Description
The classic grilled cheese sandwich gets a gentle but elegant upgrade with the addition of slices of sweet pear and a lovely balsamic cherry glaze.
Ingredients
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh cherries, pitted and halved
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of good-quality bread
- 16 slices gouda cheese
- 2 oz (60 g) aged gouda cheese, shaved
- 1–2 fresh firm pears, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 slices of good-quality ham
- Pinch of finishing salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Balsamic Cherry Glaze:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan, add the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and cherries. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Glaze:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the glaze has reduced by at least half.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cool the Glaze:
- Once reduced, remove the saucepan from heat and let the glaze cool slightly. Set aside.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Thinly slice the pears and set aside.
- Lightly brush one side of each bread slice with the balsamic cherry glaze. Alternate slices to ensure there is enough glaze for all sandwiches.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Place one slice of bread, glazed side facing up, on a clean surface.
- Add the first layer of gouda cheese (2 slices), followed by pear slices, shaved aged gouda, an additional layer of gouda cheese (2 slices), and one slice of ham.
- Top the Sandwich:
- Place another slice of bread on top, ensuring the glazed side faces the cheese filling.
Cook the Sandwiches:
- Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with a pinch of finishing salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Butter the Bread:
- Brush the outer sides of each sandwich generously with the butter mixture.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat a grill pan or nonstick frying pan over low heat.
- Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook slowly until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3-4 minutes.
- Flip carefully and grill the other side until golden and the cheese is fully melted, another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve Immediately:
- Remove the sandwiches from the heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice in half and serve warm.
Notes
Bread Tip: Use hearty, rustic bread for structure and flavor. Avoid overly soft breads that might become soggy.
Cheese Melt Tip: Grating the aged gouda will help it melt faster and blend with the sliced gouda layers.
Make Ahead: The balsamic cherry glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg