Open Arms of Minnesota

Weekly Recipe: Fancy Grilled Cheese

Fancy Grilled Cheese

By Rachel Jambois, RD LD, OAM Nutrition Specialist

Is there anything better than a grilled cheese and tomato soup? One of my favorite comfort foods has to be this classic combination of creamy tomato soup and a hearty grilled cheese. This pairing is a great quick dinner or lunch that can be prepared in less than 10 minutes, but the traditional version tends to be fairly processed. This rendition of a “fancy grilled cheese” is a very simple and delicious way to elevate this class dish with a healthy twist.

This recipe is prepared by using whole grain bread, which adds 8 grams of fiber, but can also be made with any type of bread, such as sourdough. The whole milk mozzarella adds a creamy mouth feel and provides a good source of calcium, while the tomato and fresh basil bring a bright, healthy freshness to the dish. A different component to this grilled cheese is that instead of butter on the outsides of the bread, low-fat mayonnaise made with olive oil is used. The mayo adds a savory, mouth-watering flavor that isn’t difficult to spread like butter can be when making a grilled cheese. Trust me, it’s a game changer! Enjoy this Fancy Grilled Cheese with the Fresh Tomato Basil Soup recipe from last week, both made with fresh tomatoes from Open Arms CSA Program!

Fancy Grilled Cheese

Makes 1 sandwich

Recipe by Rachel Jambois, RD LD

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of 100% whole grain bread
  • 2 slices of whole milk mozzarella cheese
  • 2-3 slices of fresh tomato
  • 1 Tablespoon of fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 Tablespoons of low-fat mayonnaise made with olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Spread the low-fat mayo made with olive oil on both outsides of the bread slices. Build your sandwich by adding layers of cheese, tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Over medium heat, toast the sandwich on each side for 3-5 minutes until the cheese has melted and the bread becomes warm and toasty. Slice in half and enjoy!


Nutrition Info
For 1 Serving: 470 calories, 22 g fat, 9 g saturated fat, 690 mg sodium, 45 g carbohydrates (0 g added sugars), 9 g fiber, 13 g protein.

More from Open Arms

Mick Sterling on mic

Mick Sterling Supports Open Arms

Mick Sterling To Support Open Arms Via Concert Series Minnesota music legend Mick Sterling, in partnership with his fans, are generously supporting Open Arms of Minnesota at all of his 2026 concerts alongside the 30-Day Foundation and Drawers. Fans in attendance will have the

Read More »
Open Arms STP interior

Open Arms Update From CEO, November 2025

Open Arms Update From CEO, Leah Hebert Welles Dear Open Arms Community, This fall, we are hearing from many of you, asking how our clients are doing in the face of SNAP cuts and other resources being eliminated. We wanted to reach out, give

Read More »
Wabasha Brewing picture

Open Arms Charity Of The Month At Wabasha Brewing

Neighbors On Tap – Open Arms is Wabasha Brewing’s Charity of the Month for November Open Arms of Minnesota has been selected as the Charity of the Month for November at Wabasha Brewing Co. as part of the brewery’s “Neighbors On Tap’ campaign. $1

Read More »

Moveable Feast 2025: The Show Goes On

No matter the challenges, Open Arms stands ready to face the future. Together, we will gather for a special production of Moveable Feast being held on Thursday, May 15 at the historic Hollywood Theater in Northeast Minneapolis. We hope you and your cast of characters will join us in support of our clients!

IN A CHAOTIC WORLD, WE CAN SHOW LOVE IN ACTION!

When life feels overwhelming, there’s one thing we can control: showing care, love, and compassion to one another. This February, Give from the Heart in honor or memory of someone special. Your gift will provide life-saving medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling to someone facing a critical illness. We’ll send a heartfelt card to your honoree or their family, sharing your loving tribute.

Open Arms of Minnesota Earns Accreditation from Food Is Medicine Coalition

Open Arms of Minnesota, the Twin Cities-based non-profit dedicated to providing nourishing, medically tailored meals to individuals with critical illnesses, has earned accreditation from the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC). This recognition places Open Arms among an elite group of organizations nationwide that have demonstrated a high standard of care in delivering medically tailored meals (MTM).

End Of Year Giving Graphic

Your Gift Will Help Us Serve More Clients!

Together we can continue to meet the increased demand for medically tailored meals with your support! We hope you think of us as you consider your year-end giving. Your donation is a gift of care, compassion, and encouragement!