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How to Make Grilled Cheese Pumpkins

Make these festive sandwiches alongside a pot of tomato soup for a kid-friendly Halloween dinner

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Whether you’re looking for a whimsical October lunchbox idea or a Halloween party recipe, this delectable grilled cheese sandwich will delight kids and adults alike. Sure, the pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter gives this grilled cheese its charm. But this savory Halloween treat truly wins with its unbeatable flavor and crunch. Here’s how to nail it.

Start with two pieces of your favorite sliced bread; we’ve chosen white bread. Slice both pieces of bread with a pumpkin cookie cutter, which you can find at party supply stores and cookware retailers in the fall; Amazon.com will have it in stock year-round. Layer shredded cheese on one piece of bread; we’ve chosen cheddar, but any hard cheese will work. Sprinkle minced parsley and chile pepper flakes atop the cheese. Put the other slice of bread on top of the cheese-laden slice. Spread mayo on the outside of the top piece of bread and add a bit more shredded cheese atop the mayo. Press down the sandwich a bit to hold it together. While the addition of mayo and more cheese may seem decadent, these ingredients are the keys to achieving a perfect golden-hued crunchy exterior on your grilled cheese sandwich. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

Melt butter in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Gently lower sandwiches into the pan, mayo-and-cheese-side down. While the sandwiches are cooking, give the top (bare) slice of bread the mayo and shredded cheese treatment. When the bottom side is golden brown, flip your sandwiches. Cook until the cheese in the middle is melty and both sides have that ideal golden-brown hue.

Remove from pan and set on a cutting board. Trim excess crispy cheese edges from the sandwich to return it to a perfect pumpkin silhouette. Serve it with a bowl of tomato or pumpkin soup and you’ve got a killer Halloween meal!