Harrison Ford uses this secret ingredient to make the ultimate grilled cheese

Ford’s son, Chef Ben Ford, says this ingredient brings him back to his childhood.

Key Points

• Harrison Ford’s son, Ben, is a chef who shares his father’s childhood grilled cheese recipe.
• The secret ingredient in it is Worcestershire sauce, which adds a deep, umami layer of flavor.
• The other ingredients are whole-wheat bread, Cheddar cheese and tomatoes.

From Han Solo to Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford is known for his ability to transform movie roles into iconic characters and household names. So it’s no surprise that he took a traditional grilled cheese and brought it to new heights with one ingredient: Worcestershire sauce.

In a 2024 Mashed interview, Ford’s son, Chef Ben Ford, says that his father’s grilled cheese sandwich ignites childhood nostalgia for him. “He would make this grilled cheese sandwich for me on whole wheat with just really good sharp cheddar and tomato and Worcestershire sauce of all things,” says Ben.

Worcestershire sauce is a fermented liquid condiment with complex layers of flavor, including umami, tangy, sweet and spicy. It’s made with vinegar, fermented anchovies, tamarind, molasses, sugar, onion, garlic, salt and other spices, like cloves and peppers. The umaminess in Worcestershire sauce comes from anchovies, which add a deep savory flavor to the condiment. They’re also the reason traditional Worcestershire sauce is not technically vegetarian. If you prefer keeping your grilled cheese vegetarian, then look for a Worcestershire sauce labeled “vegan.”

We’re all for this. Try using Worcestershire sauce to ramp up the flavor in a variety of dishes, from soups and dips to marinades for meats and fish.

While you may typically use white bread and American cheese for your grilled cheese sandwiches, Ford ups the nutrition ante by using whole-wheat bread and Cheddar. Whole-wheat or another 100% whole grain bread brings fiber to the party, which will help make this sandwich more filling and support gut health. Cheddar is aged, which means it may offer a small amount of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) to your gut, in addition to its calcium and protein. This combination is exactly what you want to have happen for a healthy gut. Other melting cheeses that work well in grilled cheese sandwiches include Gruyère, Havarti and Gouda.

We also think cheese and tomatoes are a splendid combo. And by adding tomatoes, you’ll add a bit more fiber, along with vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene that are connected with a lower risk of heart disease and cancer. The great thing about grilled cheese sandwiches is that you can tailor them to your liking, so feel free to add other veggies, like spinach, mushrooms or even sweet potato slices. (Hey, don’t knock it ‘til you try it!)

Now for the grilling process. Ford doesn’t divulge what type of fat he used to grill his sandwich to crispy perfection, so we’ll offer some options. Of course, you can always use butter. But smearing a thin layer of mayo—or a combo of mayo and butter—creates an even crispier outside crust.

Whether you try Ford’s version or make up your own, the main things to keep in mind for the perfect grilled cheese that also makes a filling, nutritious meal are to use an easily melting cheese, whole grain bread and your favorite veggies. If desired, use a shake or two of Worcestershire sauce or a drizzle of horseradish sauce, and grill it up with a swipe of butter and mayo for the ultimate crisp bite. Who knows? It just might be the secret to fighting off the Evil Empire.

Read the original article on EatingWell