Recipe: Grilled Mozzarella Cheese and Basil Pesto

We love grilled cheese and make it fairly often… and we’re always experimenting with all sorts of ingredients… gooey cheese with basil in between thick slices of fresh Tuscan loaf…. can you say yummmm?

Grilled Mozzarella Cheese and Pesto on Tuscan Bread was our Sunday night supper along with a steaming bowl of Creamy Tomato Parmesan Soup… a hearty meal for sure… perfect for a rainy night.

TIPS

Use a good quality mozzarella cheese.. we used one that was simply not very good. It didn’t have that sweet mozzarella taste and was difficult to melt. When you see store brand… just say no!

If you get stuck realizing you bought a lower grade mozzarella… and it’s having trouble melting… take the sandwich off the grill pan and put it in large skillet that has a lid… put the heat on low to medium…so not to over-brown the bread…. and put the lid on.. it should melt your cheese… as you can see from the picture… the cheese melted fine after did that.

You may ask.. why Tuscan bread?… it’s hearty enough to stand up to the strong flavor of the basil pesto. Cut the bread into thick slices… it makes for a wonderful meal… trust me!






Recipe: Grilled Mozzarella Cheese and Basil Pesto

All you need:

1 loaf Tuscan bread
Mozzarella cheese
Basil pesto (commercial or homemade)
Butter or margarine, softened

All you need to do:

Lightly spread softened butter or margarine on one side of the slices of bread.

Flip the slices over and spread pesto on the bread.

Lay half of the slices, butter or margarine side down on a hot griddle. Lay slices of mozzarella cheese on them.. put the remaining slices of bread on top of the cheese, pesto side down.

Cook on the hot griddle over medium heat, until the bottom slice is golden brown.

Carefully flip them over and brown the other side of the sandwich until golden brown and cheese is gooey. *See Tips if having a problem getting the cheese gooey.

Recipe: Grilled Mascarpone Apple and Dulche de Leche Sandwich

This recipe for a Grilled Mascarpone Apple and Dulche de Leche Sandwich came about as I was experimenting making a new breakfast sandwich… I had apples … lots of apples to use… and had a new batch of Dulche de Leche… and decided to see what I could put together… I must say… it turned out better than I had even hoped for.

I know Mascarpone is expensive.. but … in my opinion worth it… you can also use cream cheese for this.. and in fact.. might work better with cream cheese if you’re making this for kids.

TIPS

I make a batch of Dulche de Leche periodically… it goes so well with so many things… it really is perfect for this recipe… you can use caramel sauce in its place… but use as thick a caramel sauce as you can find otherwise it can get runny.

If you do substitute caramel sauce for the Dulche de Leche… I would suggest you add it after you remove the bottom part of the sandwich from the grill pan.

I used some candied pecans with this.. toasted pecans work well also… or you can omit them.

If you need directions on How to Toast Pecans… click the link for easy instructions.

For an easy recipe to make Dulche de Leche, click the link.

The ingredients list cinnamon raisin bread … but if you want to substitute another bread .. you can.. but cinnamon raison bread works best.

This is definitely a knife and fork sandwich… a little effort to eat it.. but the flavors work so well together.. truly a special treat.






Recipe: Grilled Mascarpone Apple and Dulche de Leche Sandwich

All you need:

Cinnamon raisin bread
Softened butter or margarine
Apple jelly
Mascarpone cheese
Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
Dulche de Leche
Toasted or candied pecans (optional)

All you need to do:

Using two slices of bread per sandwich… spread butter or margarine on one side of each slice of bread.

Flip the slices over, and spread a thin layer of apple jelly on the bread. Set one slice aside.



On the other slice, spread a thick amount of mascarpone on top of the jelly.

Lay apple slices on the cheese.








Place about a tablespoon of Dulche de Leche on the apples.





Place the slices of bread, butter side down, on a hot grill (medium heat).

Grill until golden brown (you will need to peek at the bottom to check on it… it turns golden fairly quickly).

Remove the bread with the cheese and apple layers to a plate. Sprinkle with pecans, if using them.

Flip the other grilled slice of bread jelly side down on top of the other.

Press down gently.

Place a bit more of Dulche de Leche on top of the sandwich and sprinkle with pecans.

Serve immediately.

Recipe: Grilled Gouda Smoked Ham and Pear Sandwich

I love pairing fruit and cheese.. so why not in a sandwich?… In this Grilled Gouda Smoked Ham and Pear Sandwich…. the pear complements the gouda and the smoked ham so perfectly… a dab of Dijon mustard and … viola!.. you have one terrific sandwich!

TIPS

Sargento makes a sliced Gouda that is both delicious and convenient… it works perfectly with this.

I used a whole wheat bread.. you can use any bread you prefer.

Use the Dijon mustard sparingly.. you just need a little.

Don’t pile on the smoked ham otherwise the flavor will overpower the rest.

I hope you try this!






Recipe: Grilled Gouda Smoked Ham and Pear Sandwich

All you need:

2 Slices of bread
Sliced Gouda cheese
Thinly sliced smoked deli ham
Pear slices
Dijon mustard
Butter or margarine softened

All you have to do:

Generously spread the softened butter or margarine on 1 side of each slice of bread.

Sparingly spread some Dijon mustard on the other side of the bread slices.

Place 1 of the slices, margarine side down, layer the Gouda, then ham, then pear slices and more Gouda.

Place 1 of the slices, margarine side up, on top of the cheese.

Place on a hot griddle.

When the bottom is golden in color, carefully flip it over and press it gently with a spatula.

Cook until the bottom is golden and cheese has melted… remove it from the griddle and allow it to set for 1-2 minutes. Cut it in half and serve.

Recipe: Grilled Cheese Caprese

Another wonderful grilled cheese recipe…. Grilled Cheese Caprese… thick sliced Tuscan bread…. thick slices of fresh mozzarella… beefsteak tomato slices… and fresh basil leaves… all grilled to perfection… not your ordinary grilled cheese sandwich…

TIPS

Use fresh mozzarella.. not the packaged stuff you find in the dairy aisle… fresh mozzarella is soft in texture and has a wonderful mild flavor.. once you’ve tasted it .. you will know there is no substitute for fresh when eating it with fresh tomatoes and basil.

Use a loaf of bread that is hearty … slice it yourself.. and fairly thick.

Try this with a nice glass of Chianti and you’ll think you’re in Italy!







Recipe: Grilled Cheese Caprese

All you need:

Bread
Large tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella
Fresh basil leaves
Olive oil
Butter or margarine

All you need to do:

Spread margarine on 1 side of each slice of bread.

Place 1 of the slices, margarine side down, layer the mozzarella slice, tomato and basil leaves on the dry side. Drizzle a little olive oil on top.

Place 1 of the slices, margarine side up, on top layers.

Place on a hot griddle.

When the bottom is golden in color, carefully flip it over and press it gently with a spatula.

Cook until the bottom is golden and cheese has melted… remove it from the griddle and allow it to set for 1-2 minutes. Cut it in half and serve.

Recipe: Grilled Cheddar and Apple Sandwich

Grilled Cheddar and Apple Sandwich makes an ordinary grilled cheese sandwich special … the combination of cheddar and apple is a traditional one and there is no reason not to put it in a sandwich. I like to use fresh bread.. in this case.. I used slices from a Tuscan loaf we had… a wonderful lunch!

TIPS

I like to put two layers of cheddar one under and one over the apples… as it melts it sticks to the bread and the apple .. making it much easier to flip over.

You can find slices of sharp cheddar in the dairy aisle in the grocery store.

Use any variety apple you prefer.. I used a Granny Smith apple.. I like the tart crisp flavor.

If you want even more flavor try spreading a little Dijon mustard on the inner side of the bread.

Try this delicious combination on your next grilled cheese sandwich.







Recipe: Grilled Cheddar and Apple Sandwich

All you need:

Thick sliced bread
Sharp cheddar cheese slices
Granny smith apple slices
Butter or margarine

All you need to do:

Spread margarine on 1 side of each slice of bread.

Place 1 of the slices, margarine side down, layer the cheddar, then apple and more cheddar on the dry side.

Place 1 of the slices, margarine side up, on top of the cheese.

Place on a hot griddle.

When the bottom is golden in color, carefully flip it over and press it gently with a spatula.

Cook until the bottom is golden and cheese has melted… remove it from the griddle and allow it to set for 1-2 minutes. Cut it in half and serve.

Recipe: Grilled Bacon Tomato and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich

Here’s another stellar grilled cheese sandwich… a Grilled Bacon Tomato and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich....after all… who says grilled cheese has to be boring… thick sliced Tuscan Bread… sliced beefsteak tomato… and smoked thick sliced bacon… topped off with wonderful sliced sharp cheddar cheese…. definitely not boring!

TIPS

The bacon can be a snap to make and cleaned up in the time it takes to throw out foil…. make the bacon in the oven and line your pan with foil…. try it … you’ll never go back to making bacon in a pan on the stove…. for instructions… click here.

You can use any bread… but definitely try using bread from the bakery that you can slice into nice thick slices… makes a very hearty sandwich.

I personally love Sargento cheeses… and they have sharp cheddar slices that are delicious and work really well for sandwiches.

Quantities have been left off… make them as thick as you like…. I use 2 strips of bacon… 2 slices of tomato and about 3 slices of cheese for each sandwich.

I hope you do away with boring sandwiches and try this one!






Recipe: Grilled Bacon Tomato and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich

All you need:

Thick sliced fresh bread
Butter or margarine
Sharp cheddar cheese slices
Thick sliced smoked bacon
Beefsteak tomato slices

All you have to do:

Spread margarine on 1 side of each slice of bread.

Place 1 of the slices, margarine side down, layer the bacon, tomato and cheese on the dry side.

Place 1 of the slices, margarine side up, on top of the bacon, tomato and cheese.

Place on a hot griddle.

When the bottom is golden in color, carefully flip it over and press it gently with a spatula.

Cook until the bottom is golden and cheese has melted… remove it from the griddle and allow it to set for 1-2 minutes. Cut it in half and serve.

Recipe: Grilled Smoked Ham and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are getting something of a revival… suddenly people are loving them again. I plan out my blog posts at least a month in advance… sometimes longer… and I had to chuckle to myself when I saw MSN recently tout Grilled Cheese Sandwiches… guess great minds think alike.

I, honestly, never stopped loving Grilled Cheese… in fact... Warren and I have them and Tomato Soup periodically for supper. My Mother has been a devoted fan of them for as long as I can remember… she would insist on ordering one if we went to a new place for a quick sandwich… because she knew it would be good.

This recipe for Grilled Smoked Ham and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich takes a little different spin on the ordinary Grilled Cheese… it wasn’t rocket science.. and certainly I don’t claim to have invented it… but I thought I would share a really terrific idea for lunch or a quick supper.

TIPS

I used thick slices of Sourdough bread… we happen to have had a Sourdough Boule… I definitely recommend it… makes for a more interesting and substantial sandwich than ordinary sandwich bread.

I love Sargento cheese…they have sliced Sharp Cheddar cheese… makes making the sandwich not only a snap but delicious too!

I use soft spread margarine… you can use butter if you prefer.

There are no quantities listed… it really is personal preference… I say.. pile it on!

I hope you try it!






Recipe: Grilled Smoked Ham and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich

All you need:

Thick sliced sourdough bread
Smoked deli ham, sliced thin
Sargento Sharp Cheddar Cheese slices
Margarine or butter

All you need to do:

Spread margarine on 1 side of each slice of bread.

Place 1 of the slices, margarine side down, layer the ham and cheese on the dry side.

Place 1 of the slices, margarine side up, on top of the ham and cheese.

Place on a hot griddle.

When the bottom is golden in color, carefully flip it over and press it gently with a spatula.

Cook until the bottom is golden and cheese has melted… remove it from the griddle and allow it to set for 1-2 minutes. Cut it in half and serve.