Sweet Potato Grilled Cheese

Name: Sweet Potato Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Sandwich
Ingredients: 1 small sweet potato, sliced into 1/4″ slices; 1 tablespoon mayonnaise; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; Pinch salt; 4 slices sourdough bread; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/3 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 4 large kale leaves, washed, destemmed, and massaged (see note)

Jump To Recipe by Liz Thomson December 27, 2020 This post may contain affiliate links.

This sweet potato grilled cheese sandwich takes a basic sandwich to the next level! With creamy Gruyère cheese, hearty slices of sweet potato, and a creamy aioli, this grilled cheese is an elevated classic!

If you’re bored with plain old grilled cheese sandwiches, this sweet potato grilled cheese is a great way to switch things up and squeeze in some vegetables into your meal.

How to Cook Sweet Potato Slices

There are three ways to cook the sweet potato slices before making this sandwich.

Microwave Method – Add the sweet potato slices to a shallow bowl, with 1″ of water at the bottom. Microwave for 5-6 minutes, or until the sweet potato is soft.
Stovetop Method – Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer in a large skillet. Add 1″ of water then cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add more water, if needed.
Oven Method – Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sliced sweet potato in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes then flip and continue to bake for 5 minutes or until softened.

The Best Bread for Grilled Cheese

I like to use sourdough bread. Trader Joe’s sells a great sourdough loaf that is sliced into 1/2″ slices which are perfect for a sandwich like this! You can use any bread you like, including gluten-free bread, but I recommend something with a hearty, chewy crust.

How to Massage Kale

Before adding the kale to this sandwich, it’s important to massage it. Once the kale has been washed, remove the tough stem. Tear the large leaves into quarters, then use your hands so squeeze the kale leaves. They’ll soften and turn darker in color. This results in a better texture and makes it easier to chew and digest!

Substitution Ideas

Feel free to swap in slices of butternut squash in place of sweet potato. The cooking methods for the sweet potato slices can be used for butternut squash slices.
If you don’t have Gruyère, you can use mozzarella or provolone cheese instead.
Not a fan of kale? Try baby spinach instead! There’s no need to massage the spinach leaves before using.
If you enjoyed this one, try my avocado grilled cheese, too!

How to Make Grilled Cheese in an Air Fryer

If you’d rather make your sandwich in an air fryer, follow my step by step instructions for air fryer grilled cheese. You can cook the sweet potato in the air fryer first, then add it to your sandwich and finish cooking your grilled cheese in the air fryer!

Sweet Potato Grilled Cheese

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews

Author: Liz Thomson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Sandwich
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This sweet potato grilled cheese sandwich takes a basic sandwich to the next level! With creamy Gruyère cheese, slices of sweet potato, and a creamy aoili, this grilled cheese is an elevated classic!

Ingredients

Scale

1 small sweet potato, sliced into 1/4” slices
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch salt
4 slices sourdough bread
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
4 large kale leaves, washed, destemmed, and massaged (see note)

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Instructions

To cook the sweet potato, add the sweet potato slices to a shallow bowl, with 1″ of water at the bottom. Microwave for 5-6 minutes, or until the sweet potato is soft. (See notes for oven or stovetop method.)
To make the aoili: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, lemon juice, and salt.
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Spread a thin layer of aoili onto the other side of two slices of bread.
In a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat, place two slices of bread, butter side down, on the skillet.
Top with shredded cheese, sweet potato slices, and kale.
Top with the second slice of bread, aoili side facing down.
Cook for 5 minutes then flip and continue to cook until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.

Notes

There are three ways to cook the sweet potato slices before making this sandwich.

Microwave Method – Add the sweet potato slices to a shallow bowl, with 1″ of water at the bottom. Microwave for 5-6 minutes, or until the sweet potato is soft.
Stovetop Method – Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer in a large skillet. Add 1″ of water then cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add more water, if needed.
Oven Method – Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sweet potato in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes then flip and continue to bake for 5 minutes or until softened.