Roasted Asparagus Grilled Cheese with Artichoke & Arugula Pesto
 
Prep time
Cook time
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The perfect seasonal springtime twist on grilled cheese! Roasted asparagus, smoky gouda, and an artichoke and arugula pesto.
Author:
Recipe type: Sandwich
Serves: 1
Ingredients
Roasted Asparagus Grilled Cheese
  • 4-5 spears of asparagus
  • ½ teaspoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons artichoke and arugula pesto (recipe follows)
  • 2 slices smoked gouda
  • 1 tablespoon softened butter
  • 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
  • 2 slices of your favorite bread
Artichoke and Arugula Pesto
  • ¼ cup raw pistachios
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley
  • ½ cup arugula leaves
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts (I used canned, rinsed and drained)
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Combine the pistachios and garlic in a food processor and pulse until fine. Add the parsley and arugula and process for a minute or two, scraping the sides as necessary, until all greens are very finely chopped. Pour in the artichokes, lemon, salt and pepper, then process until the mixture is creamy and mostly smooth. Slowly pour in the olive oil while the processor is running so that the pesto slightly thickens and becomes smoother. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
  3. Cut the tough ends off of 4 pieces of asparagus, then coat with olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, then roast for 5 minutes in the preheated oven.
  4. Spread the pesto on two pieces of bread, then stack a slice of gouda, the 4 asparagus spears, and another slice of gouda on one side. Top with the other slice of bread.
  5. Combine the softened butter and parmesan in a small bowl, then spread on the top and bottom of the sandwich. Cook in a non-stick skillet, griddle, or panini press over medium heat until golden brown (3-4 minutes). If you're using a skillet or griddle, flip and cook on the other side, then eat up!
Recipe by Veggie and the Beast at https://veggieandthebeastfeast.com/2013/05/17/roasted-asparagus-grilled-cheese-with-artichoke-arugula-pesto/