When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, I think more is more. I say, skip the white bread and American singles and instead opt for:
1. thick grainy bread
2. fancy sharp cheese
3. fresh herbs
4. something sweet or tart, to balance it all out
In this case, component #4 – the tart cherries – are sweet and tart, making this my ultimate grilled cheese. Plus, I like to sneak in superfoods wherever I can.
Tart cherries (also called sour cherries) have some unique super-fruit benefits. They’re a natural anti-inflammatory as well as a source of melatonin. Nutrition aside, they also just taste really good. I especially love their tangy flavor in combination with the savory sage. And they become deliciously plump and juicy when smothered in melted cheese.
They’re available in dried-form year round – I find mine in the bulk bins at my grocery store.
- 4 slices whole grain bread
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup dried tart cherries
- 6-8 sage leaves
- 2 tablespoons chives
- drizzle of olive oil
- Assemble sandwiches with cheese, tart cherries, sage and a sprinkle of chives.
- Drizzle outside of the bread with a little olive oil and transfer to a hot skillet or grill pan. Press sandwiches down (using a big spatula, or something heavier - I sometimes set another skillet on top).
- Cook each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. (4-5 minutes per side)
While a classic grilled cheese has a special place in my heart, I LOVE this version… can’t wait to try it. We are major grilled cheese lovers up in here!
I’ve been sick for a week now and have to have a solid meal but this looks so good, I’ve almost forgotten my ailments. This would work for any meal too!
Love the creamy cheese with the tart cherries – delicious!
Beautiful idea, i’ve actually got some dried cranberries in the back of my cupboard could also be a good substitute?
I would have never thought of this, but I am so glad you did. I am all about gourmet grilled cheese, so this is just perfect.
I would have never thought of this. I am all about gourmet grilled cheese, so this is just perfect.
I love this idea. Tart cherries + sharp cheddar = gourmet lunch. Fantastic!
everything about this sandwich excites me!! i was on my phone when i first saw stopped what i was doing, and immediately made a note about making it. Love, love, love. xo
More IS more! I am in love with this combination, tart cherries and sage? Oh, yes!
This looks delicious! I love the addition of the tart cherries! I feel like those would go so well with the cheese!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Perfect combination of flavors – yum!
Such a great post! I LOVE grilled cheese (who doesn’t) and always enjoy finding new twists – not to mention your photos are mouthwatering beautiful. Great shots!
Thank you so much for sharing this : )
xx
Such a great post! I LOVE grilled cheese (who doesn’t) and always enjoy finding new twists – not to mention your photos are mouthwatering beautiful. Great shots!
Thank you so much for sharing this : )
xx
Such a great post! I LOVE grilled cheese (who doesn’t) and always enjoy finding new twists – not to mention your photos are mouthwatering beautiful. Great shots!
Thank you so much for sharing this : )
xx
I love my grilled cheese. I love my cherries. Combination cheese and cherries? Hallelujah!
Yes! Already in love with this sandwich!
Wow,what an interesting combination! I wonder if a tart cherry jam would work too — maybe one of the jams with herbs that have been around in the last few year? Must try.
I am so obsessed with tart cherries! Glad to hear that they have some special nutritious properties. Now I’m wishing I had these ingredients for lunch…
The tart cherries and cheese combo looks divine!
I am obsessed with dried cherries…this is the perfect grilled cheese sandwich!!!
OK, I think I know what’s for lunch today! Thanks!!!
Love this twist on a classic….can’t wait to try it, in fact may have it for lunch today! xx
Love this twist on a classic….can’t wait to try it, in fact may have it for lunch today! xx
I am SUCH a huge fan of fruit/berries with cheese and this toastie looks AMAZING! Definitely going to be having this for lunch this weekend! Thanks for sharing 😀
Lauren x
wow. looks amazing
Stunning recipe and very impressive photos, this actually looks better then cooking in Papa Louie’s restaurant games – http://papasgames.us/.. im glad i found this blog <3
I know this recipe will be awesome – I like to make mine the same way, but hadn’t thought about dried cherries before. Cheese and fruit always a good combo – expect this flavor combination to be a keeper. Thanks for the recipe.
Another sandwich. Please let me know what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwduO-UG_p4
This sounds really nice 😉 I don’t use sage much but I know it’s quite savory so it would be a good contrast to the cherries. Thanks for sharing 😉
I had it at work for lunch today and it was really simple and yummy! I grilled the sandwich in the oven instead of in the skillet but it still worked well!
so glad you liked it!
Would fresh cherries work? ?