Toasted Cheese Sandwich with Kale

4.94 from 16 votes

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A close up of a plate of food, with Kale  and Cheese Sandwich
©Platter Talk

Caramelized Fennel, Onion & Kale Toasted Cheese Sandwich Recipe – Grilled and toasted cheese sandwiches are something we all grew up with. For those of us with kids, this iconic American entrée has followed us well into adulthood. It only seems fitting then that we mixed things up just a bit, to create this Caramelized Fennel, Onion & Kale Toasted Cheese Sandwich Recipe.

Two toasted cheese sandwiches

Caramelized Fennel, Onion & Kale Toasted Cheese Sandwich Recipe

We’ve used kale a few times in the past. Once again while using a healthy and readily available component such as kale that we don’t feature frequently, we had to ask ourselves why do we not use this more often? In  the event you aren’t familiar with kale, it is one of those dark, green and leafy vegetables that we all learned about in health class. Kale is actually one of those super-foods, haled as some to be the “Queen of Greens,” and the “New Beef,” it is without any question at all a nutritionally-packed powerhouse of a vegetable.

a sandwich on a plate with a glass of wine and soup
©Platter Talk

This Caramelized Fennel, Onion & Kale Toasted Cheese Sandwich Recipe is a veritable meal, unto it’s own. Packed with savory, caramelized vegetables, super-healthy kale, and extra-sharp cheddar cheese, we chose to hold this all together between two skillet-toasted slices of Asaiago artisan bread.

a red Dutch oven
William

Besides being a completely delicious and nutritionally sound meal, with this Caramelized Fennel, Onion & Kale Toasted Cheese Sandwich Recipe  I was able to use my new Dutch oven-style enamel-based skillet who I have affectionately named William (in honor of his place of birth, William -Sonoma.) It’s one of the best Christmas gifts I’ve ever received from myself.

Amaze yourself, your husband, your wife, your boyfriend, girlfriend, neighbor, friend or lover. Few people would believe that a toasted cheese sandwich is capable of rising to such a level. This Caramelized Fennel, Onion & Kale Toasted Cheese Sandwich Recipe will effectively and deliciously prove the   point with only one question asked, “How did you make this?!”  Enjoy.  -Dan

A sandwich on a plate

 

 

Other delicious sandwiches

Toasted Cheese sandwich with Kale

4.94 from 16 votes
Adapted from Lily Diamnod
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients 

  • olive oil
  • kosher or sea salt
  • 1 fennel bulb, thin wedge cut.
  • 1 medium sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 5 medium-large kale leaves. Washed, stemmed, 1/4" width slices
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4- 6 slices Wisconsin extra sharp cheddar cheese, 4-6 oz.
  • 4 slices bread of your choice

Instructions 

  • In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium flame.
  • Add fennel and onion, stir to caramelize until onions are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Season with salt as desired.
  • Add kale, stir until soft and bright green.
  • Remove vegetables from skillet, cover to keep warm.
  • Add butter to skillet.
  • Place bread in skillet, flipping each side to pan toast.
  • Divide cheese and place on top of two of the four slices. Crown with caramelized vegetable. Top each portion with remaining 2 slices of bread.
  • Cover skillet, and over low heat, cook until cheese is melted.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 676kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 44g, Saturated Fat: 26g, Cholesterol: 119mg, Sodium: 1129mg, Potassium: 783mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 2028IU, Vitamin C: 26mg, Calcium: 770mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @plattertalk or tag #plattertalk!

Meet the Platter Talk Guys

Dan & Scott split their time between Wisconsin and Southwest Florida and are dads to six boys. Good food runs through their veins, and they love showing others how to cook easy recipes.

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62 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    That’s what I call a perfect cheese sandwich. You can’t go wrong with a combo of kale and fennel!

  2. 5 stars
    Well this is an interesting take on a toasted sandwich! Love the way you have upped the nutrition with kale and fennel

  3. 5 stars
    Mm, i love this different twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich! Looks so appetizing and nutritious with the addition of fennel & kale.
    Ha, it’s pretty cool you named your Dutch oven William. I have a similar one from le Creuset and love using it all the time.

  4. 5 stars
    Now that is one awesome grilled cheese. I love fennel– it just isn’t used enough in recipes!