Few things are as good as a sandwich variety of a grilled cheese sandwich is when it comes to comfort food. But what would you do if you could give this old favorite a kick start with some fresh and colorful flavors? Enter Bruschetta Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, a delicious combination, which mixes the yummy, sticky cheese with the fresh, juicy flavor of original bruschetta toppings. Not only will this recipe fill your comfort food needs, but it also includes an added twist that causes every bite to be not only thrilling but memorable.
What Is Bruschetta?
Before we get to the sandwich we should discuss bruschetta. The bruschetta is a simple Italian appetizer that is toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and sometimes balsamic vinegar. The blend is fresh, zesty, and aromatic and is therefore an ideal pairing with most dishes.
Why Italian Pizza with Roasted Cheese?
Grilled cheese comes with melted cheese filling, and bread that is crispy and buttery. There is however a refreshing contrast when bruschetta toppings are added. The acid taste of tomatoes breaks the richness of cheese, and the basil gives herbal flavor to the whole sandwich. The flavor of continually alternating luxury and freshness is what makes it the right meal or snack at any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There are only a few simple ingredients to prepare Bruschetta Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and most of them you might already have in your fridge:
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Bread: The bread should have solid crunch and taste, so I used sourdough or Italian bread.
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Cheese: The cheese we recommend in this recipe is Mozzarella cheese as it melts very well and has a bland flavor that complements tomatoes.
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Tomatoes: Bruschetta is impossible without fresh and ripe tomatoes.
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Fresh Basil: The fresh basil gives a herbal flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic serves as a flavor punch.
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Olive Oil: To rub the bread with and to combine with the tomato topping.
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Salt and Pepper: To taste.
How to Prepare Bruschetta Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Step 1: Make Bruschetta Topping
Begin by chopping fresh tomatoes in small as well. Whisk together, tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, drizzle of olive oil, pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Blend to put together all the flavours. Allow this mixture to rest approximately 10 minutes letting the flavours combine.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Place your bread slices on a tray and liberally place some mozzarella cheese on one side of the bread. The next step is to place the bruschetta mixture on top of the cheese and make sure it covers but not floods the cheese so that the sandwich does not become wet.
Place another piece of bread on top in order to have a sandwich.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
Warm a cooking utensil (skillet or griddle) on medium heat. Brush the sandwiches on the outside with olive oil or melted butter. Put the sandwiches into the skillet and cook them approximately 3-4 mins on each side or until the bread turns golden brown and crunchy and the cheese melts.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Take the sandwiches off the skillet and leave them to rest a minute before they are cut. Serve warm garnished with additional basil, as needed.
A Few Ideas on How to Pick the Best Bruschetta Grilled Cheese
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Fresh Ingredients: Because this recipe is dependent on the freshness of the tomatoes and basil used, it is important to select tomatoes that are as ripe as possible, and the freshest basil.
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Don’t Overfill: The bruschetta topping should be enough, otherwise it will make the sandwich sloppy. Before placing the tomato mixture inside the sandwich ensure it is well drained.
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Experiment with Cheese: Mozzarella is best, but provolone, or mild cheddar can also be used as an alternative cheese to experiment with a different flavor profile.
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Balsamic Glaze: You can add a hint of sugar and tang to the bruschetta mix by drizzling it over the top of the mixture with a balsamic glaze before baking.
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Use a Panini Press: Have a panini press? This is a fantastic device to achieve perfectly grilled sandwiches with proper grill marks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Grilled Cheese Bruschetta Sandwich is the perfect comfort food that would satisfy someone who prefers a healthier version. It is simple to make, doesn’t require many ingredients and it adds a classy touch to your everyday grilled cheese. Also, it can be customized as per your taste.
My Ideal Moments to Make Bruschetta Grilled Cheese
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Lunch or Dinner: This is a delicious meal that takes a short time to prepare.
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Picnics: These are simple to carry and good to eat either hot or at room temperature.
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Party Appetizers: You can cut the sandwiches into smaller pieces in order to have a classy appetizer.
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Comfort Food Cravings: A homey supper on cold days or when you need to have something comforting and yet, fresh.
Nutritional Benefits
Grilled cheese sandwiches are usually viewed as luxury but we can add some vitamins and antioxidants to the plate by including fresh tomatoes and basil. Tomatoes contain both vitamin C and lycopene, which aid in the health of the immune system. Basil is anti-inflammatory, and it does not contain any additional calories.
Variations to Try
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Add Protein: Use sliced grilled chicken or turkey as a source of extra protein.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with one pinch red pepper flakes or pepper jack cheese.
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Vegan Option: Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and use vegan cheese.
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Alternating Breads: Use whole wheat, rye or gluten-free bread.
Conclusion
Bruschetta Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is an innovation on a well-loved sandwich. This is a perfect meal combining the sticky and molten grilled cheese with the freshness and vibrancy of bruschetta. Need a fast meal, a hearty dinner, or an amazing appetizer? This recipe will not only make your mouth water at the dish but will make you smile on the plate.
This bruschetta version of grilled cheese will definitely be worth trying next time you want to take your game to the next level!
