Are you ready to take your grilled cheese game to the next level? Imagine the warm, comforting embrace of Irish soda bread paired with the gooey goodness of cheddar cheese and the vibrant flavors of pesto! This mouthwatering Irish Soda Bread Grilled Cheese with Pesto is not just a sandwich; it's a culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a cozy lunch or a quick dinner, this recipe is simple yet sensational, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress without the fuss. Dive into this delightful dish that combines tradition with a twist, and get ready to savor every bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices Irish soda bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature. Take the Irish soda bread, cheddar cheese, pesto, and butter out of the refrigerator.
- Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of Irish soda bread, ensuring complete coverage to promote even golden-brown toasting.
- Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat to allow for gradual, even heating.
- Lay one slice of bread butter-side down in the skillet, then spread 1 tablespoon of pesto evenly across the bread's surface.
- Layer 2 slices of cheddar cheese on top of the pesto, covering the bread completely.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side facing up, creating a sandwich.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom slice turns golden brown and crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula, pressing gently to ensure even contact with the skillet.
- Cook the second side for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is golden brown.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and cheese is gooey.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients, especially the butter and cheese, are at room temperature. This helps in achieving an even melt and a perfectly crispy texture.
- Even Butter Spread: When buttering your Irish soda bread, apply it evenly to ensure that every inch toasts beautifully, resulting in that coveted golden-brown crust.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Use medium-low heat for cooking your sandwich. This allows the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread, giving you that perfect gooey center.
- Pesto Layering: Spread the pesto generously but evenly on the bread. This not only adds flavor but also helps in keeping the sandwich moist.
- Pressing the Sandwich: When flipping the sandwich, gently press down with your spatula. This ensures that the sandwich makes good contact with the skillet for an even toast.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the sandwich to rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking. This helps the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice and eat without all the gooeyness spilling out.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your grilled cheese immediately while it's warm and the cheese is still melty for the best experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
