Mediterranean Grilled Cheese
Try this Mediterranean Grilled Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Mediterranean Grilled Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- 3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 8 large slices sourdough each cut in half
- 8 slices provolone cheese each cut in half (mozzarella could also be used)
- 1/4 cup very thinly sliced red onion
- 1 small can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives drained (kalamata would also be great!)
- 6 oz roasted red peppers in olive oil drained and sliced into smaller pieces if too large (mine were mini red peppers and i sliced them into 2-3 pieces each)
- 1 large handful baby spinach chopped
- Carbohydrate 1.74897562476055 g
- Cholesterol 75.400937507791 mg
- Fat 29.6010912543937 g
- Fiber 0.034649998664856 g
- Protein 15.5033343742071 g
- Saturated Fat 18.1358881273369 g
- Serving Size 1 1 whole sandwiche (122g)
- Sodium 650.873499968726 mg
- Sugar 1.71432562609569 g
- Trans Fat 1.70361875029849 g
- Calories 333 calories
Step-by-step
- Place a long sheet of wax paper on the counter, then lay all 16 half-slices of sourdough on the wax paper, with top and bottom slices lying open and facing one another as you build each sandwich.
- Spread ½ Tbsp pesto onto each half-slice.
- Place a half-slice of Provolone on top of the pesto on each half-slice of sourdough.
- Layer the red onions, black olives, feta, roasted red peppers, and spinach onto one side of each sandwich.
- Flip the other half-slice of each sandwich with pesto and Provolone over on top of the slice holding all the toppings.
- Melt the butter and whisk in the olive oil and garlic powder.
- Use a pastry brush to coat the top slice of all 8 sandwiches with the garlic-butter-oil blend.
- Use the remaining garlic-butter-oil blend to brush the griddle/pan generously.
- Heat the griddle/pan over medium heat until garlic-butter-oil just begins to sizzle.
- Use a spatula to transfer the sandwiches, dry side down, to the hot griddle/pan. Turn the heat down to low-medium.
- Allow both sides of the sandwich to reach your desired level of crispy golden brown, then turn the heat down to low (or turn the burner off entirely) and cover it loosely with a foil "tent" for a few more minutes.
- If cooking in batches, place cooked sandwiches on a large plate covered loosely with foil to keep them warm until ready to serve.
A Mediterranean Escape: My Grilled Cheese Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook elaborate meals is a constant juggling act. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the household ticking over, even simple dinners can feel like a Herculean task. So, when I crave something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen, I turn to quick and easy meals with a twist – like my recent Mediterranean Grilled Cheese adventure.
This isn't your average childhood comfort food; oh no, this is a gourmet upgrade. The familiar warmth and melty goodness of grilled cheese are infused with bright Mediterranean flavors. Imagine the creamy, tangy feta cheese melding with the earthy pesto, the slight bitterness of Kalamata olives playing against the sweetness of roasted red peppers, all nestled within perfectly toasted sourdough bread. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a sun-drenched, seaside cafe. And it's all achieved in under 30 minutes, leaving plenty of time for family and other essential tasks.
The inspiration struck me during a particularly hectic week. I was browsing through my favorite food blogs, looking for something quick, easy, and – most importantly – delicious. I stumbled across a recipe for a Mediterranean grilled cheese, and the idea immediately captivated me. I love Mediterranean cuisine – the fresh herbs, vibrant vegetables, and the zesty use of olives and feta cheese. It's such a burst of freshness, perfect for breaking up the monotony of a busy week.
I decided to give it a try, adapting the recipe slightly to suit my preferences and the ingredients I had on hand. I opted for sourdough bread for its rustic texture and slightly tangy flavor, which complements the Mediterranean ingredients beautifully. The pesto added a wonderful herbaceous note, while the Provolone cheese provided a rich, creamy counterpoint to the salty feta. I used a mix of red onion, black olives, roasted red peppers, and spinach for a vibrant, healthy addition.
The preparation was surprisingly straightforward. The key is in the assembly. Laying out all the ingredients beforehand really streamlines the process, making it easy to assemble the sandwiches quickly and efficiently. Then it's just a matter of melting the butter, whisking in a touch of olive oil and garlic powder, brushing the sandwiches, and cooking them on a griddle or pan. To achieve perfectly melted cheese without burning the bread, I used the 'foil tent' trick—covering the sandwiches loosely with foil for those final minutes to gently melt the cheese.
The result? A symphony of flavors and textures! The crispy, golden-brown sourdough perfectly encased the gooey cheese, the vibrant Mediterranean flavors bursting with every bite. It was a far cry from my usual quick meals, and a welcome change of pace. The sandwiches were incredibly satisfying, and the best part was how easy it was to make, even with my busy schedule.
This Mediterranean Grilled Cheese recipe has now become a regular feature in my weeknight meal rotation. It’s a versatile dish too; I’ve experimented with different types of cheese, adding sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little extra kick. It’s the perfect lunchbox filler, a quick and easy dinner, or even a sophisticated appetizer for a gathering. The possibilities are endless.
So, if you’re looking for a simple, yet incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal that won't drain your precious time, I highly recommend giving this Mediterranean Grilled Cheese a try. It’s a culinary adventure that even the busiest amongst us can enjoy, a delightful escape from the everyday routine, all within the comfort of your own kitchen.
And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, why not try experimenting with your own variations? Add some artichoke hearts, different herbs, or even a sprinkle of your favourite spices. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to customize it to your own liking and create a truly personal culinary experience. So go on, embrace the Mediterranean sunshine, and enjoy!
