How to Make an Italian Marinated Grilled Cheese | Food Wishes

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without dairy.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

balsamic vinegar

🥗Healthier: red wine vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

White vinegar is a cost-effective alternative with a tangy profile.

Start by preparing the cheese, using three kinds: monterey jack, cheddar, and provolone.

Slice the bread into thick pieces, preferably Italian or French bread, using sourdough for a better texture.

Cut the bread at an angle to create longer slices.

Prepare a quick Italian dressing by mixing minced garlic, white wine vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, chili flakes, and dry Italian herbs in a bowl.

Grate the monterey jack and cheddar cheese into the bowl with the dressing.

Break the provolone cheese into quarters and add it to the mixture.

Mix the grated cheese with the dressing to ensure even coating.

Add in the diced veggies: pepperoncini, roasted red pepper, and green olives, and mix well.

Wrap the mixture and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes; Chef John recommends 30 minutes for better marination.

Start building the sandwich with a slice of provolone on the bottom, then spoon the marinated cheese and veggies on top.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil.

Carefully place the sandwich in the skillet and add more olive oil on top.

Let the first side brown and crustify, flipping towards the flat side to avoid spilling cheese.

Once both sides are grilled to a golden brown, remove the sandwich and slice it open to check the texture and melty cheese.

Enjoy the sandwich, noting the unique texture from the marinated cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens