Fried Mozzarella Sandwich with Pomegranate Honey

I love grilled cheese no matter what, and this one is out of this world!

INGREDIENTS

8 slices soft brioche bread
8 oz low moisture mozzarella, thinly sliced
4 oz havarti cheese, shredded
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups Panko bread crumbs
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
extra virgin olive oil, for frying
1/3 cup honey
arils from 1 pomegranate
fresh thyme, for serving
flaky salt

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Place a cooling rack inside a baking sheet. 

• Place the bread slices on a cutting board. Evenly layer the mozzarella and havarti cheese. Add the top piece of bread to make a sandwich.

• Add the eggs to a shallow bowl. Add the Panko and parmesan to a separate shallow bowl. Working in a line dredge both sides of the sandwich through the eggs and then through the Panko, coating all sides of the sandwich.

• Heat a few tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet set over medium high heat. When the oil shimmers, place one sandwich at a time in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, carefully flip and cook another 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden. Remove and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches, keeping them warm in the oven as you work. The sandwiches can be kept in the oven for up to 30 minutes. 

• Mix together the honey and pomegranates.

• To serve, slice each sandwich into 4 pieces. Drizzle or dip into the pomegranate honey sauce. Serve with thyme and flaky salt.