Jalapeño Havarti Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy sourdough layered with melted Havarti and fresh jalapeño slices for a spicy, comforting sandwich.

# What You 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

→ Optional

05 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise

# Step-by-Step:

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 enhanced crispiness.
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 out.
04 - Place sandwiches onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
05 - Remove from skillet, let cool for 1 minute, slice diagonally, and serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The Havarti melts into this incredible silkiness that tames the jalapeño fire just enough
  • Buttering the outside instead of the inside creates this shatteringly crisp golden crust
  • Ready in under 20 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy sandwich shop
02 -
  • Low and slow is your friend—rushing the heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt completely
  • Thinly sliced jalapeños are better than thick chunks because they soften and meld into the cheese instead of creating awkward texture
  • The one minute rest period seems pointless but it prevents the cheese from immediately gushing out when you cut into it
03 -
  • The mayonnaise trick is not just a gimmick—it creates a superior crust that stays crispy longer
  • Weighing down your sandwich with a heavy pan or bacon press during cooking ensures every inch of bread makes contact with the skillet
Go back