Spicy Jalapeño Havarti Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Creamy Havarti and crispy jalapeño slices nestled between golden, buttery sourdough bread for the ultimate comfort sandwich.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices sourdough or country white bread

→ Dairy

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

→ Vegetables

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

→ Optional

05 - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise for enhanced crispiness

# How-To Steps:

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

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It takes the nostalgic comfort of grilled cheese and wakes it up with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
  • Havarti melts like a dream, turning creamy and rich without being greasy or overwhelming.
  • You can make it as mild or as fiery as you want by adjusting the jalapeño seeds.
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes, which means you can go from craving to satisfied in one commercial break.
02 -
  • If your heat is too high, the bread will toast before the cheese melts, leaving you with a crispy shell and cold center.
  • Slicing the jalapeño paper thin makes all the difference, it distributes the heat evenly and prevents any one bite from overwhelming you.
  • Softening the butter first is non negotiable, cold butter tears the bread and creates uneven browning.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently but consistently with your spatula while it cooks, this helps the cheese melt faster and creates better contact with the heat.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
  • Using a cast iron skillet gives you the most even heat and the crispiest crust, but any heavy bottomed pan will work.
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