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grilled cheese sandwich recipe with Sunset Tomato Dipping Swirl
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This grilled cheese sandwich recipe with Sunset Tomato Dipping Swirl transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary experience, offering crispy edges, a creamy center, and a vibrant, flavorful dip. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty, family-friendly option that satisfies everyone.
Ingredients
- 8 slices sturdy sourdough, brioche, or country white bread (about 1.5 cm/0.6 in thick)
- 2 cups (220 g) freshly grated sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend cheese
- 4 Tbsp (56 g) unsalted, softened butter
- 2 Tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can fire-roasted or San Marzano diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 0.5 cup)
- 0.25 cup packed and chopped fresh basil
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) water
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté chopped onion and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat until fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste; cook, stirring, for 1 minute until it slightly darkens.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in canned diced tomatoes and 0.25 cup water, simmering gently for 10-15 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and coats a spoon.
- Finish Dipping Swirl: Finish by stirring in fresh basil and 2 Tbsp cream until smooth and vibrant. Season to taste (if too acidic, a pinch of sugar can balance it).
- Butter Bread: Spread softened butter generously on one side of each bread slice, ensuring good coverage.
- Layer Cheese: Flip four slices, butter-side down, onto a clean surface. Layer your chosen cheese evenly, about 0.5 cup per sandwich. Add any optional protein or veggie fillings.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up, forming your complete sandwiches.
- Heat Skillet And Place Sandwiches: Heat a 10-inch non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the pan, butter-side down, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Grill First Side: Cook slowly until golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey inside, about 5-7 minutes.
- Grill Second Side: Flip carefully with a wide spatula and cook the other side for another 5-7 minutes until equally golden and the grilled cheese sandwich is hot throughout.
Notes
To prevent burning, lower heat immediately if bread browns too quickly. For gooey cheese, cover the pan briefly with a lid to trap heat. The Sunset Tomato Dipping Swirl can be made ahead as a meal prep shortcut. A pinch of sugar can balance the dip’s acidity if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich with dip
- Calories: 480 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, tomato dip, comfort food, weeknight, easy, cheesy, crispy, sandwich, dipping, savory
