Spicy Jalapeño Havarti Grilled Cheese (Printable)

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

# Ingredient List:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices sourdough or country white bread

→ Dairy

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

→ Vegetables

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

→ Optional

05 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise for enhanced crispiness

# Steps:

01 - Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly warmed.
02 - Butter one side of each bread slice evenly. Optionally spread mayonnaise on the inside of each slice for richer flavor and additional crispiness.
03 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. Layer evenly with Havarti cheese and distribute jalapeño slices across the cheese layer. Top with remaining bread slices with buttered sides facing outward.
04 - Place assembled sandwiches onto the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula until bread achieves golden brown color.
05 - Flip sandwiches carefully and cook the opposite side for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently until bread is golden brown and cheese is completely melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and let cool for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • It takes barely any time but tastes like you put real thought into lunch.
  • The Havarti melts so smoothly it almost feels indulgent, and the jalapeño keeps it interesting without being aggressive.
  • You can make it with what you likely already have, no special trip required.
02 -
  • Medium heat is non negotiable, too hot and the bread burns before the cheese melts, too low and it just steams instead of crisping.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps the cheese make contact with the bread and speeds up melting, but dont smash it flat or youll squeeze out all the good stuff.
03 -
  • Softening the butter first is essential, cold butter will tear your bread and cook unevenly, leaving some spots pale and others burnt.
  • If you use mayonnaise on the outside, spread it thin, too much and it can taste greasy instead of crispy.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after cooking, it keeps the cheese from sliding out the sides when you cut into it.
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