Havarti & Caramelized Leek Grilled Cheese

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

04 - Salt to taste

05 - Black pepper to taste

→ Cheese

06 - 4 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced

→ Bread & Spreads

07 - 4 slices artisan or sourdough bread

08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced leeks with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are soft and caramelized, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

02 - Lay out all bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread the softened butter on one side of each slice.

03 - Place two slices of bread buttered side down. Distribute caramelized leeks evenly on top of each. Layer Havarti cheese slices over the leeks. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

04 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling.

05 - Slice sandwiches diagonally in half and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

The leeks transform into something jammy and sweet, a complete surprise if you have never slow cooked them before
Havarti melts into these gorgeous puddles without disappearing entirely, so every bite is creamy but still substantial
That buttery exterior crackle when you bite into it is basically happiness in texture form

02 -

Leeks hide dirt between their layers, so slice them lengthwise first and rinse thoroughly under running water before cooking
Medium low heat is crucial here because high heat will burn the butter exterior before the cheese has a chance to melt

03 -