Save to Pinterest The first time I made this was actually by accident during a rainy Sunday afternoon when I was craving both avocado toast and a warm grilled cheese sandwich. I had half an avocado leftover from breakfast and some sourdough sitting on the counter, so I just combined them. The way the creamy avocado mixes with the melty cheese creates this incredible texture that feels way more indulgent than it should.
I made these for my roommate last winter when she came home exhausted from work, and she literally stopped mid-bite to ask why wed never thought of this before. Now theyre our go-to comfort food whenever life feels overwhelming. Something about the warmth and the crunch just makes everything better.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough or whole grain bread: Sourdough gives you that tangy crunch and holds up beautifully against the moisture from the avocado, but whole grain works if you want something heartier
- 1 large ripe avocado: Look for one that yields slightly to gentle pressure but isnt mushy, and avoid any with dark sunken spots
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: This keeps the avocado from turning brown and adds a brightness that cuts through all the richness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Dont be shy with the pepper, it really wakes up the mellow flavors
- 4 slices cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts perfectly and has enough sharpness to stand up to the avocado, though Gouda or Monterey Jack work beautifully too
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter spreads more evenly, and unsalted lets you control the seasoning since the cheese and avocado already have plenty of flavor
Instructions
- Mash the avocado mixture:
- Scoop the avocado into a small bowl and mash it with the lemon juice, salt, and pepper until its mostly smooth but still has some small chunks for texture.
- Prepare the bread:
- Butter one side of each bread slice with a thin, even layer of softened butter.
- Assemble the filling:
- Flip two slices over so the unbuttered side faces up, then spread the mashed avocado evenly across both pieces.
- Add the cheese:
- Lay two slices of cheese over the avocado on each piece, making sure the cheese covers most of the surface.
- Complete the sandwiches:
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward, to form two sandwiches.
- Heat the pan:
- Place a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat and let it warm up for about a minute.
- Grill the sandwiches:
- Carefully place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately:
- Remove from the pan, let them cool for just a minute so the cheese sets slightly, then slice each sandwich in half and serve while still warm.
Save to Pinterest My dad tried these when he visited last month and confessed he used to think avocado toast was overhyped until he tasted this version. Now he texts me pictures every time he makes them, which is basically several times a week.
Choosing the Right Bread
Ive learned that slightly stale sourdough actually works better than fresh because it holds up to the heat without getting soggy from the avocado. Look for bread with a tight crumb structure, no huge holes where the avocado can leak through during cooking.
Getting the Perfect Melt
The trick is patience, let the cheese melt slowly over medium heat so it has time to get gooey without burning the bread. If you notice the bread browning too fast, reduce the heat slightly and cover the pan for a minute to trap the heat and help the cheese melt.
Customization Ideas
Sometimes I add a thin layer of pesto before the avocado for an herby kick, or sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on the butter before grilling for extra crunch. You can also add sliced tomatoes or a few leaves of fresh spinach for more color and freshness.
- Add crispy cooked bacon for a smoky salty contrast that makes this feel even more indulgent
- Try red pepper flakes mixed into the avocado if you want heat without losing the creamy texture
- Experiment with different cheeses like gruyere for nuttiness or pepper jack for spice
Save to Pinterest There is something so perfect about the way the warm buttery bread meets the cool creamy avocado, and I hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to without even thinking about it.
Questions & Answers
- → What bread works best for this dish?
Sourdough or whole grain breads are ideal as they provide a sturdy base that crisps well when toasted.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or any good melting cheese work well to add creamy texture and flavor.
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Spreading butter on the outside before grilling creates a crispy crust that helps keep the bread from becoming soggy.
- → What seasonings enhance the avocado?
Lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground pepper brighten the avocado taste and balance the richness of the cheese.
- → Can I add extra ingredients?
Yes, sliced tomato, red onion, cooked bacon, or a pinch of chili flakes can add flavor and texture variations.