Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices of sandwich bread
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
Cheese and Kimchi Mixture
- 2/3 cup shredded extra sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Avocado Spread
- 1 large avocado
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Butter the Bread: Spread a thin layer of butter evenly over one side of each slice of bread. This will help achieve a crispy, golden crust when cooking.
- Assemble Cheese Base: Turn two slices of bread over so the buttered side faces down. Evenly divide the shredded cheddar cheese between these two slices.
- Prepare Kimchi Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the chopped kimchi, chopped scallions, gochujang, honey, and sesame oil. Mix well to create a spicy and tangy kimchi topping.
- Mash Avocado Spread: In another bowl, scoop and mash the avocado until smooth. Stir in lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to season the creamy spread.
- Add Kimchi to Cheese Slices: Evenly distribute the kimchi mixture over the slices of bread layered with cheese.
- Cook First Side: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning. Place the two prepared bread slices, cheese and kimchi side up, onto the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese melts and the bread starts to toast, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Apply Avocado Spread: Spread the mashed avocado over the remaining two slices of bread (buttered side still facing out). Don’t worry about spreading all the way to the edges as the avocado will spread when flipped.
- Form and Flip Sandwiches: Top the kimchi-cheese slices with the avocado-coated slices, avocado side down and buttered side up. Press gently to adhere the sandwiches. Using a spatula, carefully flip each sandwich and cook the other side uncovered until golden brown and toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from skillet.
- Serve: Transfer the sandwiches to plates and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- Use butter at room temperature for easier spreading and even coverage.
- Extra sharp white cheddar provides a bold flavor that complements the spicy kimchi.
- Covering the skillet traps heat and helps the cheese melt efficiently.
- The mashed avocado adds a creamy contrast to the spicy kimchi and sharp cheese, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion