Spicy Pumpkin Pickle Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden, spicy pumpkin and pickle grilled cheese with melty cheddar and crispy bread for an irresistible meal.

# Components:

→ Pumpkin Spread

01 - 118 ml (1/2 cup) unsweetened pumpkin purée
02 - 0.62 ml (1/4 tsp) smoked paprika
03 - 0.62 ml (1/4 tsp) ground cumin
04 - 0.31 ml (1/8 tsp) cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste
05 - 0.62 ml (1/4 tsp) salt
06 - 0.31 ml (1/8 tsp) black pepper
07 - 4.92 ml (1 tsp) olive oil

→ Sandwich Assembly

08 - 4 slices sourdough or sturdy sandwich bread
09 - 237 ml (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 - 59 ml (1/4 cup) sliced dill pickles, or bread & butter pickles
11 - 29.57 ml (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Combine pumpkin purée, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and thoroughly incorporated.
02 - Evenly spread the prepared pumpkin mixture onto two slices of bread.
03 - Arrange the sliced pickles over the pumpkin spread, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly on top of the pickles.
04 - Place the remaining two slices of bread on top to form the sandwiches.
05 - Apply softened butter to the outer surfaces of each sandwich, covering both sides.
06 - Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
07 - Cook the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Gently press with a spatula during cooking until the bread achieves a golden-brown exterior and the cheese is fully melted.
08 - Remove from heat, allow to cool briefly, slice in half, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients with bold flavor combinations
  • Perfectly balanced sweet, spicy, and tangy elements
  • Customizable heat level to suit your preference
02 -
  • The pumpkin mixture can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator
  • This sandwich packs 13g of protein per serving
  • The combination of fat from cheese and fiber from pumpkin makes this surprisingly filling
03 -
  • The key to achieving the perfect grilled cheese lies in patience and temperature control. Start with room temperature ingredients, especially the butter, which should be soft enough to spread without tearing the bread. Cook over medium heat rather than high to allow the cheese to melt completely while the bread reaches golden perfection. Finally, resist the urge to continuously flip the sandwich; fewer flips mean better crust development and more even melting.

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