Ah, the grilled cheese sandwich—it’s the cozy sweater of the culinary world. But hold on, this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill grilled cheese. No way.
We’re talking about a symphony of flavors here, where roasted garlic takes center stage, transforming a humble sandwich into something downright magical. It’s like finding an unexpected gem in the middle of your favorite novel.
Steps
- Begin by cutting off the top of each garlic bulb to reveal the cloves. Drizzle each bulb with a small amount of olive oil, then wrap them individually in foil.
- Roast the wrapped garlic bulbs in the oven at 180C/350F for 45-60 minutes until they are tender and deeply golden. Allow them to cool slightly before handling.
- Once cooled, remove the outer layers of the garlic and squeeze the cloves onto a chopping board. Add a pinch of salt and mash the garlic with a fork to smooth out any chunks.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread and the mashed roasted garlic on the other side. Place cheese on top of the garlic-spread side of four slices, then cover with the remaining bread slices, butter side up.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted. You may need to cook them in batches to ensure even frying.
Ingredients
- 2 large bulbs of garlic
- 8 medium slices of bread (such as Tiger bread or Sourdough)
- 1 cup / 100g of cheddar cheese
- 1 cup / 100g of Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup / 100g of mozzarella cheese
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, as needed
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2180kcal | Fat: 158.64g | Saturated Fat: 88.592g | Trans Fat: 3.24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.628g | Monounsaturated Fat: 47.2g | Cholesterol: 444mg | Sodium: 3352mg | Potassium: 540mg | Carbohydrates: 89.08g | Fiber: 4.8g | Sugar: 11.12g | Protein: 99.92g | Vitamin A: 4328IU | Vitamin C: 5.2mg | Calcium: 2696mg | Iron: 7mg
FAQ
- How do you roast garlic for the grilled cheese?
- To roast garlic, slice off the tip of the bulbs to reveal the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 180C/350F for 45-60 minutes until tender and caramelized. Once cooled, squeeze out the garlic and mash it with a pinch of salt to smooth it out.
- What types of cheese are best for this grilled cheese?
- A combination of Gruyere, Mozzarella, and Cheddar is recommended. Gruyere offers a sweet and nutty flavor, Mozzarella provides a classic cheese pull, and Cheddar adds a strong flavor punch.
- What kind of bread is suitable for making this grilled cheese?
- Tiger Bread is used in the recipe, but any firm bread such as Sourdough would work well for holding the ingredients together and achieving a crispy texture when toasted.
- What can you serve with Roasted Garlic Grilled Cheese?
- This grilled cheese pairs excellently with soups like Roasted Red Pepper Soup or Roasted Tomato Soup, making for a comforting and hearty meal.
- How many calories are in each serving of this grilled cheese?
- Each serving of the Roasted Garlic Grilled Cheese contains approximately 545 calories, assuming the use of 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter in total.
Tips
- Ensure that your garlic is fresh before roasting, as older garlic can become tough and chewy. Roasting at a low temperature for a longer period helps achieve deep caramelization, resulting in a sweet and sticky texture.
- Use a combination of Gruyere, Mozzarella, and Cheddar cheeses for a balanced flavor profile. Gruyere adds sweetness and nuttiness, Mozzarella provides a delightful cheese pull, and Cheddar delivers a robust cheesy taste.
- For best results, choose a sturdy bread like Tiger Bread or Sourdough, which can hold up well against the rich fillings and create a crispy crust when fried.
- Consider pairing your roasted garlic grilled cheese with a bowl of Roasted Red Pepper or Roasted Tomato Soup for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Equipment
- Aluminum Foil
- Non-Stick Pan
- Cheese Grater
