Halloween Pumpkin Spice Grilled Cheese (Print View)

Golden, cheesy grilled sandwich with spiced pumpkin and cheddar for a festive, comforting Halloween meal.

# Components:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough or country bread
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 - 2 ounces cream cheese, softened

→ Pumpkin Filling

05 - 1/3 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
09 - 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
10 - 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
11 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
02 - In a separate bowl, blend the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese until well incorporated.
03 - Generously spread 1 tablespoon of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
04 - Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean work surface. Distribute half of the prepared pumpkin mixture evenly over the surface of each of these bread slices.
05 - On top of the pumpkin mixture for each sandwich, evenly spread half of the combined cheddar and cream cheese mixture.
06 - Position the remaining two bread slices on top of the cheese layer, ensuring the buttered side faces upwards.
07 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
08 - Carefully place the assembled sandwiches onto the preheated skillet or griddle. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
09 - Remove the grilled cheese from the heat. Allow to cool slightly for a minute, then slice in half and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand
  • Combines familiar comfort food with seasonal flavors
  • Perfect balance of savory cheese and sweet pumpkin spices
02 -
  • Perfect for using leftover pumpkin puree from other fall baking projects
  • Contains a full serving of vegetables hidden in a kid friendly format
  • Can be made ahead and reheated in a skillet or oven
  • Creates a festive meal without artificial colors or excessive sugar
03 -
  • Allow your butter to soften naturally at room temperature rather than microwaving for the most even application on bread. Microwaved butter can become too liquid in spots and leave dry areas elsewhere.
  • Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting. The few extra minutes of prep time rewards you with significantly better texture.
  • If making multiple sandwiches for a crowd, keep finished ones warm in a 200°F oven while completing the batch. Place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispness on all sides.

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