Description
A flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich combining spicy kimchi, sharp cheddar, and creamy Havarti or fontina cheese, all layered with fresh basil and Gochujang on sesame garlic buttered sourdough bread. This Korean-inspired grilled cheese offers a perfect balance of spice, tang, and richness, making it an elevated comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Mixture
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon raw sesame seeds
Sandwich
- 1-2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 4 slices thick cut sourdough bread
- 1 cup kimchi, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Havarti or fontina cheese, shredded
To Serve
- fresh chives, for serving
- honey, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare sesame garlic butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened salted butter, raw sesame seeds, and grated garlic until well combined to create a flavorful butter spread for the bread.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread the sesame garlic butter generously on the outside faces of each sourdough slice. On the inside of half the bread slices, spread 1-2 tablespoons of Gochujang evenly. Next, layer the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped kimchi, and fresh basil leaves evenly. Top each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Cook the sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place one sandwich at a time in the skillet and cook until the bread turns golden brown and crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Press down gently with a spatula to help the sandwich cook evenly and the cheese melt.
- Serve: Once cooked through and cheese is melted, remove sandwiches from skillet. Cut in half if desired, and serve topped with fresh chives and a drizzle of honey to balance the spiciness with a touch of sweetness.
Notes
- This sandwich is a sophisticated take on the classic grilled cheese, combining spicy, savory, and fresh elements.
- The kimchi adds tang and heat, while the Gochujang provides a deeper chili flavor.
- Using a combination of sharp cheddar and a creamy cheese like Havarti or fontina ensures a perfect melt and balanced taste.
- Sesame garlic butter on the outside of the bread adds crunch and aromatic flavor when grilled.
- Serving with honey and fresh chives gives a surprising sweet and fresh contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 519 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
