Havarti & Caramelized Leek Grilled Cheese

A decadent twist on classic grilled cheese with sweet caramelized leeks and creamy Havarti, perfectly melted between golden buttery bread.

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced

→ Bread & Spreads

07 - 4 slices artisan or sourdough bread

08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced leeks, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are soft and caramelized, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Set aside.

02 - Lay out the bread slices. Spread one side of each slice with softened butter.

03 - Place two slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Evenly distribute the caramelized leeks on top. Layer with Havarti cheese slices.

04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

05 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula for even grilling.

06 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -

The sweet buttery leeks create this incredible flavor contrast against the creamy Havarti that you just cannot get from regular grilled cheese
It comes together in about 35 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy bistro
Perfect for those nights when you want comfort food but also secretly need to feel like an adult who knows their way around vegetables

02 -

Medium-low heat is your friend here, high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts into that perfect state we want
The leeks can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which honestly makes this recipe even easier on busy nights

03 -