gouda or brie. Southern versions may add bacon or jalapeños, while New England sometimes incorporates apple slices for a sweet‑savory twist.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a grilled cheese sandwich like this typically associated with in American culture?

A

Grilled cheese is commonly enjoyed as a quick lunch, a comforting late‑night snack, or a nostalgic treat at backyard barbecues and college dorm gatherings. It’s also a popular menu item at food festivals celebrating comfort foods.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional American grilled cheese, and how does this recipe’s use of Brio’s bun and Havarti differ?

A

Traditional grilled cheese uses plain white bread, butter, and cheddar. This recipe upgrades the bread to a buttery Brio’s hamburger bun and adds Havarti for a creamier melt, giving it a richer, pastry‑like texture while still honoring the classic cheese‑and‑butter foundation.

cultural
Q

What other American side dishes pair well with a Brios bun smashed grilled cheese?

A

Serve it with a simple mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette, a bowl of creamy tomato soup, or crispy sweet potato fries for a balanced snack or light meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Brios bun smashed grilled cheese?

A

Common errors include using too much butter (which makes the bun greasy), not pressing the bun enough (resulting in a thick, soggy interior), and cooking over too high heat (causing the bun to burn before the cheese melts).

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use butter on the bun instead of oil for cooking?

A

Butter provides a richer flavor and helps the bun develop a golden, slightly caramelized crust that oil alone cannot achieve. The milk solids in butter also contribute to a pleasant nutty aroma.

technical
Q

Can I make the Brios bun smashed grilled cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can assemble the sandwich, wrap it tightly in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness; avoid microwaving as it makes the bun soggy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef James Makinson specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef James Makinson focuses on approachable, comfort‑food recipes, quick kitchen hacks, and step‑by‑step tutorials that help home cooks create restaurant‑style dishes with minimal equipment.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef James Makinson’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Chef James Makinson emphasizes using readily available supermarket ingredients while adding a twist—like the Brio’s bun—to elevate classic dishes. His videos often include detailed timing, temperature cues, and practical tips that cater to busy home cooks.

channel

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