Grilled Cheese Sandwiches under 400 Calories
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Who doesn’t love a grilled cheese sandwich? Unfortunately, a regular grilled cheese sandwich can have as much as 500 calories per serving! Yikes! So we set out to find the tastiest and healthiest grilled cheese sandwich under 400 calories!
Lightened Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Calories: 267 calories
You can make a regular grilled cheese lighter by switching out some ingredients. Instead of using full fat butter, use light or low fat butter. You can also choose low fat cheese instead of full fat. Add more flavor by adding roasted vegetables, spices and herbs to give more depth of flavor to the classic grilled cheese.
Spray one side of both whole-wheat bread slices with light butter spray. Turn one slice around so its butter side down. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-low. Add 2 ounces of low-fat cheddar cheese or non-fat American cheese. Top with the other slice. Cook on the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes each side until the cheese melts and the bread is toasty. Cut in half and serve hot.
Pesto Grilled Cheese
Calories: 340 calories
The pesto adds a fresh, herby and nutty depth of flavor to a regular grilled cheese sandwich. Plus, it takes about 10 minutes to prepare!
Preheat the grill pan. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto sauce on one slice of whole-wheat bread. Add a slice of Deli style mozzarella cheese. Brush the other slice of bread with 1 tablespoon pesto sauce and top the first slice with the second slice. Brush olive oil on the outside and place the sandwich on a preheated grill pan to cook. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until toasted. Slice diagonally and serve hot.
Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Calories: 397 calories
This probiotic sandwich from Cooking Light blends American and Korean flavors in a slightly tangy and spicy sandwich.
Brush one side of two whole-wheat bread slices with canola oil. Turn over the slices so they’re oil side down. Divide 2 ounces of shredded fresh low fat mozzarella and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to each slice. Add 2 tablespoon of chopped kimchi. Put the 2 slices together. Cook the sandwiches in a grill pan or nonstick skillet for 2 to 3 minutes for each side until toasty. Slice diagonally and serve hot.
Grilled Margherita Sandwich
Calories: 284 calories
This recipe is proof that you can make anything a sandwich. Enjoy the classic Margherita pizza flavors but in a grilled cheese sandwich! Spread 1 tablespoon of low sodium marinara sauce on 1 side of two whole-wheat bread slices. Top with 1 once thinly sliced mozzarella cheese and 2 thin slices of tomatoes. Salt and pepper the tomatoes. Add 2 large basil leaves and top with the second slice of bread. Coat the skillet with a light coat of vegetable oil and cook for 2 or 3 minutes for each side until toasted. Serve hot.
Vegan Grilled “Cheese” Sandwich
Calories: 265 calories
Vegans can enjoy a grilled “cheese” sandwich too minus the dairy! This recipe from The Spruce Eats uses readily available vegan cheeses or you can make your own. Put 2 ounces of vegan cheese (Use Daiya, Teese, Follow Your Heart or your choice of vegan cheese brand) on top of 2 slices of dairy-free sourdough bread. Press the sandwiches firmly. You can opt to add thin tomato slices or caramelized onions at this stage or go for a regular vegan grilled cheese sandwich. Lightly spray a grill pan or nonstick pan with olive oil. Add the sandwiches and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until toasted. Serve warm.
Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwiches
Calories: 283 calories
This one from Emily Bites is a sweet and savory sandwich featuring a classic French combination of brie cheese, pears and honey! Butter one side of two slices of whole-wheat bread with ½ tablespoon light butter. Place them butter side down on a plate. Spread 2 ounce Brie cheese over the surface and top with thin slices of pear. Drizzle ½ teaspoon of honey over the pear slices and top with the second slice of bread. Cook the sandwich on a skillet over medium heat until golden brown for 2 to 3 minutes each side.
References
"30 Healthy Grilled Cheese Makeovers" - Cooking Light, April 02, 2018
"Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwiches" - Emily Bites, May 14, 2019
"Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich" - The Spruce Eats, November 26, 2019