Ingredients
Roasted Garlic Mascarpone Mixture
- 2 bulbs garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- ¼ cup freshly chopped basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped rosemary
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped oregano leaves
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Cheeses
- 8 ounces sharp provolone cheese, freshly grated
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Bread and Others
- 8 thick slices Italian or sourdough bread
- Butter, enough to spread on the outsides of bread (approximately 4 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Slice off the top of the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves and peel away any loose outer paper. Drizzle the exposed garlic cloves with olive oil, wrap the bulbs tightly in foil, and roast for 1 hour until the cloves turn golden and caramelized. Allow the garlic to cool slightly before handling.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out into a bowl, adding a pinch of salt. Mash the garlic cloves with a fork until they form a smooth paste. Stir in the mascarpone cheese until fully combined. Add the freshly chopped basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and parsley, mixing until evenly incorporated to create a flavorful herb and garlic spread.
- Mix the Cheese Blend: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Toss gently to mix well. This blend will provide a balanced cheesy flavor and melt beautifully.
- Assemble and Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread softened butter evenly on the outsides of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of half the slices, spread a generous layer of the mascarpone and herb mixture. Add a handful of the mixed cheeses on top, then sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up. Place the sandwich butter-side down onto the hot skillet.
- Grill Until Golden and Melty: Cook each sandwich for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping carefully. Press down lightly to help the cheese melt and the bread become golden and crisp. Continue grilling until the cheese is melted through and both sides of the bread are toasted to a deep golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and slice if desired. Garnish with extra chopped fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation. Serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds a subtle sweetness; do not skip this step for the best taste.
- Use thick-cut Italian or sourdough bread to hold the filling well without becoming soggy.
- Adjust the herb quantities based on your taste preference for a more pungent or mild herb flavor.
- Butter the bread generously for a perfectly crispy, golden exterior.
- This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
