The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Step 1 -In a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the sliced sausages and cook, turning them once, until browned, about 8 minutes.

Step 2 -Transfer the sausages to a plate and wipe the pan.

Step 3 -In a bowl, add the butter and 6 ounces of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until just combined.

Step 4 -Spread the cheddar-butter on 1 side of each slice of the bread.

Step 5 -Arrange the bread slices, buttered-side down, on a clean work surface.

Step 6 -Spread the Dijon mustard on each slice of bread.

Step 7 -Sprinkle each slice of bread with the Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 8 -Top 4 of the bread slices with an even amount of the sausages, an even amount of the remaining sliced cheddar, and an even amount of the 12 halved cornichons.

Step 9 -Close the sandwiches, pressing lightly. Make sure to tuck away any stray cheese.

Step 10 -In the same skillet used to cook the sausages, over medium-low heat, add the sandwiches and cover the skillet.

Step 11 -Cook the sandwiches until golden on the bottom, about 3 minutes.

Step 12 -Press the sandwiches with a spatula to flatten them slightly.

Step 13 -Flip the sandwiches and cook, covered, until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. If the bread browns before the cheese melts completely, reduce the heat to low.

Step 14 -Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for 2 minutes.

Step 15 -Slice the sandwiches in half.

Step 16 -Serve with the extra cornichons.