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Recovery Cherry Basil Provolone Gluten free Grilled Cheese

by Lindsay Cotter · 06/03/2015

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★★★★★ 5 from 7 reviews

Gluten Free Grilled Cheese with fresh cherries, basil, and provolone cheese is a healthy “gourmet” recovery meal, with good carbs, protein, fats and anti-inflammatory rich nutrients.  A fun twist on the original grilled cheese sandwich. Your whole family will love this gluten free grilled cheese sandwich recipe, kids included!  Even better in a cast iron skillet! Now get grillin!

 

 

Nutrition is always a hot topic these days, isn’t it? We’re get bombarded with fad diets and what NOT to eat. Ugh, I cringe.

Ever since I started to eat a gluten free diet (7 years ago), I’ve never looked at food and nutrition quite the same. And being married to a professional athlete for the past 8 years, food has never been “just food.”

Nope.

Gluten Free Grilled Cheese with fresh cherries, basil, and provolone cheese. A healthy "gourmet" recovery meal with good carbs, protein, fats and anti-inflammatory rich nutrients. A fun twist on the original grilled cheese sandwich that your whole family will love, kids included!

Food has been fuel. Food has been nourishment. Food has been a source of CALORIES when needed. Food has been giving us the energy to do what we do, simple as that. There have been times when we focused on eating less of this or that, but I’d say our real MAIN health goal is to focus on what can we ADD to our diets in order to thrive and recover properly.

Gluten Free Cherry Basil and Provolone Grilled Cheese. A healthy "gourmet" recovery meal with good carbs, protein, fats and anti-inflammatory rich nutrients. A fun twist on the original grilled cheese sandwich that your whole family will love, kids included!

It makes more sense, don’t you think? To focus on what KEY nutrients that are freakin fabulous instead of what type of diet might or might not be good/bad? Because let’s face it, we are all different and our body’s needs can change each day.

That being said, let’s talk recovery food —> FOR ANYONE, whether you are an endurance athlete, weight lifter, runner, every day fitness lover, or cross fitter. We all need a good recovery meal to replenish those muscles. Well today I have a delicious gluten free grilled cheese sandwich recipe that involves a FABULOUS food to speed up that recovery time!

Gluten Free Cherry Basil and Provolone Grilled Cheese. A healthy "gourmet" recovery meal with good carbs, protein, fats and anti-inflammatory rich nutrients. A fun twist on the original grilled cheese sandwich that your whole family will love, kids included!

CHERRIES (and cheese)!

Tart cherries contain high levels of plant polyphenolic compounds such as anthocyanins (the kind that give it it’s deep red color). These compounds are believed to provide mega anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which in return can help fight oxidative stress brought on by intense exercise, long runs, etc. Yep, that kind, the kind that makes your muscles sore and stiff. In fact, research and shown that drinking or eating tart cherry juice after races or intense strength sessions (on a weekly basis) can speed up recovery and reduce the amount of muscle damage. Heck ya! source


Gluten Free Cherry Basil and Provolone Grilled Cheese. A healthy "gourmet" recovery meal with good carbs, protein, fats and anti-inflammatory rich nutrients. A fun twist on the original grilled cheese sandwich that your whole family will love, kids included!

That being said, I just had to ADD this powerful food to our one of our favorite post workout meals -> the beloved GRILLED cheese.

How this gluten free grilled cheese sandwich helps with recovery:

  • Cherries – anti-inflammatory and reduce muscle soreness
  • Gluten free chia bread (udis) – Restore glycogen in the muscles
  • Provolone cheese – Calcium and Protein for bones and muscle repair
  • Basil – this delicious herb also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, so great for immunity.
  • BONUS –> grill/cook a cast iron skillet to get in more MINERALS!

Side note– the basil really helps balance out the tartness of the cherries in combination with the provolone. It’s amazing, I promise!

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Cherry Basil Provolone Gluten Free Grilled Cheese


★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1
Print Recipe
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Description

Cherry Basil Provolone Gluten Free Grilled Cheese


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pieces of gluten free bread
  • 2 oz provolone
  • butter or coconut butter
  • 1/3 cup sliced or chopped berries
  • 2 fresh basil leaves
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. first butter your bread. Lay flat then place 1 oz (slice) provolone on each piece of bread. Top one side with the cherries and basil. Season with a dash of pepper. Place other bread on top.
  2. Next, warm your skillet. I used a cast iron skillet.
  3. Add 1 tsp of butter or use coconut spray and grease your pan (I used a cast iron skillet for more flavor and nutrients).
  4. Place sandwich in skillet and press down with spatula for a few minutes or until the bread is browned and cheese is starting to melt.
  5. Then flip to the other side and repeat. Bread should be nice and golden brown and the cheese melted.
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

Serve with almond milk or organic milk and you’ve got one FREAKIN FABULOUS recovery meal.

Gluten Free Cherry Basil and Provolone Grilled Cheese. A healthy "gourmet" recovery meal with good carbs, protein, fats and anti-inflammatory rich nutrients. A fun twist on the original grilled cheese sandwich that your whole family will love, kids included!

Oh and this gluten free grilled cheese is totally kid approved! Just take out the basil if you’d like and feel free to use cheddar instead. Still delicious and nutritious!

Mmm, k.

HOW TO MAKE CHERRY BASIL PROVOLONE GLUTEN FREE GRILLED CHEESE:

What’s your favorite way to eat cherries? Favorite recovery meal?

[Tweet “Anti-inflammtory RECOVERY Grilled cheese w/ Cherry, Basil, Provolone! #udisglutenfree #fitfluential”]

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But wait, there’s more! This recipe is part of our 10 BEST OF FOOD ALLERGY FRIENDLY LUNCH BOX IDEAS.

Head on over to the page to check out more recipes! 

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Cheers,

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  • KEEP ME POSTED ON YOU! LET’S STAY CONNECTED. SO VIA FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, AND TWITTER.

Learn more about living gluten free! Visit http://udisglutenfree.com/community

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Udi’s Gluten Free. The opinions and text are all mine.

 

Gluten Free Cherry Basil and Provolone Grilled Cheese. A healthy "gourmet" recovery meal with good carbs, protein, fats and anti-inflammatory rich nutrients. A fun twist on the original grilled cheese sandwich that your whole family will love, kids included!
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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. V says

    03/28/2020 at 8:10 PM

    My grilled cheese game is on! Thanks so much!

    Foodies & vegans alike you gotta try out Violife cheese.

    It’s amazing & will change your life.

    Enjoy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  2. Kristina says

    05/26/2019 at 7:19 PM

    Training for my first marathon, and had this after today’s run. Used pumpernickel bread from a farmers market we have here on the waterfront, and the provolone was smoked. Fantastic! I had two!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      05/27/2019 at 12:20 PM

      Oh I am so glad! Love the pumpernickel bread choice. Great texture I am sure. ANd happy training! which marathon are you doing?

      Reply
  3. phyllis says

    08/05/2018 at 8:13 AM

    This looks and sounds amazing! What about freshly sliced peaches with the cheese?

    Reply
    • Lindsay’ says

      08/05/2018 at 10:51 AM

      For sure! Maybe try grilling the peaches first pan fry with maple syrup to Caramelize. Ya know?

      Reply
  4. Jess @hellotofit says

    06/04/2015 at 7:48 PM

    I clearly need to step up my grilled cheese game…I’ve been defaulting to the whole wheat bread and….American cheese….gasp! This looks delicious, my friend 🙂 Love the cherry and basil combo.

    Reply
  5. Nagi@RecipeTinEats says

    06/04/2015 at 5:47 PM

    I totally sniggered at the title. Read the recipe and realised that I should probably get the ingredients for this so I can have it for breakfast tomorrow. Because I’m going out with the girls tonight! So I need something that’s nutritious AND will give me a recovery boost!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  6. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says

    06/04/2015 at 3:11 PM

    oh my, this looks amazing. I want it NOW!!!

    Reply
  7. Abby says

    06/04/2015 at 9:19 AM

    I never though about cherries in a sandwich. Yummy.

    Reply
  8. Athletic avocado says

    06/04/2015 at 6:25 AM

    Yum! berries and cheese are a fantastic combo! One day I hope my pics will look like yours! They are beautiful! 🙂

    Reply
  9. emma @ be mom strong says

    06/04/2015 at 5:59 AM

    as always, love your outlook on nutrition! crowd OUT the bad food with healthy food so you don’t even think about it!

    Reply
  10. neil@neilshealthymeals.com says

    06/03/2015 at 11:50 PM

    Oh my goodness gracious!

    I am salivating here.

    I’ve never tried cherries in a grilled sandwich before. Another flavour combination you’ve given me to try. Thanks Lindsay! 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  11. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    06/03/2015 at 10:20 PM

    Wow! Now this is a grilled sandwich! The images are seriously so mouthwatering & I love the addition of cherries.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2015 at 7:00 AM

      well thank you beautiful friend. <3

      Reply
  12. Heather @ FITaspire says

    06/03/2015 at 6:37 PM

    grilled cheese as recovery fuel? Yes please!!!!!!

    Reply
  13. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says

    06/03/2015 at 6:35 PM

    AH! This looks like such a delicious treat 🙂

    Reply
  14. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    06/03/2015 at 6:26 PM

    YES. This is a grilled cheese and yes to nutrients- Please make me this. I’ll dance.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2015 at 7:02 AM

      only if you do the haka dance!

      Reply
  15. Jolene says

    06/03/2015 at 6:14 PM

    YUM!!! this is nirvana!! I love grilled cheese and ADORE cherrries, and together?! amazing!! must try. I could eat a lb of fresh cherries in a sitting, just the way they are. so tasty! recovery meal? hmm, lots of veggies, I used to crave carbs but now I crave veggies!

    Reply
  16. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says

    06/03/2015 at 5:21 PM

    Incredible, my friend! Totally craving this sweet-salty combo right now… Definitely pinning for later! And beautiful photos – very impressive!

    Reply
  17. Michele @ Two Raspberries says

    06/03/2015 at 5:13 PM

    this is gorgeous! you just took grilled cheese to the next level seriously! the color from the cherry just makes this look so decadent!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2015 at 6:59 AM

      i know, i just love the color too! haha

      Reply
  18. Natalie says

    06/03/2015 at 5:05 PM

    All I can say is THANK YOU! My kids love grilled cheese for lunch and I have been feeling so blah about it, you know? Some days I add avocado and tomato, but that has been getting old too.
    Now THIS is just what I need to spice things up!! It’s like a breath of fresh air for our lunchtime!! xx

    Reply
  19. Valerie says

    06/03/2015 at 4:46 PM

    This looks out of this world amazing! I am so pinning this one!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  20. Natasha says

    06/03/2015 at 4:01 PM

    These seriously look UNREAL. So good! I’m not even a huge fan of cherries, but I will be trying these!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2015 at 7:20 AM

      i bet it would be great with raspberry or blueberry too!

      Reply
  21. Katie says

    06/03/2015 at 3:03 PM

    holy smokes…this looks good 😉 I need to make asap! I’m loving that it’s cherry season.

    Reply
  22. Beth says

    06/03/2015 at 2:33 PM

    Is that the Udi’s millet chia bread?

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/03/2015 at 2:49 PM

      sure is!

      Reply
      • Beth says

        06/03/2015 at 3:00 PM

        okay, thanks. That one contains inulin which I have read can cause tummy pain if you are prone to that. I have so many digestive problems I was afraid to try products with inulin. I was hoping Udi had a plain chia bread without the inulin (not the millet one which does). Nice to know you don’t have problems with inulin!

        Reply
        • Cotter Crunch says

          06/03/2015 at 3:11 PM

          i honestly don’t eat it that often (inulin), i don’t think. Hmm, I better check on that. haha.. But this bread hasn’t given me any issues yet. i also don’t eat it every day.

          Reply
  23. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says

    06/03/2015 at 2:14 PM

    This looks magical and has all my favorite words in it. BASIL is my love AAF. I don’t even know the last time I wrote that.

    Reply
  24. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says

    06/03/2015 at 1:51 PM

    Looks delicious! I love a good salty and sweet combo.

    Reply
  25. Sarah says

    06/03/2015 at 12:00 PM

    You are genius!! Not only is this beautiful but I bet it tastes as good as it looks! I use to love blueberry grilled cheese and beet grilled cheese among others but after cutting dairy I haven’t had them. I think maybe I have had one grilled cheese if that since adding limited dairy back in. I’m going to have to try this, pinned so I don’t forget. Now just to hide some cherries since we eat them as quick as I buy them.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2015 at 6:58 AM

      ohhh beets would be good! i think so delicious needs a cheese, yes?

      Reply
  26. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says

    06/03/2015 at 11:59 AM

    I am LOVING the sound of this sweet and savory combo!

    Reply
  27. Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says

    06/03/2015 at 11:51 AM

    I usually sneak vegetables into grilled cheese when we make it, and now I’ll have to try adding fruit! I love all the anti-inflammatory goodness here!

    Reply
  28. Holly @ eatgreatbegreat says

    06/03/2015 at 11:43 AM

    Wow, Lindsay this sandwich looks phenomenal! I love the combination of flavors and I think the cherries sound like a fantastic addition!

    Reply
  29. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    06/03/2015 at 11:10 AM

    I love everything about this – your approach to add good foods in rather than deprive, cheese, cherries for recovery. Can we please just start a food company?

    Reply
  30. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    06/03/2015 at 9:49 AM

    Holy moly this looks amazing. And now I’m starving!

    Reply
  31. Georgie Morley says

    06/03/2015 at 9:21 AM

    Recovery grilled cheese! Hell yes. Also I cannot get over how gorgeous these pics are. I’ve been craving grilled cheese for days and this is my perfect excuse <3 Yum

    Reply
  32. Jody - Fit at 57 says

    06/03/2015 at 8:36 AM

    WOW – that looks amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love cherries – right off the stem or in my greek yogurt or anytime! 🙂

    Reply
  33. She Rocks Fitness says

    06/03/2015 at 8:26 AM

    I love to add cherries to my smoothies and oatmeal…BUT this sandwich may be a new favorite. The frozen cherries at Costco are delicious and always a nice staple to have, when the cherry craving occurs! 🙂

    Reply
  34. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    06/03/2015 at 7:46 AM

    Ok, this looks absolutely freaking amazing. Good gracious you’re a genius!!!

    Reply
  35. Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says

    06/03/2015 at 7:29 AM

    I would have never thought to combine cherries and cheese, but this sounds delicious!

    Reply
  36. Lesq says

    06/03/2015 at 7:20 AM

    Yum!!! This is such a beautiful summer meal.

    Reply
  37. dietitian Jess says

    06/03/2015 at 6:57 AM

    Grown up grilled cheese- yes please! I love hearing people look at food as fuel or nourishment- totally feel the same way!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2015 at 6:57 AM

      i thought you would jess. xxoo

      Reply
  38. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    06/03/2015 at 6:54 AM

    Love, love, LOVE the combination of cheese and fruits. Those are definitely my two key ingredients in grilled cheese sandwiches, and no one ever believes me when I tell them how good they are! And I love how you focus on ADDING instead of taking away. I find that, with allergies especially, it’s better to focus on the things you CAN have instead of the things you can’t. Makes it a little less painful 😉

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2015 at 6:55 AM

      exactly! much more enjoyable that way too!

      Reply
  39. Cara's Healthy Cravings says

    06/03/2015 at 6:40 AM

    Yes! For starters, this sandwich looks beautiful, but I am sure the goodness does not stop there, I am sure it tastes beyond delicious too. Yum.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2015 at 6:50 AM

      it really does, the combo is insanely refreshing!

      Reply
  40. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    06/03/2015 at 6:20 AM

    Yum! I absolutely adore this recipe. Making it soon.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2015 at 6:49 AM

      let me know if you do!

      Reply
  41. Liz S. says

    06/03/2015 at 6:11 AM

    LOVE this hearty, healthy sandwich! Favorite way to eat cherries = dried. There, I said it.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/03/2015 at 6:35 AM

      mmm yes, me too!

      Reply
  42. Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says

    06/03/2015 at 6:02 AM

    I absolutely love cherries+cheese and this looks perfect! I’d eat it for how good it looks and the recovery benefits would just be a bonus. 😉

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/03/2015 at 6:35 AM

      not gonna lie –> IT WAS AMAZING!

      Reply
  43. SuzLyfe (@suzlyfe) says

    06/03/2015 at 5:58 AM

    Linds. I. can’t. even. Cherries? Basil? Grilled cheese? OMG

    Reply
  44. Erin @ The Almond Eater says

    06/03/2015 at 5:47 AM

    I see you went with grilled cheese–good choice! I’m all about the cherries these days but never would have thought to put them on a sandwich. Great choice 😀

    Reply
  45. Blair says

    06/03/2015 at 5:41 AM

    Yum, Lindsay! My family would definitely love the salty-sweet combo with the fruit and cheese in these sandwiches. The basil is such a unique addition! Love it! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2015 at 6:44 AM

      let me know if you give it a whirl blair!

      Reply
  46. misszippy says

    06/03/2015 at 5:29 AM

    I would have never thought of this combo, but now I need to try it!

    Reply
  47. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    06/03/2015 at 5:09 AM

    This sandwich has my name written all over it. Seriously, I need one of these in my life, and amen to focusing on foods we can and should eat as opposed to what to cut. Love it, love you.

    Reply
  48. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    06/03/2015 at 4:24 AM

    Wow, this looks unreal! Grilled cheese was one of my pregnancy cravings and I ate it daily but this looks better than anything I had, yum!

    Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

About · Studio · Shop · Contact
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