Vegan Grilled Cheese and Avocado Sandwiches

ABOUT THE RECIPE:

This Vegan Grilled Cheese and Avocado Sandwich is a jazzy spin on a kids’ favorite that’s loved by adults, too! This delightful recipe makes an excellent brunch or lunch treat, paired with a simple salad and/or whole grain tortilla chips on the side.

Makes 3 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 slices whole grain or multi-grain sandwich bread (use gluten-free if needed)
• 3 teaspoons vegan buttery spread, plus more as needed
• 3 teaspoons vegan mayonnaise
• 3 to 6 slices vegan mozzarella or cheddar-style "cheese"
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and thickly sliced

Preheat a panini maker to 375 degrees F (see instructions below, for cooking in a skillet on the stove top). Thinly spread some vegan buttery spread over the outside of each slice of bread. Lay one bread slice on a plate (buttered side down) and spread with a small amount of the vegan mayonnaise. Top with 1 or 2 vegan cheese slices and then top with avocado slices. Top with the other slice of bread, with the vegan buttery spread side facing upward.

Put the sandwich in the panini maker. Close the lid and let cook for 3 to 6 minutes (checking often), or until the sandwich is golden brown on the outside, cheese is melted and avocado is warmed on the inside.

Put the sandwich on a serving plate and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sandwich to cool a bit and for the cheese to firm up slightly. Cut in half and serve.

•  Instructions for cooking in a skillet on the stove top: If you do not have a panini maker, simply make this sandwich in a skillet on the stovetop. Set the burner on medium to medium-low heat. Assemble the sandwich as instructed above, then place a sandwich in a skillet. Place a heat proof pan lid on top of the sandwich to help "weigh the sandwich down" in order to make direct contact with the skillet while it is cooking. Check often (to prevent burning). Cook for 3 to 5 minutes (checking often!), then flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 3 to 6 minutes, or until bread is golden brown, avocado is heated through, and vegan cheese has melted. Let cool for a few minutes, slice and serve. Repeat with remaining sandwiches. YUM!