Elevate Your Summer Meals: The Ultimate Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This post has been sponsored by Dairy Farmers of America. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With the sun shining brightly and warm breezes filling the air, my grill has become an almost permanent fixture in my daily routine. There’s truly nothing quite like the arrival of summer to ignite that passion for outdoor cooking. The mesmerizing flame kissing fresh ingredients, imparting a distinct smoky char and depth of flavor, transforms even the simplest dish into something extraordinary.
After months of indulging in rich, hearty meals that kept us warm through the winter, I’m always eager to lighten things up as summer approaches. However, “lightening up” doesn’t have to mean a continuous parade of salads. Sometimes, you crave something comforting and satisfying, yet still bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors. That’s where this gourmet take on a classic grilled cheese comes in, perfectly blending wholesome vegetables with an irresistible cheesy goodness.
Transforming Your Favorite Grilled Cheese
Imagine your beloved grilled cheese, but elevated to an entirely new level. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures, featuring the best of summer’s bounty. We’re talking about fresh, ripe vegetables, kissed by the smoky char of the grill, layered between slices of exceptional cheese, and finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction. It’s an unforgettable culinary experience that’s both comforting and refreshingly bright.
With all the colorful produce making its appearance at your local Safeway, now is the perfect time to experiment and truly make the most of the season’s offerings. This recipe is designed to help you do just that, creating a sandwich that everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most seasoned foodies, will adore.
The Stars of the Show: Grilled Vegetables
This exquisite sandwich features a delightful mix of grilled vegetables that bring incredible depth and freshness. We’ve selected juicy cherry tomatoes, vibrant sweet bell peppers (both green and orange for a spectrum of flavor and color), a hint of spicy jalapeño for a kick, and sharp red onion for its pungent sweetness. Grilling these vegetables transforms them, softening their texture, concentrating their natural sugars, and infusing them with an irresistible smokiness that you simply can’t achieve any other way.
Instead of tossing these grilled beauties into a standard salad, we’re giving them a starring role! They’re carefully nestled between slices of your favorite multi-grain bread and generously adorned with savory, gooey Cache Valley® Sharp Cheddar Cheese. This innovative approach lets you enjoy a bounty of vegetables in a wonderfully satisfying and comforting format. It’s a brilliant way to “sneak in” those nutritious veggies without feeling like you’re sacrificing flavor or indulgence.
Discovering Cache Valley® Creamery: A Brand Built on Goodness
If you haven’t yet discovered Cache Valley® Creamery, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite cheese brand! You absolutely NEED to track them down at your local Safeway. I recently had the pleasure of sampling not only their delightful sharp cheddar cheese slices, which are the cornerstone of this incredible sandwich, but also their zesty pepper jack and their smooth Swiss cheese. Each variety offers a truly special flavor profile, reflecting the quality and care that goes into every batch.
The flavor that each Cache Valley® cheese brings to the table is simply stunning. Beyond the taste, it’s reassuring to know that these cheeses are also a good source of protein and calcium. As I’ve been striving for a more wholesome and balanced diet, I’ve really started paying closer attention to these nutritional aspects – and believe me, it makes a difference! Knowing you’re enjoying something delicious that also contributes positively to your well-being is a huge bonus.
What truly sets Cache Valley® Creamery apart is their dedication to authentic brands, quality ingredients, and a genuine commitment to communities and families. For them, “goodness” isn’t just a marketing slogan; it’s a deeply ingrained culture and a way of life. This philosophy shines through in the exceptional taste and quality of their products. When you choose Cache Valley®, you’re choosing a brand that cares.
A Little Fun Fact About Cache Valley®
Fun Fact: Cache Valley Creamery is a relatively new brand here in Denver! It hails from Utah, where it’s named after the picturesque region it originated from. The thought of how they craft such delicious cheese genuinely sparks my curiosity. I’m so intrigued that I might just have to plan a trip out there to witness their cheese-making process firsthand – Utah isn’t too far from Denver, after all, and a culinary adventure sounds absolutely delightful!
Customizing Your Grilled Vegetable Creation
Now, let’s circle back to this magnificent sandwich! While I’m absolutely partial to the combination of vegetables listed in the recipe, the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and mix things up with your personal favorite vegetables. For instance, you could easily swap the red onion for a milder yellow onion, or experiment with different colored bell peppers like yellow or red. Asparagus spears, thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant, or even some grilled corn kernels would all make fantastic additions.
Virtually any vegetable transforms into something truly amazing after being kissed by the grill. Just remember one crucial tip: ensure you chop your chosen vegetables into pieces that are suitable for layering within a sandwich. You want them to stay securely in place, nestled among the bread and cheese, rather than tumbling out with every bite. The goal is to have them perfectly trapped by that gloriously gooey, melted cheese!
The Final Flourish: Balsamic Reduction
And of course, we can’t overlook the sweet and tangy balsamic reduction. This simple yet sophisticated component truly ties the entire sandwich together, delivering a surprising burst of concentrated flavor that perfectly complements the smoky vegetables and rich cheddar. Its sweet acidity cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors beautifully and adding that touch of gourmet elegance. It’s a quick and easy step that makes all the difference, elevating this sandwich from great to absolutely extraordinary.
Before you dive into making this incredible sandwich, remember to also look for Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella Shreds for your future culinary adventures! Think homemade pizzas, delicious baked pastas, or any recipe where a high-quality mozzarella is key. You can find this, along with the Sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack, and Swiss cheeses mentioned here, at your local Safeway in the Dairy or Meat & Cheese section. For even more savings on all your favorite brands, don’t forget to check your Safeway mobile app for exclusive deals and coupons!
This Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Grilled Cheese Sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors, outdoor cooking, and quality ingredients. It’s the perfect way to embrace summer and enjoy a truly satisfying and wholesome meal. Give it a try this week and prepare to be amazed!
Pin this Balsamic Grilled Vegetables Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe for later!
Balsamic Grilled Vegetables Grilled Cheese Sandwich
ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper halved and seeded
- 1 orange bell pepper halved and seeded
- 1 jalapeño halved and seeded
- 1 small red onion cut into thick rings
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4 slices your favorite bread
- 6 slices Cache Valley® Sharp Cheddar
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp brown sugar
instructions
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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In a large bowl, toss the prepared bell peppers, red onion, and cherry/grape tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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Carefully place the bell pepper halves (cut side down first), onion rings, and tomatoes on the preheated grill. For smaller items like cherry tomatoes, it’s highly recommended to use a grilling basket or a silicone grilling mat to prevent them from falling through the grates.
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Grill the vegetables for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are tender, slightly charred, and beautifully smoky.
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Remove the grilled vegetables from the grill and set them aside on a plate or cutting board to cool slightly, making them easier to handle.
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Once the vegetables are cool enough to touch, slice the grilled bell peppers into thin strips and roughly chop the jalapeño if desired, keeping the tomatoes and onion rings as they are.
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While the vegetables cool, prepare the balsamic reduction. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and place it over medium-high heat. Bring it to a gentle, rolling simmer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced by at least half and has thickened to a syrupy consistency, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the black pepper and brown sugar. Set aside.
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To assemble the sandwiches, lay out four slices of your chosen bread. Place two slices of Cache Valley® Sharp Cheddar Cheese on each of two bread slices. Evenly distribute half of the grilled vegetables on top of the cheese on these two slices. Top the vegetables with one more slice of Cache Valley® Sharp Cheddar Cheese on each, creating a delicious layer of cheese, veggies, and more cheese. Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared balsamic reduction over the vegetables and cheese, then cap each sandwich with the remaining two slices of bread.
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In a large skillet (or on a griddle) over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Carefully place both assembled sandwiches into the skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the bread is perfectly golden brown and toasted, and the Cache Valley® Sharp Cheddar cheese inside is wonderfully melted and gooey. You may need to press down gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling and good cheese melt.
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Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate gooey, smoky, and tangy grilled cheese experience.