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Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwich


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Alisha Randell
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Sweet pears and creamy Gouda elevate the classic grilled cheese. A balsamic cherry glaze adds a sophisticated touch.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/2 cups (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cups (120 ml) fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 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

  1. In a small saucepan, add the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and cherries. Stir to combine.
  2. 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.
  3. Once reduced, remove the saucepan from heat and let the glaze cool slightly. Set aside.

Assemble the Sandwiches

  1. Thinly slice the pears and set aside.
  2. Lightly brush one side of each bread slice with the balsamic cherry glaze. Alternate slices to ensure there is enough glaze for all sandwiches.
  3. Place one slice of bread, glazed side facing up, on a clean surface.
  4. 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.
  5. Place another slice of bread on top, ensuring the glazed side faces the cheese filling.

Cook the Sandwiches

  1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with a pinch of finishing salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Brush the outer sides of each sandwich generously with the butter mixture.
  3. Heat a grill pan or nonstick frying pan over low heat.
  4. 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.
  5. Remove the sandwiches from the heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice in half and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of Gruyère and Gouda cheeses.
  • If pears are unavailable, substitute with thinly sliced apples or figs.
  • Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 15
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 15
  • Cholesterol: 70