Opulent Grilled Cheese  

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Inspired by Margaret Eby's love of Zabar's in New York City, the combination of creamy, silky Taleggio and nutty aged Gruyère cheeses in these small but decadent sandwiches results in the perfect melt, with plenty of flavor. Pops of fresh salinty from lightly smashed capers stirred into sweet, jammy strawberries balance the richness. Use Tiptree Little Scarlet Strawberry Preserves for the ultimate version of this sandwich—it is made from tiny, sweet strawberries. You can find it at Zabar's or online at brandsofbritain.com.

Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
2

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves (such as Tiptree Little Scarlet)

  • 2 teaspoon drained capers

  • Unsalted butter, softened

  • 4 (4- x 2 3/4- x 1/2-inch) slices seeded sourdough rye bread (such as Zabar's)

  • ¼ pound Taleggio cheese, rind removed, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices, divided

  • 1 ½ ounces aged Gruyère cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup), divided

Directions

  1. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium. Stir together preserves and capers in a small bowl, lightly smashing capers. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice, and place slices, buttered sides down, on a work surface. Top 2 bread slices evenly with Taleggio slices. Top remaining 2 bread slices with preserves mixture, and top evenly with grated Gruyère. Close sandwiches, buttered sides out, pressing to flatten.

  2. Cook sandwiches in hot skillet until bread is golden on the outside and cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer sandwiches to plates; serve immediately.

    Opulent Grilled Cheese
    Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Rishon Hanners / Prop Styling by Audrey Davis

Note

Find Tiptree Little Scarlet Strawberry Preserves at Zabar's or online at brandsofbritain.com.

Originally appeared: May 2021

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