Cheese Toasty Dessert Pairings: Sweet Endings For Savory Bites

Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, but what about dessert grilled cheese? It may sound unusual, but sweet grilled cheese sandwiches are a growing trend, with many interesting combinations to satisfy your sweet tooth. From pound cake, chocolate, and raspberry sandwiches to cinnamon bread with chocolate hazelnut spread and cheddar cheese, these creative takes on a classic are worth exploring. Whether you're looking for a sweet snack or an indulgent dessert, dessert grilled cheese offers a unique twist on a familiar favourite.

Donut grilled cheese

The donut grilled cheese is a fun and creative take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It is a unique combination of sweet and savoury flavours that is sure to surprise your taste buds!

Ingredients:

• 2 large glazed donuts (day-old works best)
• 3-6 slices of cheddar cheese
• 2 slices of American cheese (optional)
• 4 slices of crispy, cooked bacon (optional)
• 2-3 tablespoons of soft/melted butter

Method:

• Heat a non-stick skillet/pan to a medium-low temperature. Be careful not to make the skillet too hot, as the donuts are sugary and can burn easily.
• Using a bread knife, carefully slice both donuts in half, as if you are slicing a bagel.
• Spread butter on the inside of each donut slice. You can use softened butter or brush the cut halves with melted butter.
• Place the buttered sides of the donut slices down on the skillet/griddle.
• For an optional extra layer of cheese, place a slice of American cheese on two of the donut halves.
• Add a lid to the pan to help trap the heat and melt the cheese.
• Flip the non-cheese halves over to cook the other side.
• If desired, add bacon on top of the cheese.
• Place the remaining donut halves on top, with the cut side facing up.
• Use a spatula to carefully remove the sandwich from the pan/griddle. Be cautious as the caramelised sugar will be hot!
• Allow the sandwich to cool for a couple of minutes, then slice it in half with a bread knife.

Tips:

• Classic glazed donuts work best and pair well with the cheddar cheese. It is recommended to avoid cake donuts as they tend to be crumbly and do not slice well.
• If you are feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of donuts, cheeses, and toppings!
• This recipe is perfect for using up leftover or stale donuts.

The donut grilled cheese is an indulgent treat that combines the sweet glaze of the donut with the savoury, melted cheese. It is a fun and unique dish to enjoy occasionally when you are craving something comforting and different!

Chocolate grilled cheese

The sweet and savoury combination of chocolate and cheese is a popular pairing in Puerto Rico, where it is common to drink hot chocolate with a chunk of melted cheese at the bottom. This has inspired a variety of chocolate grilled cheese recipes, which make for a delicious dessert. Here is a guide to making your own chocolate grilled cheese sandwiches at home.

Ingredients

• Bread: brioche, challah, soft Italian or French bread, country bread, crusty white bread, or even pound cake or cookies.
• Cheese: mild cheddar (queso de papa), gouda, mascarpone, brie, ricotta, parmesan, stilton, or American cheese.
• Chocolate: sweet chocolate (Chocolate Cortés), dark chocolate, or chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g. Nutella).

Method

The basic method for making a chocolate grilled cheese sandwich is as follows:

• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• Layer cheese and chocolate on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread.
• Top with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up.
• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for around 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, turning once during cooking.

Variations

• Balsamic Roasted Cherry, Dark Chocolate and Brie Grilled Cheese: spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer brie, chopped dark chocolate, and balsamic roasted cherries. Top with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up, and grill until the cheese and chocolate have melted.
• Honey-Cured Bacon, Stilton and Chocolate Sandwich: grill or toast slices of crusty white bread, then spread with butter. Grate dark chocolate on top and return to the grill to melt. Add honey-cured bacon and crumble over stilton. Lay the remaining buttered slice of bread on top and press firmly.
• Dark Chocolate and Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich: layer one slice of country bread with dark chocolate and parmesan cheese, then top with a second slice of bread. Microwave for 30 seconds, then grill in a panini press, grill pan or skillet until the bread is golden brown and the chocolate and cheese are melted.
• Oozing Chocolate Cheese Toastie: thinly butter slices of brioche. On one slice, spread Nutella, and on the other, spread mascarpone. Place a square of dark chocolate in the centre and cook in a pan, flipping once, until both sides are golden and the chocolate has melted.

There are many ways to experiment with this indulgent combination of chocolate and cheese, so get creative and enjoy!

S'mores grilled cheese

To make this indulgent treat, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Bread (white bread, cinnamon bread, or even a donut)
• Butter
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate (chocolate chips, chocolate bars, or chocolate spread)
• Graham crackers (crushed)
• Cinnamon sugar (optional)

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this mouth-watering dessert:

• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• For a classic s'mores flavour, crush some graham crackers and sprinkle them on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread.
• Add a generous amount of chocolate chips or a layer of chocolate bar pieces.
• Slightly squash the marshmallows and place them on top of the chocolate.
• Top with the remaining slice of bread, buttered side out.
• Heat a skillet or a grill to medium heat and melt some butter.
• Cook the sandwich until it's golden brown and toasted on both sides, about 2-4 minutes per side.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the sandwich before serving it warm.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different types of bread and chocolate. You can even try adding some peanut butter or Nutella for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy the sweet and savoury combination of S'mores Grilled Cheese!

Waffle grilled cheese

Ingredients

For a basic waffle grilled cheese, you'll need butter, cheese, and bread slices. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, American, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack. For the bread, choose slices of sandwich bread or sourdough. You can also add some shredded pepper Jack cheese and a spread of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard for an extra kick.

Preparation

Start by spreading butter on one side of a slice of bread. Place the bread, buttered side down, on the preheated waffle iron. Cover the bread with your chosen cheese, making sure the slices aren't too thick to allow even melting. Place another slice of bread on top, with butter on the outer side.

Cooking

Close the waffle iron without smashing the sandwich. Allow the sandwich to cook for 3-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. You can also cook it a little longer if you prefer your sandwich extra crispy.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and bread to find your favourite combination. You can also add extra ingredients to your waffle grilled cheese, such as ham or bacon, for a heartier sandwich. Additionally, you can try using garlic butter or olive oil instead of regular butter for a different flavour profile.

So, there you have it! Waffle grilled cheese is a creative and delicious way to enjoy the classic comfort food. It's a fun and easy recipe to try, especially if you're looking for new ways to use your waffle iron. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Bananas Foster grilled cheese

Ingredients:

• Wisconsin Mascarpone Cheese (1 ounce or about 1/8 cup)
• Wisconsin Cream Cheese (1 ounce)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon banana liqueur or brandy
• 1/2 small banana, thickly sliced
• 2 slices brioche bread
• Sea salt flakes

Method:

Firstly, prepare the cheese mixture by beating the mascarpone and cream cheese together in a bowl and setting it aside. Next, make the French toast batter by whisking together the egg, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Ensure the bowl is wide enough to accommodate the sandwich for dipping later.

Now, it's time to cook the bananas. Melt one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves. Then, pour in the banana liqueur and bring the mixture to a simmer. As it begins to thicken, add the banana slices, stirring continuously to coat them evenly in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat and let the bananas cool slightly.

It's sandwich assembly time! Spread the mascarpone mixture evenly onto each slice of brioche bread. On one slice, layer the cooked banana slices and a sprinkle of sea salt, then top it with the other bread slice. Gently dip each side of the sandwich in the French toast batter for up to one minute.

Finally, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove it from the pan and let it rest for about 2 minutes before serving.

For an extra indulgent twist, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate hazelnut spread to the sandwich before adding the cream cheese mixture. This combination of warm, gooey bananas, creamy cheese, and the crunch of toasted brioche is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Frequently asked questions