A grown-up grilled cheese sandwich that redefines the classic comfort food. With a kick of spice this Gluten-Free & Vegan Harissa Grilled Cheese is top allergy-free, packs in the flavor, and veggies! An easy lunch or dinner recipe for when you don't want to "cook"!
Before I start rambling, I have a serious question. Why is it called "GRILLED" cheese? During all of my 21 years of life, I have never seen someone actually grill a grilled cheese sandwich on a grill. It's always pan-fried on the stove. Unless, that is...you're supposed to make it on a grill pan? All it takes to answer that question is a quick Google search and the top result for "Why is a grilled cheese sandwich called grilled cheese?" comes from the snarky Cook's Info and states, "And, the sandwich is not actually "grilled" -- the term grilled there is partly an anachronism from the sandwich's evolution, and partly from today's confusion in the American mind over what a "grill" versus a "griddle" is (see the entry on Grill.) Grilled Cheese Sandwiches really should be called "fried cheese sandwiches" or "griddled cheese sandwiches" -- but it's far too late to try make the correction now."
It's good to know I'm the only one seeking answers to life's biggest queries. I guess silly Americans are always twisting words and such to fit our needs! The grilled cheese is such an American classic though, is it not? A greasy grilled cheese sandwich with some tomato soup is just another definition of comfort food for so many people. I say "so many people" because I HATED grilled cheese growing up! My mom always wanted to make it for me (she loved it), but my brother and I just did not find it even remotely appealing. Go figure, not all cheese and carbs are made equal.
The fact that I didn't like tomato soup wasn't helping the cause either. Low-and-behold, Right before I went dairy-free and then was diagnosed with celiac disease as well, I gave grilled cheese a try again and fell in love! I would ask for it daily, but like I said, that was a short-lived love affair. My mom would be eating her grilled cheese alone again. Tastes do change so always give things another chance even if you think you won't enjoy it!
I'm still not a fan of tomato soup, nor a fan of soup in general, but the classic accompaniment to a grilled cheese is a bowl of the red stuff. Giving this a little thought, why not use one of my favorite red sauces (besides ketchup)? HARISSA to the rescue! A 100% grown-up version of grilled cheese now. Spicy and sophisticated, and of course gluten-free, vegan, allergy-free, and just a bit healthier (with have carrots and zucchini packed in there!)
So I'm thinking this new take on the classic "fried" cheese sandwich will have your comfort food cravings satisfied while still being a bit trendy with that Moroccan harissa kick! No need to dirty a pot for the tomato soup either! That, my friends, is a delicious "lazy" win for those nights when you just want to "Netflix and chill", as the kids say.
Gluten-Free + Vegan Harissa Grilled Cheese
Gluten-Free + Vegan Harissa Grilled Cheese (Allergy-Free)
A grown-up grilled cheese sandwich that redefines the classic comfort food. With a kick of spice this Gluten-Free & Vegan Harissa Grilled Cheese is top-8 allergy-free, packs in the flavor, and veggies! An easy lunch or dinner recipe for when you don't want to "cook"!
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients
- Per Sandwich:
- 2 Slices of Gluten-Free Bread
- 2 TB Harissa (plus more for dipping)
- 2 Slices of Daiya Vegan Cheddar Cheese
- 1 TB Chopped Fresh Parsley
- ¼ Tsp Minced Garlic
- Shaved Carrot Slices
- Thinly Sliced Zucchini Rounds
Instructions
- Spread 1 tablespoon of harissa and the minced garlic on on slice of the bread and then layer on the cheese, shaved carrot, zucchini slices, and parsley.
- Spread the last tablespoon of harissa on the last slice of bread and place that on top to close the sandwich.
- Heat a greased cast iron skillet (or pan) over medium heat and cook your sandwich for about 3-5 minutes on each side.
- Serve with more harissa for dipping, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
In all its non-grilled glory, this harissa grilled cheese will be your new favorite gluten-free and vegan sandwich hands-down. If my mom had had even the most remote idea of what harissa was when I was a little kid and she made grilled cheese this way? I would have gobbled it up! I LOVED spicy food (I still do, it just doesn't love me!)
So tell me:
+ Grilled cheese and tomato soup? Yay or nay?
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Diane
Yumm! This looks so so good. Count me in!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Woo, thanks!
Ann @ Homestead Blog Hop
Amazing recipe as usual! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Create With Joy
You ALWAYS make healthy eating look SO good Rebecca!
Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's because it is!! Thank you!
Mel
Your toasties look gorgeous!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Lol, "toasties"!
Kat | Kitty & B
This sounds amazing! I love harissa and never would have thought to add it but it makes perfect sense. And, yes to soup! 😋
Kat
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Harissa is EVERYTHING! Haha!
Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook
You got me at harissa! This sounds fantastic m! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Gotta love that spice!
Ciara
Mmmm looks yum I will have to try this
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy it!
Rebecca Smith
I can not remember the last time I had grilled cheese, must give this a go...the weather's cold enough for comfort food now.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's the perfect time!
Mikayla tencer
This looks delicious! I'll give it a try
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Great! Enjoy!
susie liberatore
OMG this looks so delicious I cant wait to try it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Theresa @ Shoestring Elegance
This looks fantastic!! Thank you for sharing! Pinned!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Atim at EffiFit
I like the zucchini addition. I've been adding in more meatless meals to my eating and will have to give this a go!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Great, well enjoy!
Giustina
This looks delicious! I especially love the addition of parsley & zucchini! <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Always need some fresh veggies!
Bre
Can't believe this is gluten free! Lol it looks so good, I'm always looking for new gluten free recipes so thank you for this post!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well it's just the bread that needs to be GF.
Kayla
OMG this sounds dreamy! I'm lactose intolerant and miss grilled cheese SO much. The epitome of comfort food.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is total comfort food!
Kristen Jones
This looks SO yummy! I definitely need to try it ASAP! I'm all for new grilled cheese recipes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think this will be a new favorite version 😉
Jess
This looks amazing! Omg I need this right now!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Time to whip it up!
Felicia @ The Starving Chef
Oh yum! I've never actually had harissa cheese, but this might be a good first recipe to try with it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Harissa cheese?
leslie
How creative! I love this idea. Definitely going to try this soon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks, Leslie!
Nicole Taggart
the harissa is a great add on! so much flavor
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Amps it right up!
Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy
Thank you for the info on why it is called a grilled cheese! Also, I was never a fan of tomato soup (and still are not). That sandwich looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, so weird, right? Ah! Good! #TeamNoTomatoSoup!
Tanvi Rastogi
My mouth has been watering every since I saw your IG post. I am a vegetarian and I love spicy foods and this looks sooo delicious. Definitely gonna make this soon.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This will be a perfect comfort meal to make!
Lanae Bond
I love the way this looks! I never thought about adding veggies to a cheese grill but I can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Extra health 😉
Heather Kinnaird
this sounds so much better then the grilled cheese i grew up eating, LOVE the harissa
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Nice and trendy now 😉
Emily & Pizza @ Pull-Ups
I had never thought about why it was called grilled cheese before, thanks for sharing! I love grilled cheese, I definitely think if it as a childhood comfort food. My kids could take or leave it though.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It seems like a kid food, but I think we end up appreciating it more as adults!
Roads Best Traveled
So much yum! Grown up grilled cheese - sign us up! The spice is a really nice added touch 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! So much flavor!
Ayanna @ 21FlavorsofSplendor
Yummy! I love how easy it is to make a grilled cheese your own. And you are definitely not alone, my twins don't like tomato soup either.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, there is just something about it...
candy
Adding or using different cheese to make this sandwich is really important. We add spinach and different kinds of meat as well. Your dipping sauce is a really nice touch.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Lol, huh?
Taylor Kiser
LOVE the kick of spice in this grown-up grilled cheese! Would totally love this for lunch or dinner!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Harissa is so yummy to add!
Juliette | Namastay Traveling
I'm always on the lookout for a delicious & melty vegan grilled cheese! This one looks like a winner, and love the added veggies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Can't forget some extra veg 😉
Jess
I'm not a huge fan of tomato soup either, but man I love some grilled cheese! Will have to try this ASAP.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This will be just the thing!