Portuguese Grilled Cheese and Chouriço Toast

Introduction

This Portuguese Grilled Cheese and Chouriço Toast is the ultimate comfort food, elevated with the smoky, savory flavors of chouriço grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. The combination of crispy bread, gooey melted cheese, and sizzling chouriço makes this a truly indulgent treat. Grilling everything on the Arteflame’s flat cooktop guarantees the perfect crispy texture without any burning, while locking in all the delicious juices. Follow this recipe to make the best grilled cheese toast you'll ever taste!

Ingredients

• 4 slices of thick rustic bread
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus extra for spreading)
• 6 oz Portuguese chouriço, sliced thin
• 4 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, or a blend)
• 1 garlic clove (optional, for rubbing on toasted bread)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood over top.
3. Light the napkins and in about 20 minutes, your grill will be ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the chouriço

1. Place the chouriço slices onto the center grill grate at 1,000F to sear.
2. Sear each side for about 30 seconds, ensuring a deep golden-brown crust.
3. Move the chouriço slices to the flat cooktop, allowing them to finish cooking in their own juices.

Step 3: Toast the bread

1. Spread butter on both sides of each slice of bread.
2. Place the bread slices onto the flat cooktop near the center, where the heat is moderate.
3. Grill each side for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Melt the cheese

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on two slices of grilled bread.
2. Place them back on the cooler side of the cooktop so the cheese melts gently.

Step 5: Assemble the toast

1. Once the cheese has melted, top it with the grilled chouriço slices.
2. Optionally, rub a peeled garlic clove on the toasted bread for extra flavor.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
4. Top with the other slice of grilled bread.

Tips

• For an extra crispy texture, press the sandwich with a flat spatula while grilling.
• Use high-quality, fresh bread for the best flavor and crunch.
• Move ingredients around the Arteflame cooktop to control cooking speed.
• Don’t over-toast the bread—keep an eye on it as it grills quickly!
• Let the toast rest for a minute before slicing to prevent the cheese from oozing out.

Variations

1. Spicy Chouriço Toast: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
2. Smoky Chouriço & Gouda: Use smoked gouda for a richer, smokier flavor.
3. Garlic Butter & Herb: Mix softened butter with garlic and chopped parsley before spreading on the bread.
4. Tomato & Basil: Add fresh sliced tomatoes and basil leaves for a fresh, Mediterranean twist.
5. Egg & Cheese: Top the toast with a fried or poached egg for a breakfast version.

Conclusion

This Portuguese Grilled Cheese and Chouriço Toast is a surefire way to indulge in a flavorful, beautifully grilled sandwich. Grilling everything on the Arteflame guarantees the perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite of this delicious, smoky, and cheesy delight.

Best Pairings

• A crisp Portuguese Vinho Verde white wine
• A cold glass of Sagres or Super Bock beer
• A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Oven-roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries
• A bowl of Caldo Verde (Portuguese green soup) for an authentic experience