Spicy Jalapeño Havarti Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

A spicy twist on the classic grilled cheese with creamy Havarti and vibrant jalapeño slices between crispy bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 mild heat

→ Optional

05 - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise for enhanced crispiness

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly warm.
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.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices with buttered side facing outward.
05 - Place sandwiches on the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
06 - Remove from skillet, let cool for 1 minute, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It takes the comfort of melted cheese and adds just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
  • The Havarti melts like a dream, creating creamy pockets that contrast beautifully with the crispy, golden bread.
  • You can adjust the spice level easily by removing the jalapeño seeds or leaving them in for more kick.
  • Its fast enough for a weekday lunch but feels special enough to serve to friends on a lazy weekend.
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend, too high and the bread will burn before the cheese melts, too low and youll end up with pale, greasy bread.
  • Soften your butter before you start, cold butter tears the bread and creates uneven coverage that leads to uneven browning.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after cooking, cutting it too soon releases all that beautiful melted cheese onto your cutting board instead of staying inside.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives the bread an unbeatable golden crust.
  • Press the sandwich gently with your spatula while it cooks to help the cheese melt faster and create better contact between the bread and the pan.
  • If youre making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
Go Back