Havarti & Caramelized Leek Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Sweet caramelized leeks and creamy Havarti melted between golden, buttery bread for an elevated comfort sandwich.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - Salt to taste
05 - Black pepper to taste

→ Cheese

06 - 4 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced

→ Bread & Spreads

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

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced leeks with 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 on a clean surface. Spread one side of each slice evenly with softened butter.
03 - Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a work surface. Distribute caramelized leeks evenly on top of each slice. Layer Havarti cheese slices over the leeks. Top each sandwich with a remaining bread slice, buttered side up.
04 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Gently press with a spatula during cooking for even grilling.
05 - Remove sandwiches from heat. Slice each sandwich diagonally in half and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The slow caramelized leeks bring a natural sweetness that balances the rich cheese perfectly
  • Havarti melts into this incredible smooth, buttery consistency that oozes just right
  • It feels fancy enough for company but comes together in under 40 minutes
02 -
  • Low and slow is the secret to leeks that taste sweet, not raw or burned
  • Medium-low heat for the sandwiches gives you melted cheese before the bread burns
  • Letting the assembled sandwiches sit for a minute before cutting keeps everything from sliding out
03 -
  • Gruyère or Fontina work beautifully if you want to experiment beyond Havarti
  • A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness and highlights the leeks' sweetness
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