When the holiday season is in full swing, turning to foods that evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The grilled cheese has been a favourite across generations for being a no-fuss sandwich with very rewarding flavours. Bring back the memories of assembling and creating a delicious snack or lunch using leftovers from special meals and grand feasts using Usha’s Sandwich Griller. While it is a given that anything that has cheese added to it becomes automatically delicious, these holiday-friendly creations leave plenty of room for improvisation and accommodating various dietary needs. Experiment with breads, condiments, fillings and even go the extra mile by replacing the bread with other types of carbohydrates such as tortilla wraps, pita bread or even hashbrowns!
Chicken & Waffle Grill
Image Credits: Flickr
Switch our regular sandwich bread for two plain waffles which can encase leftover roast chicken, cheese, roasted potatoes or vegetables and a drizzle of the sauce. The waffles crisp up further once grilled, making the sandwich feel like a treat through and through. For a salty-sweet juxtaposition of flavour, drizzle a few ribbons of maple syrup on the hot sandwich before serving it. Opt to use hot honey instead if spice is what one is seeking. Using bits of fried chicken is also a great way to have multiple layers of crunch within the sandwich while adding shredded and dressed lettuce might bring some freshness.
Cauliflower-Caramelised Onion Grilled Cheese
Air-fried or sautéd cauliflower florets tossed in a delicious spice blend stuffed between layers of caramelised onions and sharp cheddar, is a vegetarian’s delight. Whether served as a lunch option or paired with a hearty bowl of soup, the cruciferous vegetable lends its ‘meatiness’ to every bite. For a textural variation, consider adding some air-fried chickpeas that bring contrast and crunch to the sandwich. Swap the regular butter with a mixture of butter and mayonnaise to give your grilled creation the perfect crust.
Charcuterie Grilled Cheese
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Bits of cheeses, cold cuts, condiments and fruit leftover from having an elaborate grazing table? Use them to make a delicious sandwich inspired by charcuterie elements. Pair dried apricots or apricot jam with a smoky scarmoza cheese, or salty brie with an onion jam or pesto. Add a few slices of cold cooked ham or salami to bulk up the filling and use a generous amount of herb butter to grill the sandwich. Best enjoyed as a snack, the sandwich can also be portioned and served to use as a dipper for bowls of tomato or pumpkin soup.
Bacon-Avocado Grilled Cheese
Although adding avocado to a hot sandwich might seem a bit odd at first, the soft mushy texture works perfectly to complement gooey cheese. Crisp bacon can also be made a bit festive by giving the strips a brown sugar-rosemary rub before they hit the pan or the oven. Use some of the rendered bacon fat to apply on both sides of the sandwich for an additional flavour boost. Swap the bacon for chicken pepperoni or Goan chorizo to introduce spice and boost flavour.
Turkey-Provolone Grilled Cheese
Image Credits: PickPik
Like chicken, leftover roast turkey goes a long way in creating hot or cold sandwiches, to be added to fried rice or even wraps. Find a loaf of fresh baguette or French bread to cut into half before layering sliced turkey and provolone cheese on one side and placing it in the griller. Once ready, separate the top slice to add some shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickled onions and cucumber—for the perfect loaded lunchtime special inspired by the Italian subway.