Save Elevate your comfort food game with this Brown Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese. By swapping standard sandwich bread for soft, pillowy naan and utilizing the rich, nutty notes of brown butter, this fusion dish transforms a simple snack into a gourmet experience. It is the perfect blend of aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a gooey, melted mozzarella center.
Save The secret to this sandwich's success lies in the browning of the butter. This simple technique unlocks a toasted, caramel-like flavor that infuses the garlic and herbs, creating a flavorful crust on the naan that is far superior to standard buttered bread. Every bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a soft, cheesy interior.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large naan breads (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 2
- Stir the minced garlic into the brown butter and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Step 3
- Brush one side of each naan with the garlic-infused brown butter.
- Step 4
- Place one naan, buttered side down, on a cutting board. Evenly spread the mozzarella cheese over the naan, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, parsley, and cilantro (if using).
- Step 5
- Top with the second naan, buttered side up, pressing gently to seal.
- Step 6
- Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Carefully transfer the filled naan sandwich to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the cheese is melted and the naan is golden and crisp.
- Step 7
- Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Keep a close eye on the butter during the browning process; it can transition from golden to burnt very quickly once it stops foaming. Additionally, cooking the sandwich over medium-low heat is essential to ensure the mozzarella melts fully without burning the exterior of the naan.
Varianten und Anpassungen
While mozzarella is excellent for its melting properties, you can substitute it with fontina or provolone for a sharper flavor profile. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of dried chili flakes to the herb mixture before assembling the sandwich.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this naan grilled cheese hot and sliced into triangles. It pairs exceptionally well with a side of spicy tomato chutney or a cooling yogurt dip to balance the richness of the garlic brown butter.
Save This Brown Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese is a delightful departure from the ordinary, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort meal. Whether served as a unique lunch or a satisfying snack, it is sure to impress with its aromatic flavors and gooey texture.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I use homemade naan instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade naan works wonderfully and adds an extra layer of authenticity. Just ensure it's fully cooked before assembling your sandwich. If the naan is thick, you may need to lower the heat slightly to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the exterior.
- → What other cheeses work well in this preparation?
Fontina and provolone melt beautifully and add wonderful flavor complexity. For something sharper, try aged cheddar or gruyère. You can also create a blend—half mozzarella for stretch and half parmesan for umami depth. Just stick to cheeses that melt smoothly for the best texture.
- → How do I prevent the naan from becoming soggy?
The key is brushing the butter on the exterior sides only, not on the interior where the cheese goes. Also, make sure your brown butter isn't too hot when brushing—it should be warm but not sizzling. Cooking over medium-low heat ensures the naan crisps up gradually rather than steaming.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter for the brown butter component and swap mozzarella for a vegan cheese that melts well. Violife, Chao, or Follow Your Heart slices work nicely. Just note that vegan cheese may take slightly longer to melt, so be patient and keep the heat low.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with this?
A cooling yogurt dip with cucumber and mint balances the rich flavors beautifully. Tomato chutney adds sweetness and acidity, while spicy sriracha-mayo provides a nice kick. For something traditional, try mango pickle or mint cilantro chutney on the side.
- → Can I prepare the brown butter garlic mixture ahead of time?
You can make the brown butter garlic mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it before brushing the naan—the butter will solidify when cold, so warming it makes for easier application. However, for the crispiest results, brushing fresh brown butter right before cooking is ideal.