Description
Indulgent Italian Marinated Grilled Cheese elevates sandwich artistry with rich Mediterranean flavors and melted cheese perfection. Crisp bread, zesty herbs, and carefully selected ingredients promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheeses:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded provolone cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 slices bread
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) black olives, sliced
Seasoning and Marinade:
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil, plus more for frying
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon mixed dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, red chili flakes, and Italian herbs in a mixing bowl.
- Introduce Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and provolone cheeses to the marinade, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Fold in roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, and black olives, creating a vibrant and flavorful cheese mixture.
- Refrigerate the marinated cheese blend for 15 minutes to several hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Select two bread slices and generously layer the marinated cheese mixture, ensuring provolone forms the initial layer.
- Gently press the second bread slice atop the cheese, forming a cohesive sandwich.
- Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat, lightly coating the surface with olive oil.
- Carefully transfer the sandwich to the heated pan, grilling until each side transforms into a crispy, golden-brown exterior with thoroughly melted cheese, approximately 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the finished sandwich to a cutting board, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Boost flavor intensity by marinating cheese mixture overnight, allowing herbs and spices to fully penetrate and develop complex taste profiles.
- Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or ciabatta to add unique textures and complement the tangy cheese blend.
- Customize for dietary needs by using gluten-free bread or plant-based cheese alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious grilled cheese variation.
- Control heat level by adjusting red chili flakes, making the dish milder or spicier according to personal preference and tolerance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 50mg