• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Wimpy Vegetarian
  • Home
  • About
    • About Susan
    • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Recipe Index
  • Essential Pantry
    • Reduced Balsamic Vinegar
  • Contact Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Vegetarian 101
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian 101
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Blog Post

    Roasted Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Harissa Mayonnaise

    May 28, 2013 34 Comments

    Grilled cheese sandwich with roasted tomatoes and harissa mayonnaise, vegetarian, omnivore option, kid-friendly

    Another way to use those Roasted Balsamic Tomatoes I made last week!

    Most days, I eat reasonably healthy; but some days, you know, I just don't want to. It may be the mood I'm in; other times it's all about the weather, making me crave something gooey and soft, full of flavors and textures from my childhood. Yesterday we had a drizzle that lasted all day. I tucked myself under our big table umbrella on the patio for this grilled cheese lunch, listened to raindrops softly kiss the Japanese maple leaves around me, and watched luscious yellow roses droop and then collapse with a silent poof! as large, soft petals drifted to the patio. It was so peaceful, and slightly cool, making this melty sandwich the perfect counterbalance to the day.

    A Few Cooking Notes:

    Use your favorite cheese, but I recommend two cheeses for same reason I always use two different kinds of apples when I make apple pies. Two different cheeses offer different melting characteristics, and a greater depth of flavor. I find this particularly important on this sandwich as the roasting of the tomatoes really amps up the tomato in the sandwich, and needs balanced.

    If you don't like things too spicy, adjust the harissa content in the mayonnaise down, or just use mayonnaise. Another option is my Avocado Cream. I've used it on this sandwich with great success. If you like things a little spicier, you can add more harissa (obviously), or add chipotle peppers in adobo to the mayo instead of the harissa.

    You can purchase harissa in the condiments section of many grocery stores, or the International section. Or, if you want, here's how to make harissa.

    The amount of cheese is somewhat approximate, since it largely depends on the size of the bread you're using. Rule of thumb with this sandwich is to ensure good coverage of the bread, and the same thickness grated as three slices of traditional American cheese. Otherwise, the roasted tomatoes will overwhelm the flavor of the cheese.

    Roasted Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Harissa Mayonnaise, the Wimpy Vegetarian, recipe
    Print Recipe
    No ratings yet

    Roasted Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Harissa Mayonnaise

    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Lunch
    Servings: 2 sandwiches
    Author: Susan Pridmore

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 2 teaspoons harissa
    • 4 slices whole grain bread
    • ⅔ cup grated your favorite cheese I used a combination of cheddar and fontina
    • 4 roasted tomato halves thickly sliced
    • 2 slices of bacon for the omnivore's sandwich
    • butter

    Instructions

    • Stir together the mayonnaise and harissa. Spread onto the bread.
    • Pile the grated cheese onto two of the slices of bread, and add the sliced tomatoes. Add the bacon for the omnivore's sandwich, and top with the remaining two bread slices.
    • Melt a little butter in a heated skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and loosely cover. Cook for five minutes. Flip, using a spatula, loosely cover, and cook for another five minutes.
    • Remove and slice in half.
    • I served mine with a large green salad with avocado slices, dressed with oil, vinegar and mustard.
    • Enjoy!

    Stressing over dinner?

    Sign up for my newsletter and never miss another vegetarian recipe, meal plan or tip to simplify life in the kitchen!

    And we will never share your email. Promise.

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    « Smoked Trout Deviled Eggs
    Roasted Berries + Coconut and Lime »

    Want more vegetarian meals in your life?

    Sign up for my newsletter and never miss another vegetarian recipe. 

    I also share tips for simplifying life in the kitchen, but never share your email. Promise.

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. TasteFood

      May 28, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      This is AWESOME.

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        May 28, 2013 at 9:54 pm

        Thanks so much Lynda!!

        Reply
    2. lizthechef

      May 28, 2013 at 3:07 pm

      Wish I hadn't read the part about adding bacon 😉 Great photo - makes my mouth water...

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        May 28, 2013 at 10:01 pm

        Thanks Liz! And I love how your hummus looks!!

        Reply
    3. apuginthekitchen

      May 28, 2013 at 4:40 pm

      Delicious, nothing like a gooey cheese sandwich on a grey day, it brightens things up beautfully, Love the roasted tomatoes and harissa.

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        May 28, 2013 at 10:02 pm

        Isn't that the truth, Suzanne? I savored that rainy day along with the gooey cheese.

        Reply
    4. Debra

      May 28, 2013 at 6:47 pm

      I am becoming a lover of Harissa. And, I love any grilled cheese.

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        May 28, 2013 at 10:02 pm

        I fell in love with harissa awhile ago too, and then started making my own. I add it to sooo many things to add a little kick 🙂

        Reply
    5. mjskit

      May 28, 2013 at 7:28 pm

      I'm so glad I looked at that sandwich on a full stomach. WOW! I love cheese pouring from a grilled sandwich. There's nothing better. Harissa and bacon? I want this sandwich!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        May 28, 2013 at 10:03 pm

        I almost didn't get the photos off before we ate it :-). Usually I'll check the photos before we eat the food, but not this time...

        Reply
    6. Snehal

      May 29, 2013 at 2:42 pm

      Roasted balsamic tomatoes! I love balsamic anything - gotta try this! The picture is gorgeous. I thought there was a fig inside at first. Maybe I'll try that too 🙂

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        May 29, 2013 at 6:33 pm

        Oh I love the idea of figs !! I roast them too in the late summer and early fall when they show up here.

        Reply
        • Snehal Katre

          May 30, 2013 at 8:17 am

          We have a fig tree in the yard. I made a preserve last year with balsamic vinegar. I'll try roasting them this time.

          Reply
    7. Norma Chang

      May 29, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      A treat now and then is a good thing for the soul.

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        May 29, 2013 at 6:33 pm

        That's exactly how I feel, Norma. Food and life are to be enjoyed. It's all about balance.

        Reply
    8. EA-The Spicy RD

      May 29, 2013 at 5:15 pm

      Oh my goodness yum! I'll take one on gluten-free bread please!!!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        May 29, 2013 at 6:32 pm

        Easily done, EA !!

        Reply
    9. Juls

      May 29, 2013 at 5:21 pm

      So what brand of cheese do you use that is vegetarian? I haven't found any vegan that taste very good and those that do not use rennet on the "list" are pricey as all get out???

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        May 29, 2013 at 6:32 pm

        Good question Juls. All cheese is vegetarian, but not necessarily vegan. The difference is that straight- up vegetarian (versus ovo-vegetarian or lacto-vegetarian) only eliminates animals from the diet. Vegan broadens it to include all animal products like dairy and even honey. Some of my dishes are vegan, but I eat cheese and eggs. I haven't tried any of the cheese alternatives. Like you say they are super expensive !! Sorry I can't help you on this !!

        Reply
        • Juls

          May 29, 2013 at 11:40 pm

          Actually, it depends on your definition of vegetarian. Most commercial cheese is made with rennet, the mucus lining of animals, normally unborn, to help the fermentation process. This adds a level other than lactose to the mix that can make most cheese not vegetarian. Personally, once I found out that was the process I really haven't been able to stomach it even though I really love cheese and have no issue with milk or eggs. My conversion to vegetarian is not one of principle but driven by health needs. However, I am leaning to the side of NOT eating cheese unless it's made with plant enzymes rather than animal.

          Reply
          • The Wimpy Vegetarian

            May 30, 2013 at 6:43 am

            Really good information Juls ! I'm mostly vegetarian, but not completely (I frequently have fish when I eat out, and thus the wimpy vegetarian moniker), but rarely have meat or fish at home. My decision to go this direction is a combination of health issues, environmental concerns, and principle, and it's been more of an evolutional process than revolutional decision, if that makes sense, and it's still in progress. I really appreciate you sharing the information on the rennet. I knew it was an animal product, but not much more than that, and was just operating from one of the (many) definitions of vegetarian that includes all dairy, eggs, and honey. I'm not going to quit eating cheese today, to be honest, but I am going to join your investigation into cheeses made with plant enzymes so I can identify ones I like that I can switch to. And it's time to start to decrease my cheese intake, which my cholesterol will undoubtedly be grateful for as well. Thank you !!

            Reply
            • The Wimpy Vegetarian

              May 30, 2013 at 6:45 am

              I should add that if I identify some, I'll pass them onto you, and would love to hear if you find some good cheeses that use plant enzymes too!

              Reply
              • Juls

                May 30, 2013 at 7:19 am

                Oh yes, please share! I have to say I wasn't ready to drop cheese either but when i think about it my stomach turns a bit. So until I come to terms with either the process or find another decent brand I have been skipping. Here is a link to the list that was sent to me:

                http://cheese.joyousliving.com/

                Good luck!!

                Reply
                • The Wimpy Vegetarian

                  May 30, 2013 at 7:38 am

                  What a great conversation. Thanks - I just checked it out! And I looked in my fridge at some rennet I bought at a cheese fair recently. I make soft 'farmer's' cheeses, but want to try my hand at harder cheeses. Luckily it says vegetarian rennet across it. Yay! Maybe we should just become cheese makers (in our spare time :-)).

    10. The Wimpy Vegetarian

      May 29, 2013 at 6:36 pm

      Until I started experimenting with this dish, I hadn't had a grilled cheese sandwich in years. Not so great for my cholesterol, I'm sure. But this sandwich has been in my head for months now. And making it reminded me how much I LOVE these sandwiches. I seems to me that every once in awhile I should be able to splurge on this treat 🙂

      Reply
    11. Hannah

      May 30, 2013 at 8:47 am

      What an utterly divine sandwich, Susan! Harissa mayo and gooey cheese? Yes, please!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        June 05, 2013 at 9:32 am

        Thanks so much Hannah! The harissa really makes the difference. I add it to so many things now 🙂

        Reply
    12. Lora @cakeduchess

      June 05, 2013 at 3:28 am

      This sandwich looks incredible, Susan. I was craving a section when I saw it on FB the other day. And the suggestion to add bacon is perfect for those that love a little crunchy bacon flavor;)

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        June 05, 2013 at 9:40 am

        Thanks so much Lora !! I'm in the middle of two moves right now, but am thinking of rolls I might want to link into your Twelve Loaves this week. I'm throwing a going party for our house this weekend, so it's the perfect time!

        Reply
    13. Julia

      June 06, 2013 at 5:44 pm

      This sounds wonderful! I love the harissa in the sandwich.

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        June 06, 2013 at 5:54 pm

        Thanks much Julia! I love harissa too - it's so versatile, isn't it?

        Reply
    14. laurasmess

      June 12, 2013 at 11:13 pm

      Oh my gosh!!! This sandwich looks absolutely amazing! I love harissa. I've become a little addicted to it in recent months, especially added to thick Greek yoghurt as an accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish or roasted potatoes. I'll definitely try this sandwich. Grilled cheese is such a comforting, delicious option for any meal (even breakfast, I reckon!)

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        June 13, 2013 at 10:13 am

        I love, love, love harissa. I make it now, since I'm using so much on so many things. Love the idea of adding it to yogurt and tossing with roasted potatoes. I've got some of these little guys in the refrigerator from a party that this would be perfect for. And the sandwich? Killer. If you like grilled cheese, and you like harissa and roasted tomatoes, this is right up your alley! Just subscribed to your blog too 🙂 Love it!

        Reply
    15. Mary Frances

      July 24, 2013 at 9:07 am

      Oh this looks FABULOUS! Sometimes comfort food is exactly what you need on a rainy summer day, and there's no comfort food quite like a cheesy, delicious sandwich!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Susan at The Wimpy Vegetarian

    Hi there! I'm Susan.

    A mostly vegetarian married to a mostly carnivore, living in the mountains with our doodle, on Lake Tahoe. My cookbook, Simply Vegetarian, was named #1 best cookbook for new vegetarians. Come join me in simplifying life, starting with dinner!

    More about me →

    READER FAVORITES

    • Mexican Street Corn Casserole baked in a tart shell.
      Easy Mexican Street Corn Casserole Recipe
    • Small bowl of avocado cream, with a cut avocado in the background.
      Easy Avocado Cream Sauce with a Kick
    • A bowl of fresh strawberry salsa with a crostini spread with cheese and topped with salsa.
      Strawberry Salsa
    • A bowl of avocado soup made with tomatillos.
      Avocado Soup with Tomatillos and Hatch Chile

    10 Tips for Going Vegetarian

    Freshly washed apples in a colander with text overlay for Main photo.

    Purchase My Cookbook!!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Purchase my cookbook
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Recipe Index

    Copyright © 2023 The Wimpy Vegetarian

    201 shares
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Twitter