There’s something magical about a perfectly crafted Gourmet Grilled Cheese—crispy, golden bread hugging a gooey, melty center of rich cheese.
This recipe elevates the classic comfort food with layers of flavor and texture that will make your taste buds sing. In just 20 minutes, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet effortless, perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner.
Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a creamy, savory explosion of cheese, making it impossible to stop at just one slice.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this Gourmet Grilled Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Gourmet Grilled Cheese
- Green Harissa:
- 2 green Anaheim peppers (or 1 poblano pepper)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
- 3/4 cup cilantro (stems and leaves)
- 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Grilled Cheese:
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- A few handfuls of fresh spinach leaves
- 2 to 3 cups grated havarti cheese (substitute with cheddar or gouda if preferred)
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for grilling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Green Harissa:
- Char the peppers over a gas burner or under a broiler until the skin is blackened all over. Place them in a bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Remove the stems from the peppers and place them in a food processor. Add the garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, salt, honey, cilantro, pepitas, and a few grinds of black pepper. Pulse until combined.
- Drizzle in the olive oil and process until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the Grilled Cheese:
- Slather the green harissa on the insides of each slice of sourdough bread.
- Layer spinach leaves and grated havarti cheese on half of the bread slices. Top with the remaining slices to form sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Brush the outsides of the sandwiches lightly with olive oil.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, slice, and serve immediately. Enjoy your gourmet grilled cheese!
Elevate Your Grilled Cheese Game
Take your grilled cheese to the next level by experimenting with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, gouda, or brie. For a smoky twist, add a slice of crispy bacon or a dollop of fig jam. You can also swap spinach for arugula or kale for a peppery kick.
Perfect Pairings for Your Sandwich
Serve your gourmet grilled cheese with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal. For a lighter option, pair it with pickles or a tangy slaw. Don’t forget a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea to complete the experience!
Quick Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, make the green harissa ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use pre-grated cheese or pre-washed spinach to cut down on prep. If you’re short on equipment, a non-stick skillet works just as well as a cast iron pan.
Storing and Reheating Like a Pro
Store any leftover green harissa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you have extra grilled cheese, wrap it in foil and reheat it in a toaster oven or skillet to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Customize Your Green Harissa
Feel free to tweak the green harissa to suit your taste. Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat, or swap pepitas for almonds for a nuttier flavor. If you’re out of cilantro, parsley or basil can work as a fresh substitute.
Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Green Harissa
- 2 green Anaheim peppers, or 1 poblano
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 3/4 cup cilantro
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- freshly ground black pepper
Grilled Cheese
- 8 sourdough bread slices
- A few handfuls spinach leaves
- 2 to 3 cups grated havarti cheese
- Extra-virgin oil, for grilling
Instructions
- Make the green harissa. Char the peppers over a gas burner or under a broiler until the skin is blackened all over. Remove from the heat and place in a bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap for 10 minutes. Slice off the stem and place the peppers, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, salt, honey, cilantro, pepitas and a few grinds of black pepper into a food processor and pulse until combined. Drizzle in the olive oil and process until smooth.
- Make the grilled cheese. Slather the green harissa on the insides of each slice of bread. Assemble with spinach leaves and cheese. Pre-heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the outsides of the sandwich with olive oil and grill on each side until the cheese is melted.