Description
A gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, this Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese with Honey and Red Pepper Flakes combines creamy goat cheese, melted white cheddar, a drizzle of sweet honey, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes. Perfectly toasted on crusty French bread with infused buttery flavor, this sandwich offers a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Bread and Cheese
- 2 slices thick, good quality white bread (crusty French loaf preferred)
- 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 oz white cheddar, shredded (can substitute with shredded mozzarella)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp liquid honey (divided into two 1 tbsp portions)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Infuse Butter with Red Pepper Flakes: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat along with the red pepper flakes. Let the butter simmer for about five minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and allow the spice to infuse thoroughly. Carefully transfer the melted, spiced butter into a small bowl and set aside. Keep the pan; do not wash it as it will be used for cooking the sandwich.
- Butter the Bread: Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, spread the infused butter evenly on one side of both bread slices. You might not use all the butter—use as much as needed for a good coating.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Heat the same pan over medium heat. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto the pan. Evenly layer the crumbled goat cheese and shredded white cheddar on top of the bread. Drizzle one tablespoon of honey over the cheeses. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out to complete the sandwich.
- Cook and Melt the Cheese: Cover the pan with a lid to trap heat and help the cheeses melt evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the bottom bread slice turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheeses have melted completely.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the pan, drizzle the second tablespoon of honey over the top, and sprinkle additional red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat. Slice the sandwich and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Notes
- Use thick, crusty bread for the best texture and to hold the fillings securely.
- If you don’t have goat cheese, a creamy alternative like cream cheese can work but will alter the flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Covering the pan while cooking ensures even melting and prevents cheese from drying out.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread with a gluten-free variety.
- Use real honey for the best flavor contrast with the spicy red pepper flakes.