The Norwegian Grilled Cheese – A Grilled Cheese That’s Actually Baked
A weird take on a Norwegian grilled cheese went viral, courtesy of the Norwegian Embassy. Here is the corrected version. Plus: A new Rainier Beach burrito and taco shop.
It was brought to my attention that the Norwegian Embassy, in a seemingly successful attempt to go viral, besmirched the most Norwegian-est of dishes: The grilled cheese sandwich. Have a gander at their Bluesky video – you’ll need to be logged in to view it – or take a look at these incriminating captures.
A lot is happening here. First, don’t cook anything while wearing a singlet – grease splatter is bound to hurt you. More importantly, everything about that sandwich, sans the brand of cheese, is wrong. Pickles on an alleged Norwegian grilled cheese – one that is closed-faced at that – is nothing less than scandalous. Gauche, even.
To state the obvious, this type of grilled cheese should be open-faced. That’s just the Norwegian way. Top the bread with butter or mayo; some type of cured meat; chopped onions; Jarlsberg cheese1; bacon; and oregano. Then bake it. That’s it – no pan needed.
In the name of restoring Norway’s sandwich-honor – one which the Embassy tried to tear down – I give you the full recipe. And on behalf of the nation of Norway, I apologize profusely.
Ingredients
A slice of sourdough or any loaf of your choice.
Mayo or butter.
Salami – enough to cover the bread.
A handful of sliced onions.
Jarlsberg cheese.
Bacon, cooked.
A light sprinkling of oregano.
Assembly
Just layer the sandwich in the order of the ingredients. Use the header photo for reference; skip the meats if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Then bake the sandwich at 400º until the cheese melts – about five-ish minutes.
And, there you go. Serve with tomato soup if so desired.
I’m more than hesitant to give Starbucks credit for anything, but the proof is in the proverbial pudding. Their new Rainier Beach location has greatly improved the surrounding area. To wit, the neighboring Jack in the Box closed down to make way for California Burrito & Taco Shop, a twenty-four-hour drive-through joint with a vast menu.
I don’t think anyone would confuse California Burrito with an artisanal taco stand, nor should anyone expect that from them. This type of drive-through should deliver big flavors quickly and send you on your way. Which California Burrito does, and they do it well. Those carne asada fries above came loaded in sour cream and guacamole. It’s not subtle, and I’m perfectly fine with that – sometimes you need a hearty meal. A Flamin’ Hot Cheetos burrito? They got that, too.
That’s the type of thing you’ll get from California Burrito, every hour of the day. I, for one, approve of it.
The Rating
Regular disclaimer: I generally don’t score anything these days, but as this write-up falls squarely into the annals of Tortillaphilia history, it would be downright disrespectful not to.
Find California Burrito & Taco Shop at 9102 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118.
Only Jarlsberg will do.