Havarti & Caramelized Leek Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Sweet caramelized leeks meet creamy Havarti in this elevated grilled cheese on buttery artisan bread. A delicious vegetarian sandwich.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - Pinch of salt
05 - Pinch of black pepper

→ Cheese

06 - 4 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced

→ Bread & Spreads

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

# How to Make It:

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 12-15 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
02 - Lay out all bread slices. Spread one side of each slice evenly with softened butter.
03 - Place two slices butter-side down on a clean surface. Distribute caramelized leeks evenly over both slices. Layer Havarti cheese slices on top. Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
04 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling and cheese contact.
05 - Remove sandwiches from heat. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of sweet, buttery leeks and mellow, creamy Havarti hits that perfect balance between sophisticated comfort food and the kind of thing you want to eat in your pajamas
  • Caramelizing leeks ahead of time means you get all that deep, savory sweetness without rushing the process while your bread burns
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is non-negotiable here, because high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt properly
  • Let the leeks caramelize fully without rushing, because that transformation from sharp to sweet is what makes this sandwich special
03 -
  • Clean leeks thoroughly after slicing, because dirt hides between those layers and nothing ruins a moment like gritty sandwich
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, because the even heat distribution creates superior browning
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