Havarti & Caramelized Leek Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Decadent grilled cheese with sweet caramelized leeks and creamy Havarti between golden buttery bread.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - Pinch of salt
05 - Pinch of black pepper

→ Cheese

06 - 4 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced

→ Bread & Spreads

07 - 4 slices artisan or sourdough bread
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How-To:

01 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced leeks with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are soft and caramelized, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
02 - Lay out all bread slices. Spread one side of each slice with softened butter.
03 - Place two slices with buttered side down on a work surface. Distribute caramelized leeks evenly on top. Layer with Havarti cheese slices. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
04 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula for even grilling.
05 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The caramelized leeks become impossibly sweet and savory, like a built in flavor bomb you never knew grilled cheese needed
  • Havartis creamy melt creates this luxurious texture that makes every bite feel like a restaurant quality treat
  • This sandwich takes just 35 minutes but tastes like something you would plan your whole weekend around making
02 -
  • Medium low heat is your friend here because high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts, and there is nothing sadder than grilled cheese with unmelted cheese
  • Leeks can hide dirt between their layers, so slice them lengthwise first and rinse thoroughly under running water before caramelizing
  • Pressing gently with your spatula while grilling helps the bread make full contact with the pan for that even, golden crunch that makes restaurant sandwiches so perfect
03 -
  • Grate a little extra cheese over the leeks before adding the main slices for an extra gooey, melty layer that binds everything together
  • Let the sandwiches rest for about 30 seconds after grilling so the cheese sets slightly and does not ooze out completely when you cut them
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