The Ultimate Trader Joe’s Grilled Cheese

published Aug 12, 2021
Snapshot Cooking
ultimate grilled cheese sliced on butcher block
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Anna Stockwell

This over-the-top sandwich is made with three Trader Joe's ingredients: Focaccia with Tomato and Parmesan, Cheddar & Gruyère Mélange Cheese, and Zhoug Sauce.

Serves4

Prep5 minutes to 10 minutes

Cook15 minutes

Jump to Recipe
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
ultimate grilled cheese sliced on butcher block
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Anna Stockwell

One of my favorite things about Trader Joe’s is their brilliant way of sprucing up everyday ingredients. For example, focaccia on its own is delicious. But focaccia packed with roasted tomatoes and Parmesan? Now that’s unbeatable. The fact that you can buy it ready-made at TJ’s is just *chef’s kiss.*

Here, I’m using the focaccia to make an oversized, over-the-top grilled cheese. It’s everything I crave in the perfect grilled cheese sandwich: crunchy toasted bread, gooey melty cheese, and tons of savory flavor. To make it, I slice the focaccia horizontally, sprinkle grated Trader Joe’s Cheddar and Gruyère Mélange on one half, and spread a healthy dose of their zhoug sauce — a Middle Eastern herb sauce — on the other half. Then, I pop it in the oven to bake. Throw together one of Trader Joe’s salad kits, and dinner is served!

Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Anna Stockwell

The Ultimate Trader Joe's Grilled Cheese

This over-the-top sandwich is made with three Trader Joe's ingredients: Focaccia with Tomato and Parmesan, Cheddar & Gruyère Mélange Cheese, and Zhoug Sauce.

Prep time 5 minutes to 10 minutes

Cook time 15 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1 (12-ounce) loaf

    Trader Joe’s Focaccia with Tomato and Parmesan

  • 5 ounces

    Trader Joe's Cheddar & Gruyère Mélange Cheese

  • 2 tablespoons

    Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce

  • 1

    Trader Joe’s salad kit of choice (optional)

Instructions

Show Images
  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Grate 5 ounces Trader Joe's Cheddar & Gruyère Mélange Cheese on the large holes of a box grater (about 1 1/3 cups). Slice 1 loaf Trader Joe’s Focaccia with Tomato and Parmesan in half horizontally and place on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the cheese evenly onto the bottom half. Spread 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce onto the cut side of the top half. Replace the top half onto the bottom half to close the sandwich.

  3. Bake until the focaccia is a bit crunchy and the cheese is fully melted, about 15 minutes.

  4. Transfer the loaf to a cutting board and let cool for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together the contents of a Trader Joe’s salad kit in a large bowl, if using. Add the dressing and toss to combine.

  5. Cut the loaf crosswise into 4 sandwiches and serve with the salad.