Havarti Caramelized Leek Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Buttery golden bread meets melted Havarti and sweet caramelized leeks for the ultimate comfort sandwich.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - Pinch of salt
05 - Pinch of black pepper

→ Cheese

06 - 4 oz Havarti cheese, sliced

→ Bread & Spreads

07 - 4 slices artisan or sourdough bread
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How to Make:

01 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced leeks, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are soft and caramelized, about 12–15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - Lay out all bread slices. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.
03 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on your work surface. Distribute caramelized leeks evenly over both slices. Layer Havarti cheese slices on top of the leeks. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
04 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula during cooking for even grilling.
05 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and slice each in half diagonally. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way Havarti melts is absolutely dreamy, like a cheese hug for your soul
  • Caramelized leeks bring this subtle sweetness that balances the rich creaminess perfectly
  • It turns a humble sandwich into something that feels like a treat from a fancy bistro
02 -
  • Low and slow is the secret to perfectly caramelized leeks, cranking up the heat just burns them
  • Medium low heat for grilling lets the cheese melt completely before the bread burns
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for just 30 seconds after cooking helps keep everything together when you slice them
03 -
  • Slice your leeks thinly and evenly so they all caramelize at the same rate
  • Dont overcrowd the pan when grilling, cook in batches if needed
  • Let the sandwiches cool just slightly before slicing to prevent all that cheese from escaping
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