Crispy, crunchy, and gushing with melted American Cheese. That's what you get with each amazing bite of a cheese frenchee. You may be asking yourself what a cheese frenchee is and I understand that not everyone has been blessed with the opportunity of visiting the great state of Nebraska. Well, I've got good news...you don't even have to!
What is a Cheese Frenchee
A cheese Frenchee is essentially a deep-fried grilled cheese sandwich, without the grilling. Back in 1950's a restaurant called King's Food Host located in Lincoln, Nebraska created this amazing sandwich. Today, the cheese frenchee is still served at Don & Millies as well as Amigos/Kings Classic establishments across Nebraska.
How to Make a Cheese Frenchee
Ingredients
Bread
I prefer to use thick sliced white bread for this recipe. Specifically, Mrs. Baird's Texas Toast works great! It's the perfect thickness to withstand the crust being cut off and then dipped in the batter without getting smooshed or becoming soggy.
Cheese
My daughter likes to call it floppy cheese. However, you probably know it by its most common name, American Cheese. Don't get fancy here. Some Craft Singles or the off-brand counterpart will do just fine. Also, 2 - 3 slices per sandwich work perfectly for each sandwich.
Batter and Crunchy Coating
The batter is a simple mix of egg, milk, flour, salt, and crushed cornflakes. Be sure not to get the frosted cornflakes. The plain off-brand cornflakes will work perfectly.
Extras
The only other ingredients needed are mayonnaise for spreading on the bread and oil to fry the sandwiches.
Directions
Begin by assembling the sandwiches. Simply spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
Place two to three slices of American Cheese on half of them topping with the other half to make sandwiches.
Next, cut the crust off the sandwiches and slice them diagonally making two triangles.
Now it's time to crush the cornflakes. Don't pulverize them into dust. By simply pouring them into a bowl and using your hands to squeeze and crush them, you'll have a crunchier sandwich.
This part is very important and what makes this the best Cheese Frenchee recipe, and that's not just my opinion. I had a couple of other Nebraskans try them as well!
Lastly, preheat the frying oil to 375°f in a deep fryer or cast iron dutch oven. While the oil is heating stir the egg, milk, flour, and salt together in a separate bowl.
Once the oil is heated, coat a triangle in batter then crushed cornflakes, and carefully drop it into the fryer. Deep-fry the sandwiches until golden brown on both sides and remove them to a cooling rack over a baking sheet. Whatever you do, don't put them on paper towels unless you want grease-soaked sandwiches, I'm fairly certain that's not your end goal here!
In Conclusion
When you want to take your grilled cheese sandwich game to the next level look no further than the Cheese Frenchee. Yet another, Nebraska classic that the world needs to know about.
If you love this sandwich be sure to check out the Runza recipe and Tastee Loose Meat Sandwiches as well.
Also, if you're looking for a perfect pairing with these Cheese Frenchees, whip a batch of freshly made Tomato Basil Soup.
Thank you so much for stopping in to Chicken Fried Kitchen and as usual...
Happy Cooking,
-Jeremy
The Best Cheese Frenchee Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 American Cheese-slices
- 6 Texas Toast White Bread-slices
- Mayonnaise
- 1 Egg-beaten
- ½ Cup Milk
- ¾ Cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- Corn Flakes-crushed
- Oil for Deep-Frying
Instructions
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two to three slices of American Cheese on half of them topping with the other half to make sandwiches.
- Next, cut the crust off the sandwiches and slice them diagonally making two triangles.
- Crush the cornflakes by squeezing them in your hands. Do not make them too fine. This will create a crispier sandwich with more outer texture.
- Preheat the frying oil to 375°f in an Electric Deep Fryer or Cast Iron Dutch Oven.
- While the oil is heating, stir the egg, milk, flour, and salt together in a separate bowl.
- Once the oil is heated, coat a triangle in batter then crushed cornflakes, and carefully drop it into the fryer. Deep-fry the sandwiches until golden brown on both sides and remove them to a cooling rack over a baking sheet.
- Serve hot with a side of Fries and Ketchup or a bowl of freshly made Tomato Basil Soup.
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