Jalapeño Havarti Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Creamy Havarti and spicy jalapeños between golden, buttery bread. A vibrant comfort classic ready in under 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 less heat

→ Optional

05 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise for enhanced crispiness

# Method:

01 - Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
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 assembled sandwiches onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
05 - Remove from skillet and let cool for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It takes the comfort of melted cheese and adds just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
  • You can make it in under 20 minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
  • The creamy Havarti melts so beautifully that every bite stretches and pulls in the most satisfying way.
  • Its endlessly adaptable, so you can dial the spice up or down depending on your mood or whos eating.
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend, too high and the bread burns before the cheese melts, too low and you lose that crispy texture.
  • Let the butter soften at room temperature instead of microwaving it, it spreads so much easier and more evenly that way.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps the sandwich hold together and encourages the cheese to melt faster.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives you the most consistent golden crust.
  • If the cheese is not melting fast enough, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to trap the heat.
  • Slice the sandwich with a sharp knife in one confident motion to keep the cheese from oozing out everywhere.
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