Before you write off grilled cheese as only American slices on white bread, think again. I have actually seen entire restaurants dedicated to grilled cheese. If a whole menu can be filled with variants on one sandwich, that sandwich deserves to have a month dedicated to it, and that month is here- National Grilled Cheese Month.
And why miss out on grilled cheese just because you are gluten free? Or pizza? What if you could have both at the same time? Even if you aren’t gluten free, you can’t beat a pizza-to-go. Fresh ingredients and endless topping combinations make this a keeper, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Ingredients
Bread (Udi’s White bread holds together and grills very well. Flax and fiber holds together, too, and has an added punch of flavor)
Butter
Mozarella Cheese
One fresh tomato, diced
Garlic and Herbs
Pizza toppings of choice (I used mushrooms and black olives. Yum!)
Drizzle of Olive Oil
Directions
I keep my Udi’s bread in the freezer so that it holds up longer. So, before I cook it up, I pop it in the toaster on the lowest setting just to soften it and allow it to cook well. If you are prepared in advance (I never am), you can lay it on the counter for a few to thaw out. Either way, while you are waiting you can smash up your diced tomatoes with the garlic, herbs, and a bit of salt. This is going to act as your marinara, but with a fresh spin. If you want it to be saucier, give it a quick spin in the food processesor. Play with the herbs- basil and rosemary are a good start for that pizza flavor.
Heat up your skillet for the sammies, and while it heats up, throw your pizza toppings in with a bit of olive oil. Stir them around, and they should be nice and warm and soft when it’s time to put them on the sandwich. My olives and mushrooms were perfect just in time.
Butter the outsides of your bread, then it’s time to layer. I put a little bit of cheese on first so that the toppings had a place to stick. So, one piece had cheese –tomato mash – cheese, and one piece had cheese – olives and mushrooms – cheese.
For an extra yum factor, sprinkle some garlic salt on the buttered sides of the bread. Oh yes.
Grill it over medium heat until brown and oh so gooey. Try not to drool when it comes out of the pan.
Dream about the next combination! What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Udi’s provided me with yummy bread and Horizon Organics sent me cheese. They are my new best friends.
I can’t wait to try this- I wouldn’t have thought all the possibilities with bread…. so much more than sandwiches! We have a panini press too, so we are def. going to start some experimenting!