Tart Cherry Grilled Cheese With Sage Recipe

Sourdough bread: Provides a sturdy and flavorful base for the sandwich.

Cheddar cheese: Offers a rich and creamy texture that melts beautifully.

Dried tart cherries: Adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory cheese.

Butter: Ensures a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.

Fresh sage: Infuses the sandwich with a fragrant, earthy flavor.

When preparing this grilled cheese, ensure that the butter is evenly spread on the bread slices to achieve a uniform golden brown crust. To enhance the flavor, you can lightly toast the sage in the skillet before adding it to the sandwich. This will release its aromatic oils and deepen the herb's flavor, complementing the tart cherries and cheddar cheese.

• sourdough bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread provides a similar texture and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• cheddar - Substitute with gruyere: Gruyere melts well and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs nicely with the tart cherries and sage.

• dried tart cherries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries have a similar tartness and sweetness, making them a good alternative to dried tart cherries.

• softened butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to achieve a crispy texture on the bread while adding a subtle, fruity flavor.

• chopped fresh sage - Substitute with dried sage: Dried sage can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor.

• Allow the grilled cheese to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper or aluminum foil. This helps maintain the crispiness of the bread.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. If using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

1. From the Refrigerator:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place the sandwich on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the bread from burning.
   • Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is warmed through.

2. From the Freezer:

   • Thaw the sandwich in the refrigerator overnight.
   • Follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated sandwiches.
   • Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by extending the oven time to 20-25 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• For an extra crispy exterior, reheat the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat. Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.
• Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it can make the bread chewy and the cheese unevenly melted.
• If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the sandwich in a damp paper towel before reheating in the oven. This will create steam and soften the bread slightly.

Additional Storage Tips

• If you plan to make these sandwiches ahead of time, consider assembling them without cooking. Store the uncooked sandwiches in the refrigerator or freezer, then cook them fresh when ready to eat.
• For a twist, add a layer of caramelized onions or a spread of mustard before storing. This can add an extra burst of flavor when reheated.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover grilled cheese on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• Use a toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich directly on the rack or on a small baking tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until the cheese is gooey and the bread is golden.

• For a quick method, use a skillet over medium heat. Place the grilled cheese in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Note: This method may make the bread less crispy.

• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled cheese in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through, until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the sandwiches evenly over medium heat.

• Spatula: Essential for flipping the sandwiches to ensure both sides are golden brown.

• Butter knife: Used to spread the softened butter on the bread slices.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the fresh sage.

• Chef's knife: Ideal for finely chopping the fresh sage.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the shredded cheese and dried tart cherries accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the exact amount of chopped fresh sage and softened butter.

• Grater: If using a block of cheese, this tool will help shred it to the desired consistency.

Pre-shred the cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating.

Use pre-chopped sage: Purchase chopped sage from the store to skip the chopping step.

Soften butter in advance: Leave butter out at room temperature before starting to make spreading easier.

Preheat the skillet: Preheat your skillet while you prepare the ingredients to reduce cooking time.

Assemble sandwiches ahead: Assemble the sandwiches the night before and store them in the fridge, ready to cook.