Imagine biting into a grilled cheese sandwich that's not just ordinary, but a gourmet explosion of flavors that will transform your lunch forever! This Sweet Potato Grilled Cheese with Kale Pesto isn't just a sandwich—it's a culinary adventure that combines creamy sweet potato, zesty kale pesto, and melted cheese between perfectly crispy, golden-brown bread. Get ready to elevate your sandwich game and impress everyone at the table with this unexpectedly delicious creation that turns a classic comfort food into a gourmet masterpiece.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 1/2 cup kale pesto
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Butter for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potato by washing, piercing with a fork, and either baking at 400°F for 45-50 minutes or microwaving for 5-7 minutes until completely soft.
- Once cooked, let the sweet potato cool slightly, then peel and mash in a bowl, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Prepare the kale pesto if not using pre-made, blending kale, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil until smooth.
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage for even golden browning.
- On the non-buttered side of one bread slice, spread a generous layer of kale pesto.
- Add a thick layer of mashed sweet potato over the pesto, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the sweet potato layer.
- Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing outward.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat to ensure even, crispy grilling.
- Place the assembled sandwich in the heated skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bread is golden.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for even melting and better flavor integration.
- Choose a skillet or griddle with consistent heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't rush the grilling process—medium-low heat ensures crispy exterior and fully melted cheese.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of smoked paprika to the sweet potato mash.
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-made pesto or microwave the sweet potato for faster preparation.
- Let the sandwich rest for a minute after cooking to allow the cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
