This amazing grilled cheese sandwich melds the flavors of cheese fondue with ham and tomato. The cheese spread is made with wine and garlic.
Perhaps it is because we didn’t have many desserts in our cupboards, but I have been a “savory” girl ever since I was young. After-school snacks ranged from leftover pasta to vegetables with hummus. My favorite, however, was a simple plateful of cheese and crackers. The type of cheese varied, but one of my favorites throughout childhood and now into adulthood is Jalsberg. At least a couple of times per month, my mum brought home a wedge of the semi-firm Norwegian cheese. The nutty flavor paired well with sesame crackers and raw vegetables.
When I came across a big block of Jarlsberg cheese at the grocery store last week, it felt like kismet.
My mind was reeling with all the possibilities. Crusty bread or ciabatta rolls? Pesto or mango chutney? Turkey or ham? Packed with veggies or naked? I was in grilled cheese heaven, but waffled between all of the choices until I was struck with inspiration from a rather well-known Frenchman.
Jacques Pepin’s repertoire boasts hundreds of beautiful and elaborate recipes, but the famous chef remembers this simple mixture fondly. Growing up, his parents would use leftover pieces of cheese to make a creamy spread for crostini. We served these crostini at a cheese party last year and they were the hit of the hors d’oeuvres table. When the cheese is blended with wine and garlic, and broiled on a piece of crusty bread, it can be best described as hand-held cheese fondue.
The assertive taste of the Jarlsberg mixture provides a base for salty ham, juicy tomato and peppery arugula. Stacked on crusty bread and grilled to golden brown, this lunch or dinner option takes the average grilled cheese sandwich to new heights.
For other grilled cheese sandwiches, try Turkey, Brie and Pear Panini or Gruyere, Apple and Fig Panini.
How to make grilled cheese fondue sandwich
MAKE THE CHEESE FONDUE SPREAD:
Combine Jarlsberg cheese, wine, garlic, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth.
MAKE THE SANDWICHES:
Brush one side of each piece of bread with olive oil (the oil-brushed side will be on the outside of the sandwich). Spread 1 tablespoon of the Jarlsberg mixture on each slice of bread (2 tablespoons per sandwich). Divide ham, tomato slices, and arugula leaves evenly over 4 slices of bread. Close each sandwich with a remaining slice of bread.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
Place sandwiches in skillet (cook in two batches, if necessary) and cook until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. Serve.
Printable Recipe
Grilled Cheese Fondue Sandwich
Ingredients
Cheese fondue spread
- ½ pound Jarlsberg cheese cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons dry white wine See Note
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Several grind of black pepper
The sandwiches
- 8 slices crusty bread
- â…“ cup olive oil
- ½ pounnd black forest ham cut into ¼-inch slices
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
- 1 cup (packed) arugula leaves
Instructions
Cheese fondue spread
- Combine Jarlsberg cheese, wine, garlic, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth.
The sandwiches
- Brush one side of each piece of bread with olive oil (the oil-brushed side will be on the outside of the sandwich).
- Spread 1 tablespoon of the Jarlsberg mixture on each slice of bread (2 tablespoons per sandwich).
- Divide ham, tomato slices, and arugula leaves evenly over 4 slices of bread. Close each sandwich with a remaining slice of bread.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Place sandwiches in skillet (cook in two batches, if necessary) and cook until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Drick
that is one heck of a grilled cheese, and I do like that cheese blend - I can see why it is such a hit
Kankana
I too enjoy savory dish much more than sweet and just like you i prefer a cheese platter or fruits more than a sweet treat 🙂
marla
Oh yes!! I love this. The fact that you made a spread with the cheese & wine is awesome. I am mostly a savory girl too - this is the perfect hand held meal 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I think you would love this spread, Marla. It's a great way to use up random cheese bits that might be sitting in your fridge.
Julie M.
What a positively gorgeous grilled cheese Dara! You've just taken Jarlsburg to a whole new level of delicious!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks so much, Julie. The flavor of the Jarlsberg did most of the work for me.
Shelby
I don't think I've seen a better looking grilled cheese sandwich than this! Looks delicious!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
THanks, Shelby. I appreciate that.
Nancy@acommunaltable
Being a huge grilled cheese officianado, I will definitely be making these!! Love the "fondue" spread idea!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Nancy. The spread works really well as crostini, too. Just stick them under the broiler for an easy, hot appetizer.
Jennifer (savor)
YAY for the Savory Girls!!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Jennifer.
Maris (In Good Taste)
Now this is a grilled cheese sandwich!!! Jarlsberg is the best!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I agree, Maris. Jarlsberg has always been a favorite of mine.
Jenny (VintageSugarcube)
Goooood gravy!! I just had a ginormous lunch and looking at that photo, I'm suddenly hungry again. I think that sammie, officially qualifies as FOOD PORN!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Jenny. I promise that it does actually taste as good as it looks.
Kristen
Incredibly brilliant looking grilled cheese sandwich! I love Jarlsberg with Ham, don't you?
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Kristen. I loved the look of your grilled cheese, too.