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
- In a small saucepan, add the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and cherries. Stir to combine.
- 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.
- Once reduced, remove the saucepan from heat and let the glaze cool slightly. Set aside.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- 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.
- 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.
- Place another slice of bread on top, ensuring the glazed side faces the cheese filling.
Cook the Sandwiches
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with a pinch of finishing salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Brush the outer sides of each sandwich generously with the butter mixture.
- 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.
- 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