If you’re craving a warm, melty, and absolutely delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese, this Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe will become your new go-to. Packed with creamy feta, gooey mozzarella, briny Kalamata olives, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all nestled between perfectly golden, buttery slices of sourdough bread, it offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that sing with each bite. Trust me, once you try this sandwich, it’s going to be impossible not to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring a burst of flavor, vibrant color, and satisfying texture that works together like a dream. From the richness of the cheeses to the freshness of the basil, these essentials make the magic happen.
- Bread: Choose a hearty sourdough or whole-grain for a sturdy base with a rich, slightly tangy flavor that crisps up beautifully.
- Feta Cheese: This creamy and salty cheese is the main flavor star, melting just enough to add a delicious tangy creaminess.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that classic, stretchy, and gooey texture that melts perfectly alongside the feta.
- Kalamata Olives: Thinly sliced to bring a salty and briny punch that perfectly contrasts the cheese.
- Tomatoes: Freshly sliced, they add juiciness and a touch of natural sweetness to balance the richness.
- Fresh Basil: An aromatic herb that ties all the Mediterranean flavors together beautifully.
- Butter: For grilling the sandwich to a golden, crispy perfection that adds flavor and crunch.
How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your sourdough bread and tomatoes. Crumble the feta and slice the mozzarella and Kalamata olives. Having everything ready makes the assembly quick and fun, keeping your kitchen efficient and stress-free.
Step 2: Make the Cheese and Olive Mixture
Combine the crumbled feta with sliced Kalamata olives in a bowl. This mixture will be spread evenly on one slice of bread, giving the sandwich its signature Mediterranean flavor profile.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwich
Place one slice of bread, butter side down, on a clean surface. Spread the feta and olive mixture evenly over it. Layer sliced mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and torn fresh basil leaves on top. Finish by placing the second slice of bread on top, butter side up. Press gently to hold everything together.
Step 4: Heat and Grill to Golden Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is a gorgeous golden brown and the cheeses inside have melted into a gooey, delightful filling. Use a spatula to press lightly for even grilling, ensuring every bite is perfectly crispy and melty.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once grilled, transfer your sandwich to a cutting board and slice it in half. You’re now ready to enjoy the beautiful marriage of Mediterranean flavors and the comforting warmth of a grilled cheese.
How to Serve Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already amazing sandwich, try garnishing with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of dried oregano. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can also add a luscious finishing touch that ties in with the Mediterranean vibe.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or a handful of crunchy chips. Roasted red pepper soup or a bowl of chilled gazpacho also make refreshing companions that bring complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider cutting the sandwich into smaller sliders and serving it on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. Add small bowls of marinated olives or sun-dried tomatoes on the side for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this delectable Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the sandwich will be best enjoyed fresh but refrigerating helps maintain its flavors for the next meal.
Freezing
Freezing grilled cheese sandwiches can sometimes lead to a soggy texture due to moisture in the veggies. If you choose to freeze, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve as much texture as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, skip the microwave and use a skillet over low heat to crisp up the bread again without drying out the cheese. Covering the skillet with a lid traps heat and allows the cheese to melt perfectly while restoring the sandwich’s irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough or whole-grain breads are ideal for their flavor and sturdiness, feel free to use your favorite bread like ciabatta, rye, or even a hearty white bread to suit your taste.
Is it okay to substitute the cheeses?
You can experiment with different cheeses, but for the authentic Mediterranean flair, feta and mozzarella provide the best balance of flavors and textures. Goat cheese or halloumi can work well if you want a slight twist.
How can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
This Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is naturally vegetarian as it relies on cheeses, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Just make sure your butter is vegetarian-friendly if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I add protein to make the sandwich more filling?
Definitely! Grilled chicken slices or roasted turkey can be added for extra protein. Just be mindful that it may change the balance of flavors that make the Mediterranean version so special.
What’s the best way to get the cheese perfectly melted without burning the bread?
Cook the sandwich over medium to medium-low heat and cover your skillet with a lid to trap heat. This allows the cheese to melt thoroughly while giving you that golden brown crust without burning the bread.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is such a delightful blend of fresh, salty, and melty flavors that it quickly becomes a favorite anytime comfort food. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or serving it up for friends, it’s incredibly satisfying and easy to prepare. Go on, treat yourself and dive into these beautiful flavors—you won’t regret it!
Print
Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines creamy, tangy feta cheese with gooey mozzarella, briny Kalamata olives, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all sandwiched between slices of hearty sourdough bread and grilled to golden perfection. A delicious twist on a classic comfort food that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your lunch or dinner table.
Ingredients
Bread
- 4 slices of hearty sourdough or whole-grain bread
Cheese
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 10 Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 6 fresh basil leaves
Other
- 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the olives, tomatoes, and basil leaves. Crumble the feta cheese and shred the mozzarella if not pre-shredded.
- Mix the cheeses and olives: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, and sliced Kalamata olives, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Butter the bread: Place one slice of bread butter side down on a clean surface. This will be the bottom slice for your sandwich.
- Assemble the sandwich: Evenly spread the feta and mozzarella mixture over the buttered side of the bread slice.
- Add tomatoes and basil: Layer the tomato slices and fresh basil leaves on top of the cheese mixture for freshness and flavor.
- Top with second slice: Place another slice of bread on top, butter side up, to complete the sandwich assembly.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium heat to prepare for grilling the sandwich.
- Grill the sandwich: Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula to ensure even grilling. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts inside.
- Serve: Remove from skillet, slice the sandwich in half, and serve warm with your choice of a side salad or chips. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use hearty sourdough or whole-grain bread as it holds up well to grilling and fillings.
- Butter the bread generously for a crispy, golden crust.
- Press gently while grilling to help the cheese melt evenly.
- For a stronger basil flavor, lightly bruise the leaves before adding.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and melty cheese experience.
