Sandwiches > Grilled Cheeses

Muffuletta Grilled Cheese Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 slices of Italian bread
- 2 tablespoons olive tapenade
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 2 tablespoons roasted red pepper spread
- 2 tablespoons diced artichoke hearts
- 2 tablespoons diced Kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons diced red pepper
- 2 tablespoons diced yellow pepper
- 2 tablespoons diced green pepper
- 2 tablespoons diced celery
- 2 tablespoons diced cucumber
- 2 tablespoons diced tomato
- 2 tablespoons diced fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 slices of provolone cheese

Special Equipment Needed:
- Grill pan
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat a grill pan over medium heat.
2. Spread the olive tapenade, pesto, roasted red pepper spread, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, red onion, red pepper, yellow pepper, green pepper, celery, cucumber, tomato, and basil on one slice of the Italian bread.
3. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
4. Place the other slice of bread on top.
5. Spread the butter on the outside of the sandwich.
6. Place the sandwich in the grill pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Remove from the grill pan and serve.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 1 sandwich

Nutritional Information: (per serving)
Calories: 545
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 17g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Olive tapenade: sun-dried tomato spread
- Pesto: basil pesto
- Roasted red pepper spread: roasted garlic spread
- Artichoke hearts: marinated mushrooms
- Kalamata olives: black olives
- Red onion: white onion
- Red pepper: yellow pepper
- Yellow pepper: green pepper
- Green pepper: red pepper
- Celery: diced zucchini
- Cucumber: diced avocado
- Tomato: diced sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh basil: fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese: grated cheddar cheese

Variations:
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ham to the sandwich.
- Substitute the Italian bread for focaccia or ciabatta.
- Add a slice of mozzarella cheese.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to spread the butter on the outside of the sandwich to ensure the bread gets nice and crispy.
- Use a spatula to flip the sandwich to avoid it from falling apart.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the sandwich on a cutting board with a side of tomato soup or a green salad.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or diced tomatoes.

Pairings:
Pair with a glass of white wine or an ice cold beer.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of potato chips or a side salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the sandwich is not getting crispy, increase the heat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.

Food History:
Muffuletta is a type of sandwich that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is typically made with a round loaf of Italian bread filled with cured meats, cheese, and olive salad.

Flavor Profiles:
This sandwich has a savory flavor with notes of olives, herbs, and cheese.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or main dish.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herby, Spicy, Rich, Creamy