Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sandwich
Method
Assembly & Cooking
- 1
Prepare bread and fillings
Bring the butter to room temperature so it spreads easily. If using guava paste, slice it into thin strips or small pieces about 1/8–1/4 inch thick so it melts quickly. Shred or thinly slice the cheese. Chop or shave the dark chocolate into small pieces so it distributes and melts evenly.
- 2
Butter the bread
Spread about half of the softened butter evenly on the outside face of each bread slice. The buttered sides will be the exterior that contacts the pan. If you prefer, lightly brush the pan with 1/2 teaspoon neutral oil instead of buttering one side; still butter the other outside faces for best browning.
- 3
Assemble the sandwich
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a clean work surface or plate. On the unbuttered face, layer half the cheese (about 1/2 cup) in an even layer covering most of the bread. Arrange the guava paste slices evenly over the cheese, leaving a small margin at the edge. Sprinkle the chopped/shaved dark chocolate evenly on top of the guava. Finish with the remaining cheese to help bind the filling. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
- 4
Heat the pan
Preheat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low to medium heat for about 2–3 minutes. Medium-low gives the cheese more time to melt without burning the bread. If you prefer, add 1/2 teaspoon neutral oil and spread it in the pan, then wipe excess with a paper towel so the pan is lightly lubricated.
- 5
Cook the sandwich
Place the assembled sandwich in the pan, buttered side down. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, checking after 2 minutes to ensure it’s browning but not burning. Press gently with a spatula or use a weighted pan press to improve contact and help the cheese melt. When the bottom is golden brown and crisp, carefully flip the sandwich and cook the second side for another 2–3 minutes, pressing gently, until golden and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread browns too quickly before the cheese melts, reduce heat to low and cover the pan loosely with a lid for 1–2 minutes to trap heat and encourage melting.
- 6
Finish and season
Transfer the grilled sandwich to a cutting board and let it rest for 1 minute (this helps the melted cheese set slightly). Slice the sandwich in half diagonally. If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch (about 1/8–1/4 teaspoon) of flaky sea salt on the cut surfaces or over the top to enhance sweetness and chocolate flavors.
- 7
Serve
Serve hot so the cheese is gooey and the chocolate is melty. Enjoy as a sweet-savory snack or dessert-style sandwich.