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Since childhood, the grilled cheese sandwich has been my ultimate comfort food – a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of warmth and love. I can vividly recall the anticipation as I watched the sandwich sizzle in the pan, waiting for the moment when the gooey cheese would start to escape its confines, forming tantalizing strings that connected the bread slices. With each bite, I relished the decadent melding of flavors, the melting cheese, and the satisfying crunch of the perfectly toasted bread.
That childhood delight never left me. As I grew older, I held onto the essence of that simple joy, finding solace in the familiarity of a grilled cheese sandwich. It was a reminder of carefree days and the magic that could be found within the simplest of ingredients.
My mom had her own special touch to elevate the experience. A bowl of chicken noodle soup, lovingly prepared, accompanied the sandwich. The combination was nothing short of perfection – the savory warmth of the soup and the comforting embrace of the grilled cheese created a duo that felt like a hug for the soul.
Now, as I embrace the fall season, I’ve taken my beloved childhood comfort food and given it a seasonal twist. I’ve added roasted butternut squash and caramelized onions to the mix, capturing the essence of autumn’s bounty. And, oh, the crusty bread! To honor the memory of that delightful crunch, I’ve introduced a Parmesan cheese crust that takes each bite to an entirely new level of sensory satisfaction.
With each warm, cheesy bite, I’m transported back to those cherished moments of my youth, sitting at the kitchen table with a plate of grilled cheese and a steaming bowl of soup. It’s a reminder that comfort can be found in the simplest of things, even as we grow and evolve. The crispy, gooey, heartwarming essence of my go-to childhood favorite is now a cherished part of my adult culinary journey.
So, as I share this recipe with seasonal veggies and that incredible Parmesan cheese crust, I hope you too can experience the nostalgia and joy that come from a classic comfort food. This Butternut Squash Grilled Cheese is a tribute to the past, a celebration of the present, and an invitation to embrace the heartwarming flavors of fall in every delicious bite.
Butternut Squash Grilled Cheese with Parmesan Cheese Crust
This sandwich takes the classic grilled cheese to a whole new level with the addition of roasted butternut squash and a medley of flavorful cheeses. The Parmesan cheese crust adds an extra layer of crispy, savory goodness.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or whole wheat work well)1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and sliced into thin rounds
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced and caramelized
- 4 oz Fontina cheese, sliced
- 4 oz Gruyère cheese, sliced
- 4 oz White Cheddar cheese, sliced
- Butter or olive oil for cooking
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan Cheese Crust
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the butternut squash rounds on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and roast for about 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, caramelize the thinly sliced onions by cooking them slowly with a bit of butter or olive oil until they become soft and golden brown. This can take about 20-25 minutes. Set aside.
- While the onions are caramelizing, prepare the Parmesan cheese crust by mixing the grated Parmesan cheese and softened butter in a small bowl. Set aside.
- To assemble the sandwiches, lay out 8 slices of bread. On 4 of the slices, layer Fontina, Gruyère, and White Cheddar cheese.
- Divide the roasted butternut squash slices among the cheese-topped bread slices.
- Top the butternut squash with the caramelized onions, distributing them evenly.
- Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top to create sandwiches.
- Spread the Parmesan cheese and butter mixture evenly on the outsides of each sandwich.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt a bit of butter. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Slice the Butternut Squash Grilled Cheese sandwiches diagonally and share the mouthwatering results with your followers, along with a caption that highlights the combination of flavors and textures in this elevated comfort food.
