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Homemade Gourmet Grilled Cheese photo

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

This Gourmet Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic! Crispy sourdough with melty Havarti and zesty flavors await!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients
  

For the Spread:

  • 2 green Anaheim peppers or poblano pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for grilling
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper

For the Sandwiches:

  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • a few handfuls fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 to 3 cups grated Havarti cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps:

  • Start by roasting your green peppers. You can do this either by placing them directly on a grill or under a broiler. Roast until the skin is charred and blistered, about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Once done, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam. This will make peeling them easier. After about 10 minutes, peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and chop the peppers.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peppers, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, sea salt, honey or maple syrup, cilantro, and pepitas. Add the olive oil and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Lay out your slices of sourdough bread. Spread a generous amount of the pepper spread on one side of each slice. On half of the slices, layer a handful of fresh spinach and a good amount of grated Havarti cheese. Top with the remaining slices of bread, spread side down.
  • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a splash of extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. For an extra crispy texture, you can press down on the sandwiches gently with a spatula while they cook.
  • Once your sandwiches are grilled to perfection, remove them from the skillet. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing them in half. Serve warm, perhaps with a side of tomato soup or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a unique flavor, try adding different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
  • Include proteins such as turkey or crispy bacon for a heartier sandwich.
  • Experiment with different herbs like basil or arugula for fresh variations.
  • Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy, Vegetarian