Pear, Cherry & Arugula Grilled Arla® Creamy Havarti

This grilled cheese is a deliciously unique combination of sweet, savory and smokey.  It’s a combination of juicy pears, tart dried cherries, crunchy almonds, a drizzle of sweet honey, a slice of smokey bacon and creamy Havarti all stacked between two slices of cinnamon raisin bread and peppery arugula.

Recipe Courtesy of Julie Andrews (RD)

Ingredients (Serves 1)

1 slice less fat, lower sodium bacon

2 slices whole wheat cinnamon raisin bread

2 slices Arla® Creamy Havarti slices, divided

½ medium pear, thinly sliced

1 Tbsp. unsweetened dried cherries

2 tsp. slivered almonds

½ tsp. honey

½ cup fresh arugula

  

Directions 

  1. Heat a small skillet to medium-high heat.  Place bacon in the pan and cook, turning once, until bacon is crispy.  Place on a sheet of paper towel and top with a sheet of paper towel; press down to soak up excess grease.  Once bacon has slightly cooled, break into a few pieces.
  2. Heat a panini press to medium-high heat.  Coat with cooking spray.  Place slice of bread on the panini press and top with one slice of Havarti, sliced pear, dried cherries, bacon pieces and slivered almonds.  Drizzle with honey and top with arugula and second slice of muenster.  Place second slice of bread on the top and close the lid of the panini press.  Allow to cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Slice in half and serve.