Spicy Jalapeño Havarti Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A spicy twist on the classic, featuring creamy Havarti and jalapeño slices on golden, crispy sourdough bread.

# Components:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices sourdough or country white bread

→ Dairy

02 - 4 oz Havarti cheese, sliced
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced with seeds removed for milder heat

→ Optional

05 - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise for enhanced crispiness

# Method:

01 - Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly warmed.
02 - Butter one side of each bread slice evenly. Optional: spread mayonnaise on the inside surfaces of each slice for richer flavor.
03 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on work surface. Layer Havarti cheese evenly over bread, then distribute jalapeño slices uniformly across cheese.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward to ensure crispy exterior.
05 - Place sandwiches on hot skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula, until bread achieves golden brown color and cheese fully melts.
06 - Remove from skillet, allow 1 minute cooling time, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes barely any time but tastes like you put real thought into lunch.
  • The creamy Havarti melts like a dream and balances the jalapeño heat perfectly.
  • You can dial the spice up or down depending on your mood or who you're feeding.
  • It's a sandwich that feels indulgent without requiring a trip to the store.
02 -
  • Don't skip the preheat, if you throw the sandwich on a cold pan, the bread soaks up butter and gets soggy instead of crispy.
  • Use medium heat and patience, high heat will burn the outside before the cheese melts and you'll end up with a crunchy shell and cold center.
  • Soften your butter first, trying to spread cold butter will tear the bread and leave you with uneven browning and frustration.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently with your spatula while it cooks, it helps the cheese melt faster and the bread brown more evenly.
  • If the bread is browning too fast, lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt through.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute before cutting, the cheese will set just enough so it doesn't all ooze out when you slice.
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