Beginner
Grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect combination of irresistibly crunchy and gooey goodness. When you create veggie stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches, you expand the possibilities with grilled cheese, adding new flavors and textures.
What are good vegetables for a grilled cheese sandwich?
Sometimes they can feel like a childhood indulgence, but adding some leftover veggies can make this more adult version feel a bit more "balanced." I like to have my veggies precooked for the most part, but there's also adding some fresh arugula or other greens that take these sandwiches up a notch. Here are some veggie ideas:
Roasted or sauteed portobello mushrooms. I like to use the whole large mushroom cap, but you can also add slices to make it easier to eat.
Sauteed spinach. This is yummy. I always add a bit of nutmeg to my spinach, and nutmeg pairs really well with cheese. Just make sure you drain off the liquid, so your sandwich isn't too wet. I will also add some feta to my spinach and the cheese for the grilled cheese sandwich.
Roasted zucchini and summer squash. This is really yummy. Make sure to slice the squash a little thinner than you would for regular roast squash so it lays flatter in the sandwich.
Sauteed peppers and onions. One of my favorites, and sometimes I make extra peppers and onions for sandwiches the next day. I love the sweetness of the peppers mixed with the melted cheese.
What cheese should you use?
Most cheese will make a delicious veggie-stuffed grilled cheese. I like to experiment with different combinations. Here are some ideas:
Havarti
Provolone
Cheddar
Muenster
Goat Cheese - I like mixing this with another grated cheese to create a more melty texture.
Fontina - really nice and melty
Brie - particularly nice when mixed with fruits as a different combination
Gruyère or Swiss
Mozzarella - perfect with some tomatoes and fresh basil or pesto on the bread
What is the best bread for a veggie-filled grilled cheese?
I prefer sturdier bread for my grilled cheese, but of course, whatever bread you prefer is fine. My favorite is sourdough. I love the tang it adds to the sandwich. A rustic country loaf is perfect. I like to cut my own slices to make sure they hold up to the fillings.
If you like a sweeter sandwich, brioche is a rich fabulous choice. Brioche is an enriched egg bread like Challah. Pair that with brie and pears, and oh so good.
If you want something a bit different, consider a Ciabatta. It is a bit tricker depending on how many holes in the bread. I might toast the Ciabatta first and then build the grilled sandwich to make it a bit sturdier.
If you like a baguette, they make a great veggie-filled grilled cheese sandwich. What I would recommend is either to grill as below, but make sure to place a heavy pan on top to flatten the bread to toast more surface area. The other option is to build your sandwich, and then toast it in the oven. It will be crispy in a different way, but the bread will hold all the vegetable juices nicely.
What is the perfect grilling method?
I like to melt the butter in my pan rather than butter the bread. If you use unsalted butter, you may also want to add a pinch of salt. Here are the steps:
Melt a teaspoon of butter in a pan.
Place your bread in the pan.
Add the cheese and veggies, then top with the other piece of bread.
Press the sandwich down with a spatula.
When the first side is golden, remove it from the pan.
Add another teaspoon of butter (you may want to turn down the pan if it seems a bit hot)
Flip the sandwich and cook the other side.
If either making multiple sandwiches or the cheese isn't quite melted, but the bread on the second side is golden, place it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven to stay warm, or continue to cook.
No matter the bread, cheese, or fillings, these veggie stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches will have you coming back for more!
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