Havarti Caramelized Leek Grilled Cheese (Printable version)

Golden sourdough with melted Havarti and sweet caramelized leeks

# What You'll 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 oz Havarti cheese, sliced

→ Bread & Spreads

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced leeks, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are soft and caramelized, about 12–15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - Lay out all bread slices. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.
03 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. Distribute caramelized leeks evenly over both slices. Layer Havarti cheese on top of the leeks. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
04 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula during cooking for even grilling.
05 - Remove sandwiches from skillet. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The sweetness of slow cooked leeks transforms an ordinary sandwich into something that feels fancy enough for dinner but simple enough for Tuesday night
  • Havartis creamy melt creates the most luxurious texture youll ever experience in grilled cheese, no stringy cheese pulls required
02 -
  • Low and slow is the secret to perfectly caramelized leeks, rushing this step will leave you with bitter, undercooked onions instead of sweet melting goodness
  • Medium low heat might feel too patient for grilled cheese, but high heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt into that gooey perfection you want
03 -
  • Pat the leeks dry after caramelizing if they seem too juicy, excess moisture can make the bread soggy before the cheese melts
  • Let the sandwich rest for 30 seconds after grilling, this helps the cheese set slightly so it does not ooze out immediately when you cut it
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