A Grilled Cheese Worthy of Tomato Season

 

There are sandwiches... and then there’s this sandwich. Crispy golden bread, melty vegan Garlic Cheese, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and a generous slather of pesto. It’s everything we want in a bite right now. Simple, satisfying, and seriously tasty comfort food.

A Little Grilled Cheese Lore 

Grilled cheese has humble beginnings, but it’s earned its spot in the comfort food hall of fame. The modern version as we know it (crispy bread, gooey cheese) rose to popularity in the U.S. during the 1920s and 30s, when sliced bread and affordable cheese became household staples.

Of course, we’ve taken that classic and made it better (and dairy-free). This isn’t your cafeteria grilled cheese, this one’s grown up, garlic-forward, and filled with plants but still super easy. With its golden sourdough crust and layers of savory roasted veg, it’s giving retro with a refresh.

And in case you were wondering - yes, grilled cheese can be nutritious! Especially when you use whole food ingredients like heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, and our creamy vegan wedge made with cashews and real garlic.

 

Why We’re Crushing on Heirloom Tomatoes 

Tomato season is short but oh-so-sweet, and heirlooms are the crown jewels of the bunch. Unlike conventional hybrids, heirloom varieties are grown for flavor, not shelf life. That’s why they’re often juicier, tangier, and more complex in taste, not to mention those gorgeous colors and funky shapes.

Roasting them concentrates all that summery goodness, making them the perfect match for melty cheese and crispy bread. You’ll want to use ripe but firm tomatoes here so they hold their shape and bring that sweet-savory punch to every bite.

Heirloom tomatoes aren’t just pretty faces, they're packed with antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium. Layer them into a sandwich with basil-rich pesto and our Roasted Garlic Wedge, and you've got an easy meal that hits all the marks: crunchy, creamy, tangy, and fresh.

 

 

 

RECIPE

Serves: 2 grilled cheeses

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

 

Ingredients:

1 TBSP avocado oil

Himalayan sea salt

1 large or two small heirloom tomatoes, sliced

2 TBSP basil pesto

4 slices sourdough bread

1/2 Darë Roasted Garlic Wedge, sliced

handful fresh basil leaves

2 TBSP vegan butter

 

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Arrange the tomato slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with avocado oil and season with a pinch of Himalayan sea salt. Roast the tomatoes for 15- 20 minutes. 

Brush the outside of each slice of bread with vegan butter. On the inside of one of the slices of bread, spread the pesto. Layer slices of the Roasted Garlic Wedge and the roasted tomatoes on the other side. Add the top piece of bread. 

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Enjoy immediately!