Jalapeño Havarti Grilled Cheese (Printable)

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

# What Goes In:

→ 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, seeds removed for milder heat

→ Optional

05 - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise for enhanced crispiness

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly heated.
02 - Butter one side of each bread slice evenly. Optionally spread mayonnaise on the interior surfaces of each slice for richness.
03 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. Layer with Havarti cheese and distribute jalapeño slices evenly across the cheese.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices with buttered side facing outward.
05 - Place sandwiches on the hot skillet. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a 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.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The Havarti creates an unbelievably creamy texture that no other cheese quite matches, making each bite feel luxurious.
  • You can control the heat level exactly to your liking just by how many pepper slices you add.
  • The whole thing comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy cafe.
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend—too hot and the bread burns before the cheese melts, too low and you'll be waiting forever.
  • Slicing the jalapeños thin is crucial so they soften during cooking rather than staying crunchy and raw.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one—the heat distribution creates the most even, golden crust imaginable.
  • Letting the cheese come to room temperature before assembling helps it melt faster and more evenly.
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