Description
Gourmet grilled cheese with gouda showcases caramelized mushrooms and sweet roasted onions nestled between golden, crispy bread. Melted cheese and rich, earthy flavors create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil for garnish
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Create a rich and savory mushroom and onion mixture by roasting sliced mushrooms and thinly sliced onions on a baking sheet, tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until caramelized and golden brown.
- While the vegetables are roasting, select a hearty bread with substantial texture, preferably sourdough or rustic artisan bread, and slice into thick, even pieces.
- Generously spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete and even coverage for optimal golden-brown crispiness.
- Grate fresh Gouda cheese, allowing it to reach room temperature for smooth melting and optimal flavor distribution.
- Preheat a heavy cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-low heat to achieve consistent and controlled toasting.
- Place one bread slice butter-side down in the skillet, layer with a generous amount of grated Gouda, and top with the roasted mushroom and onion mixture.
- Carefully position the second bread slice on top, butter-side facing up, and cook until the bottom turns a rich, golden-brown color.
- Gently flip the sandwich using a spatula, pressing lightly to ensure even heating and cheese melting.
- Cook the second side until it reaches the same golden-brown perfection and the cheese becomes completely melted and gooey.
- Remove from heat, let rest for a minute, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crisp.
Notes
- Toast bread with a thin layer of butter for extra crispiness and golden-brown edges.
- Choose high-quality aged Gouda for deeper, more complex flavor development.
- Roast mushrooms and onions separately to control moisture and prevent soggy bread texture.
- Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or whole grain for unique taste variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg