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    Home » MAINS

    Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomatoes and Harissa Mayonnaise

    Modified: Sep 27, 2023 by Susan Pridmore · This post may contain affiliate links · 32 Comments

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    Grilled cheese sandwich filled with tomatoes and harissa mayonnaise.

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    Want to make this recipe perfectly the first time? I want to help with that. So, check out this Table of Contents to see which sections of this post will help you the most.

    Jump to:
    • 🧅 Main Ingredients + Notes
    • 🔪 Recommended Equipment
    • 👩‍🍳 Preparation Tips
    • 💡Ideas for Possible Variations
    • 📇 More Vegetarian Sandwiches You Might Like
    • Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomatoes and Harissa Mayonnaise

    Grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect when you want a warm lunch, but not a lot of trouble. On drizzly days, it's my go-to with a bowl of homemade tomato soup or this roasted eggplant soup made with roasted tomatoes.

    You can keep it simple with just cheese, or add some sliced tomatoes. If I have spicy pepper jam on hand, I slather some on one of the slices of bread. And if I have Roasted Balsamic Tomatoes on hand, they're perfect on an gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

    But one of my favorite is this grilled cheese sandwich with tomatoes and harissa mayonnaise.

    🧅 Main Ingredients + Notes

    The secret to faster and easier meals often lies in the ingredients. For example, store-bought items and ingredients you make ahead and store in the refrigerator (or freezer) can turn a 60-minute recipe into a 30-minutes meal or less.

    For the all of the ingredients, measurements and directions, go to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post.

    • Mayonnaise
    • Harissa - either purchase it in the ethnic foods aisle of your grocery store, or make your own harissa. There's a big range of spiciness in harissa, and I like Mina Harissa as it's spicy, but not too much.
    • Bread - use your favorite, whether it's whole grain bread with seeds or white bread.
    • Cheddar cheese - or use a combination of cheeses. I like the combination of cheddar with either Monterey Jack cheese, Pepper Jack or Fontina cheese.
    • Tomatoes - Plum tomatoes (Roma tomatoes) or larger tomatoes are perfect in this sandwich. I don't recommend cherry or grape tomatoes.
    • Unsalted butter - for the pan.

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products and foods I use in my kitchen. This means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. To view my entire storefront of recommended kitchen tools and equipment, check out my shop on Amazon.

    🔪 Recommended Equipment

    Having the right equipment for recipes makes prepping soooo much easier. If you want more fuss-free prepping and cooking, check out my updated list of favorite kitchen tools and equipment.

    • Cheese grater
    • Chef's knife - for slicing the tomato.
    • Large skillet large enough to accommodate 2 sandwiches, or a griddle.

    👩‍🍳 Preparation Tips

    • I recommend using two different cheeses together for a greater depth of flavor, but it's not absolutely necessary.
    • Grating your own cheese means the cheese will melt better. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with cellulose to keep it from caking together. It also mutes the cheese flavor.
    • The amount of cheese is dependent on the size of bread slices you're using. My rule of thumb is to have enough grated cheese to cover the bread to the approximate thickness of 3 slices of traditional American cheese.

    💡Ideas for Possible Variations

    • Roast the tomatoes, with or without balsamic vinegar.
    • Experiment with the cheeses you use. Just make sure they're melty cheeses.
    • If you want this sandwich spicier, swap out the harissa for chipotle peppers in adobo. If you want it less spicy, eliminate the harissa and use Pepper Jack cheese. Want it completely un-spicy? Eliminate the harissa and use mild cheeses.

    📇 More Vegetarian Sandwiches You Might Like

    Caprese Panini

    Eggplant Sandwich

    Chickpea Pocket Sandwich

    Black Bean and Quinoa Wrap with Hummus

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    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Save Recipe
    Grilled cheese sandwich filled with tomatoes and harissa mayonnaise.
    5 from 13 votes

    Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomatoes and Harissa Mayonnaise

    Grilled cheese sandwich with slices of tomatoes, and harissa mixed into mayonnaise for an easy, cozy lunch for two.
    Print Recipe Save Saved! Pin Recipe Add to Recipe Collection Go to Collections Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Course: Lunch
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: grilled cheese sandwich with tomatoes
    Servings: 2 sandwiches
    Calories: 515.3kcal
    Author: Susan Pridmore
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    Equipment

    • Chef's knife
    • box grater
    • Griddle or large skillet

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 2 teaspoons harissa
    • 4 slices sandwich bread
    • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
    • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
    • 4 tomato slices
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Instructions

    • Stir together the mayonnaise and harissa. Spread onto 4 slices of bread.
    • Pile the grated cheese onto two of the slices of bread, and flatten. Be sure you have good coverage on the bread. Top with tomatoes slices. 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, and add additional butter if needed.
      Loosely cover the skillet, and cook for another 3 - 5 minutes.
    • Remove, slice in half and serve warm.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 515.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.7g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 36.2g | Saturated Fat: 16.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8.8g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 74.3mg | Sodium: 796.4mg | Potassium: 254.1mg | Fiber: 1.9g | Sugar: 5.1g | Vitamin A: 1168.7IU | Vitamin C: 8.2mg | Calcium: 525.2mg | Iron: 2.1mg
    « Smoked Trout Deviled Eggs
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    About Susan Pridmore

    Susan Pridmore is an award-winning cookbook author and the owner of The Wimpy Vegetarian. She has been featured in Huffington Post, Healthline, BuzzFeed, and has written for and developed recipes for The Food Network and Parade Magazine. She is professionally trained and focuses on easy vegetarian recipes for busy lives, bread-baking, and tips for new vegetarians. Susan lives in the mountains in Lake Tahoe with her husband and mini-labradoodle.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. TasteFood

      May 28, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      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

      5 stars
      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

      5 stars
      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

      5 stars
      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

      5 stars
      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

      5 stars
      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

      5 stars
      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

      5 stars
      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. Whole Foods has a lot of choices for cheeses made with a vegetable rennet.

        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 :-)).

                Reply
    10. Hannah

      May 30, 2013 at 8:47 am

      5 stars
      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
    11. Lora @cakeduchess

      June 05, 2013 at 3:28 am

      5 stars
      This sandwich looks incredible, Susan. I was craving a sandwich 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
    12. Julia

      June 06, 2013 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      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
    13. laurasmess

      June 12, 2013 at 11:13 pm

      5 stars
      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
    14. Mary Frances

      July 24, 2013 at 9:07 am

      5 stars
      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
    5 from 13 votes

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    Hi there! I'm an award-winning cookbook author, culinary school graduate, professional photographer and recipe developer. My cookbook Simply Vegetarian was named #1 best cookbook for new vegetarians, and I want to make it easier for you to cook fabulous vegetarian meals. Come join me in the kitchen!

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