Savory Grilled Monterey Jack Cheese on Rye with Olive-Mustard Spread
Elevate your lunch experience with our Savory Grilled Monterey Jack Cheese on Rye with Olive-Mustard Spread. This delightful sandwich combines the creamy richness of Monterey Jack cheese with a tangy and flavorful blend of green olive tapenade and Dijon mustard, all nestled between two slices of hearty seeded rye bread. Perfectly grilled to a golden crisp, each bite is a satisfying contrast of textures and tastes. Ideal for a quick snack, a light lunch, or a gourmet twist on a classic favorite, this recipe is sure to impress both family and friends.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
green olive tapenade
2 tablespoons (ready to use)
Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons (ready to use)
seeded rye bread
8 slices (sliced)
Monterey Jack cheese
8-10 ounces (sliced)
olive oil
as needed (for brushing)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the green olive tapenade and Dijon mustard until well blended.
2
Lay out 8 slices of seeded rye bread on a clean surface.
3
Spread the olive-mustard mixture generously on one side of 4 slices of the bread.
4
Top each of the spread slices with the sliced Monterey Jack cheese.
5
Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top to form sandwiches, ensuring the spread is on the inside.
6
Carefully brush the outer sides of the sandwiches with olive oil for a beautiful golden crust.
7
Preheat your panini press or a heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
8
Place the sandwiches in the press or skillet, and if using a skillet, place a weight on top to press them down.
9
Grill the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side.
10
Remove from heat, slice in half if desired, and serve hot for a satisfying melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are seeded rye bread, Monterey Jack cheese, green olive tapenade, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
What makes this grilled cheese sandwich savory?
The sandwich is made savory by the tangy blend of green olive tapenade and Dijon mustard paired with creamy Monterey Jack cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of equipment can I use to grill the sandwiches?
You can use a panini press or a heavy nonstick skillet.
How long does it take to grill the sandwiches?
It takes about 3-5 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
What should I do if I use a skillet instead of a panini press?
If using a skillet, place a weight on top of the sandwiches to press them down for even grilling.
Why is olive oil used on the bread?
Olive oil is brushed on the outer sides of the bread to create a beautiful, golden, and crispy crust.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for its creamy richness and excellent melting quality.
What is the best bread for this recipe?
Hearty seeded rye bread is recommended for its texture and flavor profile.
How much green olive tapenade is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of green olive tapenade.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
You will need 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
How is the olive-mustard spread prepared?
Simply combine the green olive tapenade and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until well blended.
How much Monterey Jack cheese do I need?
You will need 8-10 ounces of sliced Monterey Jack cheese.
How many slices of bread are used for 4 sandwiches?
You will need 8 slices of seeded rye bread.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is categorized as a Lunch/Snack recipe and is ideal for a quick gourmet meal.
How do I assemble the sandwiches?
Spread the mixture on 4 slices, add cheese, and top with the remaining 4 slices, keeping the spread inside.
What is the recommended heat setting for grilling?
Preheat your panini press or skillet over medium-high heat.
Can I substitute the mustard?
While Dijon is recommended for its tang, you could try a spicy brown mustard for a different kick.
Should the tapenade be prepared fresh?
The recipe specifies using ready-to-use green olive tapenade for convenience.
How should I serve the sandwiches?
Remove from heat, slice in half if desired, and serve hot while the cheese is still melted.
What is the texture of the bread after cooking?
The bread should be golden brown and crispy.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is an easy recipe that is great for families and friends.
Can I use black olive tapenade instead of green?
Yes, black olive tapenade can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I ensure the crust is golden?
Ensure you carefully brush the outer sides of the sandwiches with olive oil before grilling.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include grilled cheese, comfort food, rye bread, and sandwich.
Can I add extra protein to this sandwich?
While the recipe is vegetarian, you could easily add sliced turkey or ham if desired.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
No, the provided data does not include specific calorie or nutritional counts.
Is the cheese sliced or shredded?
The recipe calls for sliced Monterey Jack cheese.
What should I do if the bread is browning too fast?
Lower the heat slightly to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
Can I use sourdough instead of rye?
Yes, sourdough is a great alternative if you prefer it over rye bread.