Spanish Delight Grilled Sandwich
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Spain with our Spanish Delight Grilled Sandwich. This delightful sandwich combines the smoky depth of pimentón (Spanish paprika) with the exquisite tastes of serrano ham, young Mahón cheese, and Manchego cheese. Fresh piquillo chilies add a vibrant pop, while Italian bread crusts get perfectly crisped to golden perfection. A perfect union of textures, this elevated grilled cheese not only satisfies midday cravings but also transports you to a sun-soaked Spanish plaza with every bite. Ideal for lunch or a snack, this culinary gem is sure to impress your family and friends.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 (tablespoons, at room temperature)
Pimentón (Spanish paprika)
1/2 (teaspoon)
Italian bread
8 (slices, sandwich-size)
Serrano ham or prosciutto
8 (thin slices (about 3 ounces))
Young Mahón cheese
4 (ounces, coarsely grated)
Manchego cheese
4 (ounces, coarsely grated)
Fresh piquillo chilies
4 (stems removed, slit lengthwise and opened like a book (canned can be substituted))
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and pimentón until well blended.
2
Take the 8 slices of Italian bread and spread the pimentón-butter mixture evenly on one side of each slice.
3
On a clean surface, lay out 4 slices of bread, buttered side down. Place 2 slices of serrano ham (or prosciutto) on each slice of bread.
4
Top the ham with an even distribution of the grated young Mahón and Manchego cheeses, ensuring an enticing, cheesy layer.
5
Open the piquillo chilies and place them over the cheese, adding an extra burst of flavor. Cover with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up.
6
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for approximately 2 minutes. Carefully place the prepared sandwiches in the skillet. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
7
Remove the cover, carefully flip each sandwich, and press down firmly with a spatula to enhance the melting of the cheese and compress the filling.
8
Cover again and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the new underside is well-browned.
9
Turn the sandwiches one last time, press them lightly with the spatula again, and cook for an additional minute.
10
Remove from the heat and allow the sandwiches to cool for 2 to 3 minutes on a cutting board. Cut in half diagonally and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spanish Delight Grilled Sandwich?
It is an elevated grilled cheese sandwich that combines smoky pimenton, serrano ham, Mahon cheese, and Manchego cheese for a rich Spanish flavor.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of sandwich-sized Italian bread.
Which cheeses are used in the sandwich?
This recipe uses 4 ounces of coarsely grated young Mahon cheese and 4 ounces of coarsely grated Manchego cheese.
What is pimenton?
Pimenton is a Spanish paprika that provides a signature smoky depth to the butter spread used on the bread.
Can I substitute serrano ham with something else?
Yes, prosciutto can be used as a substitute if serrano ham is not available.
How do I prepare the flavored butter?
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of softened butter with 1/2 teaspoon of pimenton until well blended.
What are piquillo chilies?
Piquillo chilies are small Spanish peppers that add a vibrant pop of flavor; they are prepared by removing stems and slitting them open like a book.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 grilled sandwiches.
What temperature should I use for the skillet?
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes before adding the sandwiches.
How long should I cook the first side?
Cook the first side covered for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.
Why is the skillet covered during the cooking process?
Covering the skillet helps the cheese melt thoroughly while the bread crisps up.
How long do I cook the second side of the sandwich?
After flipping, cover and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the new underside is well-browned.
Should I press down on the sandwich?
Yes, press down firmly with a spatula after flipping to enhance cheese melting and compress the filling.
Can I use canned piquillo chilies?
Yes, canned piquillo chilies are a perfectly acceptable substitute if fresh ones are unavailable.
How should the sandwich be cut?
The instructions recommend cutting the sandwiches in half diagonally.
Is this sandwich suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a lunch item, making it ideal for midday cravings.
What gives the bread its golden, smoky crust?
The golden crust is created by spreading the pimenton-butter mixture on the outside of the Italian bread slices.
How much serrano ham is needed per sandwich?
The recipe uses 8 slices of ham total, which equates to 2 slices per sandwich.
How do I prepare the cheese for the recipe?
Both the Mahon and Manchego cheeses should be coarsely grated for an even distribution.
How long should the sandwiches cool before serving?
Allow the sandwiches to cool for 2 to 3 minutes on a cutting board to let the cheese set slightly.
Can I use regular paprika instead of pimenton?
You can, but pimenton is specifically chosen for its unique smoky flavor which is central to the Spanish profile of this dish.
What makes this a 'delight' sandwich?
The 'delight' comes from the premium combination of authentic Spanish ingredients like Manchego and piquillo peppers.
What is the final step in the cooking process?
The final step is to turn the sandwiches one last time, press them lightly with a spatula, and cook for one more minute.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as comfort food due to its warm, cheesy, and savory nature.
How do I assemble the layers of the sandwich?
Lay bread butter-side down, add ham, then cheese, then opened piquillo chilies, and top with the second bread slice butter-side up.
What is the total amount of cheese used?
The recipe uses a total of 8 ounces of cheese: 4 ounces of Mahon and 4 ounces of Manchego.
Does the recipe require a specific type of skillet?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the bread and cheese from sticking.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, it is highly versatile and suitable for both lunch and as a more substantial snack.
What does Mahon cheese taste like?
Young Mahon cheese is mild and slightly salty, which pairs perfectly with the sharper Manchego.
Should the butter be cold or room temperature?
The butter should be at room temperature so it can be easily blended with the pimenton.