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–+ servings
A close-up of a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich, cut in half, revealing melted cheese, pickles, and tomatoes.

Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Spicy Vinegar Glaze

Elevate your classic grilled cheese with a quick, homemade spicy vinegar glaze and layers of creamy and sharp cheeses.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Sauce Reduction 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1 sandwich
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Sandwich
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Spicy Vinegar Glaze
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
For the Grilled Cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2 slices bread
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 2 slices Cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices pickles or as desired
  • 4 slices tomato

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Combine water, vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and sauce is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over low heat.
  3. Spread butter onto 1 side of each bread slice. Spread cream cheese on the opposite side of 1 of the bread slices.
  4. Layer Cheddar cheese and pickles on top of the cream cheese layer.
  5. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce on the side of the other bread slice that does not have butter. Place this bread slice on top of the pickle layer, with the butter-side facing outwards, to form the sandwich.
  6. Cook the sandwich in the hot skillet until the cheese is melted and the bread is browned, about 5 minutes per side.
  7. Carefully remove the top piece of bread, add the tomato slices to the middle, and close the sandwich.

Notes

This recipe is a starting point for your own gourmet grilled cheese creations. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, spreads, and additions like fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

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