Is there anything better than a grilled cheese sandwich? Okay, there's bacon and chocolate, but aside from that? I actually don't think so. There's the old classic, of course...American cheese between two slices of white bread, buttered and fried until golden. This is the Southern husband's favorite. There is the Rolls Royce of grilled cheese, which is the croque monsieur, which is the grilled cheese I love above all others. But there are many others in between, and it's my responsibility as a grilled cheese lover to sample as many as possible.
Now, grilled cheese is not exactly, well, low-calorie, but I figure if you throw some veggies in with it, at least you are making somewhat of an effort, and if the veggies actually kick the grilled cheese up a notch, it's a total win-win. And that's the case with this particular sandwich, which pairs roasted asparagus with Gruyere cheese and a little mustard to make a perfectly delectable lunchtime treat. This recipe is from one a blog you should absolutely go visit...it's called Closet Cooking. The reason it got that name is because the author's kitchen is the size of a closet, and his blog is so delectable that I can't imagine how wonderful life would be if he ever decides to upsize. Yum! In the meantime, here's my version of his fantastic grilled cheese recipe...I went with a gruyere cheese, and opted for some of those nice thin asparagus, and I roasted them until they had a nice crispy crunch to the ends of them. Grilled cheese...good and good for you!
Asparagus Grilled Cheese, adapted from from Closet Cooking
8 thin stalks asparagus, tough ends broken off
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons grainy mustard
2 slices gruyere cheese
2 slices of bread
1 tablespoon soft butter
1. Preheat oven to 425 and toss the asparagus in the oil, salt and pepper. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the asparagus for about 10 minutes or until tender and a little crispy on the outside.
4. Spread one side of each piece of bread with butter.. Place one slice of cheese on the unbuttered side, lay asparagus in a single layer on top of cheese, and top with a second slice of cheese.
5. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and grill slowly until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden , about 2-4 minutes per side.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons grainy mustard
2 slices gruyere cheese
2 slices of bread
1 tablespoon soft butter
1. Preheat oven to 425 and toss the asparagus in the oil, salt and pepper. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the asparagus for about 10 minutes or until tender and a little crispy on the outside.
4. Spread one side of each piece of bread with butter.. Place one slice of cheese on the unbuttered side, lay asparagus in a single layer on top of cheese, and top with a second slice of cheese.
5. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and grill slowly until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden , about 2-4 minutes per side.
Ah, another "why didn't I think of that?!"
ReplyDeleteKevin always has the BEST grilled cheese combos. And if this has veggies in it...then I can so have two. You know. For the nutritious value.
ReplyDeleteI am so trying this with pickled asparagus!
ReplyDeleteThis looks DELISH. My hubs isn't a fan of grilled cheese, but he LOVES Asparagus so I will def have to try this! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried that but will now. I have asparagus in the cupboard and always have cheese and bread so there's lunch sorted.
ReplyDeleteMy brain knows immediately when something can be turned into a grilled cheese concoction, and when DH is not around for lunch, that's when you can usually find me happily chowing down a crispy buttery cheesy sandwich. Never tried it with asparagus, but I trust u with all things yummy, so I'm gonna do this!
ReplyDeleteThat a great idea. I will have to check out closet cooking too. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing (and amazingly simple) idea! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love this! I used to make a sort of rolled quesadilla with just these fillings, plus ham...or bacon. Grill until melty, and I guess you know it's yummy. ;) Fresh mango or pineapple salsa and you're in heaven.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing your posts. You have the best timing for knowing just what I'm craving. And I just got asparagus from the market, too! Could you maybe adopt me? ;)