Description
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth quite like a classic grilled cheese sandwich. But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate this timeless favorite into something even more irresistible? Enter the Avocado, Mozzarella, and Tomato Grilled Cheese, a deliciously fresh twist on the traditional grilled cheese that will not only satisfy your cravings but also delight your taste buds with a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices of sourdough or whole wheat bread
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 4 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for added crispiness)
Instructions
- Slice the tomato into thin rounds and season with a little salt and pepper.
- Mash the ripe avocado in a small bowl with a fork, adding a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- For extra crispiness, spread a light layer of mayonnaise over the buttered side.
- On the unbuttered side of two slices, evenly spread the mashed avocado.
- Layer the fresh mozzarella slices on top, followed by the seasoned tomato slices.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side facing outward.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan, then place the sandwiches in the skillet.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help the bread crisp up and the cheese melt.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and the mozzarella is melted.
- Once both sides are perfectly crispy and the cheese is gooey, remove the sandwiches from the pan.
- Let them sit for a minute before slicing in half.
- Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- Choose the right bread: While sourdough and whole wheat are the recommended options, you can use any bread that you love. A thicker bread will hold up better to the fillings, while thinner bread may become soggy.
- Fresh mozzarella is key: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a wonderful creamy texture to the sandwich. If you can, avoid using pre-shredded mozzarella, as it doesn’t melt quite as well.
- Don’t skip the mayo: The mayonnaise gives the sandwich an extra crispy texture, which takes the grilled cheese to the next level. Trust us, it’s worth it!
- Customizable: Feel free to add additional ingredients like bacon, spinach, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes