AuthorBiteSizedThe Grilled Cheese Longganisa Sandwich is a deliciously bold take on two Filipino staples: pandesal and longganisa, with a rich, cheesy twist that turns a humble merienda into a full-on comfort meal. Imagine golden, buttery pandesal grilled to crispy perfection, oozing with layers of sharp cheddar and gooey melting cheese, and stuffed with the savory-sweet bite of your favorite longganisa — this sandwich doesn’t just hit the spot, it defines it.
Using Gardenia Premium Pandesal as the base adds a soft, slightly sweet contrast to the rich, garlicky flavor of longganisa. Whether you choose the classic Vigan-style, sweet Lucban, or spicy versions, the sausage is sliced in half and pan-seared until caramelized and crispy on the edges. This brings out its full flavor while adding a satisfying texture to each bite.
The sandwich is then layered with a combination of cheddar cheese, for that salty, robust kick, and melting cheese, like quick-melt or mozzarella, for that dreamy, stringy cheese pull. It’s a classic grilled cheese — but upgraded the Filipino way. The magic continues as the assembled sandwiches are pan-grilled in butter, which gives the pandesal a golden, toasty crust, rich flavor, and extra indulgence in every mouthful.
What makes this dish stand out even more are the sides and garnishes. A spoonful of atsara (pickled papaya) on the side cuts through the richness with its tangy crunch, while a drizzle of ketchup (or banana ketchup for extra sweetness) gives it that nostalgic Filipino comfort food vibe.
Perfect for breakfast, merienda, or even a casual dinner, this Grilled Cheese Longganisa Sandwich is a beautiful collision of local flavors and global comfort food classics. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to satisfy cravings in one bite. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, it’s the kind of dish that brings people to the table — and keeps them asking for seconds.
Pair it with a cold soda or a hot cup of kapeng barako for the full Pinoy diner experience.
This is grilled cheese, Pinoy-style — bold, buttery, and irresistibly cheesy.
In a cold pan, place the longganisa and oil. Turn on the heat to low and cook the longganisa for 3-5 minutes or until the fat renders. Set aside and drain the excess oil in the pan.
In the same pan, add the butter and Gardenia Pandesal. Toast the pandesal for 1-2 mins then flip to the other side.
Place the longganisa on one side of the pandesal then top with a tablespoon of cheddar and melting cheese. Cover the pan until the cheese melts.
Fold the pandesal into sandwiches then press a bit to seal the sandwich. Transfer to a plate.
Serve with the ketchup and atsara.
Ingredients
Directions
In a cold pan, place the longganisa and oil. Turn on the heat to low and cook the longganisa for 3-5 minutes or until the fat renders. Set aside and drain the excess oil in the pan.
In the same pan, add the butter and Gardenia Pandesal. Toast the pandesal for 1-2 mins then flip to the other side.
Place the longganisa on one side of the pandesal then top with a tablespoon of cheddar and melting cheese. Cover the pan until the cheese melts.
Fold the pandesal into sandwiches then press a bit to seal the sandwich. Transfer to a plate.
Serve with the ketchup and atsara.
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