Turkish-Style Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

In this Turkish adaptation of the classic American grilled cheese, we use Turkish cheeses like beyaz peynir and kaşar instead of the traditional American cheese. The bread used is crusty Turkish bread, which adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish. Additionally, we incorporate traditional Turkish spices like oregano and red pepper flakes to infuse the sandwich with the vibrant flavors of Turkish cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Grilled Cheese, so you can check it out.

• 4 slices of crusty Turkish bread 4 slices of crusty Turkish bread
• 200g (7 oz) beyaz peynir cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) beyaz peynir cheese, crumbled
• 200g (7 oz) kaşar cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) kaşar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 520 kcal / 2176 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 17g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Spread butter on one side of each slice of Turkish bread.
3. 3.
   Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle half of the crumbled beyaz peynir cheese and grated kaşar cheese on each slice.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle oregano and red pepper flakes evenly over the cheese.
6. 6.
   Top each slice with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
7. 7.
   Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and let the sandwiches cool for a minute before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Turkish bread — If you can't find Turkish bread, you can use a crusty French baguette as a substitute.
• Beyaz peynir cheese — If beyaz peynir is not available, you can use feta cheese as a substitute.
• Kaşar cheese — If kaşar cheese is not available, you can use mozzarella or provolone cheese as a substitute.
• Oregano — Make sure to use dried oregano for this recipe, as fresh oregano has a different flavor profile.
• Red pepper flakes — Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add some sliced tomatoes or fresh basil leaves to the sandwich before grilling.
• Experiment with different combinations of Turkish cheeses to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Serve the grilled cheese with a side of traditional Turkish pickles for a tangy contrast.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, brush the outer sides of the bread with olive oil instead of butter before grilling.
• To make it a heartier meal, serve the grilled cheese with a bowl of traditional Turkish lentil soup.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish-style grilled cheese hot off the skillet, allowing the cheese to ooze out with each bite. Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters for easy handling and serve with a side of Turkish pickles or a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra oregano and red pepper flakes on top of the grilled cheese. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a colorful plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the sandwich.