Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, crispy sandwich that combines the rich flavors of Middle Eastern kanafeh with the gooey goodness of mozzarella cheese. The Kanafeh Grilled Cheese Sandwich is not just a meal; it's a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy! Perfect for a quick lunch or an indulgent snack, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique twist on a classic favorite—your culinary adventure starts here!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup kanafeh (shredded phyllo dough)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Honey for drizzling
- Pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by shredding the mozzarella cheese if not pre-shredded and chopping pistachios for garnish.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, ensuring it doesn't brown.
- Gently separate and fluff the kanafeh (shredded phyllo dough) with your fingers to create a light, airy texture.
- Brush one side of each bread slice generously with the melted butter.
- On the non-buttered side of two bread slices, layer first a thin spread of mozzarella cheese, then a generous layer of kanafeh dough.
- Add another layer of mozzarella cheese on top of the kanafeh, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing outward, creating a sandwich.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Carefully transfer the sandwiches to the heated skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove sandwiches from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow cheese to set slightly.
- Drizzle generously with honey and sprinkle chopped pistachios over the top.
- Cut diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: To save time, prepare all your ingredients in advance. Shred the mozzarella cheese and chop the pistachios so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
- Butter Control: Melt the unsalted butter over low heat to prevent it from browning. This will help achieve that golden, crispy exterior without burning.
- Fluff the Kanafeh: When working with the kanafeh, gently fluff it with your fingers. This creates an airy texture that will enhance the sandwich's overall crunchiness.
- Even Layering: Be generous with the layers of mozzarella and kanafeh, but ensure they are evenly distributed to avoid any uneven melting or burning.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Use medium-low heat while cooking the sandwiches. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly while giving the bread enough time to become crispy without burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the sandwiches to rest for a minute or two after cooking. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut and eat.
- Garnish for Flavor: Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle with chopped pistachios just before serving. This adds a delightful sweetness and crunch that elevates the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 727kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
