Jalapeño Havarti Grilled Cheese

# 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, seeds removed for less heat

→ Optional

05 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise for extra crispiness

# How to Make It:

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 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, buttered side facing outward.

05 - Place sandwiches onto hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.

06 - Remove from skillet, let cool for 1 minute, slice diagonally, and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

The Havarti melts into this incredible creamy puddle that hugs every inch of the bread
Jalapeños add just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming
Buttering the outside creates that shatteringly crispy crunch we all chase in grilled cheese
Takes literally minutes but feels like something youd order at a restaurant

02 -

Medium-low heat is your friend—rushing with high heat gives you burned bread and unmelted cheese, which is basically a tragedy
Slicing the jalapeños thin means you get heat in every bite without tough, chewy pepper chunks
The one-minute rest period feels optional but it's actually what keeps your sandwich intact when you cut it

03 -

Grate some garlic into your butter for an aromatic upgrade that'll make your kitchen smell incredible
A sprinkle of smoked paprika over the cheese layer adds this subtle smoky depth people can't quite identify