Bocadillo de Queso with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 crusty baguettes (200g each) 2 crusty baguettes (200g each)
• 200g Manchego cheese, sliced 200g Manchego cheese, sliced
• 4 slices of Serrano ham 4 slices of Serrano ham
• 1 ripe tomato, sliced 1 ripe tomato, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat a grill or panini press.
2. 2.
   Slice the baguettes in half lengthwise.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. 4.
   Brush the cut sides of the baguettes with the olive oil mixture.
5. 5.
   Layer the Manchego cheese, Serrano ham, tomato slices, and red onion on the bottom half of each baguette.
6. 6.
   Place the top half of the baguettes on the fillings to form sandwiches.
7. 7.
   Grill the sandwiches for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the grill and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Baguettes — Choose a crusty baguette with a soft interior for the best texture.
• Manchego cheese — Opt for a high-quality Manchego cheese with a rich and nutty flavor.
• Serrano ham — Look for thinly sliced Serrano ham for easy layering.
• Tomato — Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
• Red onion — Slice the red onion thinly to add a subtle crunch to the sandwich.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the Serrano ham with roasted bell peppers.
• Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda or Cheddar, for a unique twist.
• Serve the Bocadillo de Queso with a side of Spanish olives for an authentic experience.
• If you don't have a grill or panini press, you can toast the sandwiches in a hot skillet with a weight on top to achieve a similar result.

Serving advice

Serve the Bocadillo de Queso warm, allowing the cheese to ooze out slightly. Cut the sandwiches into smaller portions for easy handling and enjoy them as a satisfying lunch or a delightful snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the plate with a sprig of fresh parsley or basil. Serve the Bocadillo de Queso on a wooden cutting board or a rustic platter to showcase its Spanish origins.