Goat Cheese with Honey & Chili (Printable Version)

Tangy goat cheese, sweet honey, and chili heat melded between crispy buttered sourdough for gourmet comfort.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dairy & Cheese

01 - 4 ounces soft goat cheese (chèvre), at room temperature
02 - 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

→ Bread & Fats

03 - 4 slices sourdough bread, 0.5 to 0.75 inch thick
04 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 teaspoons olive oil

→ Sweeteners & Spice

06 - 2 to 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
07 - 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes

→ Seasonings

08 - 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Optional Add-ins

10 - 1 to 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
11 - Zest of 0.5 lemon
12 - Handful of baby arugula or spinach
13 - Thinly sliced ripe pear, apple, or fresh figs

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a small bowl, combine goat cheese and cream cheese. Mash with a fork or spatula until smooth and creamy.
02 - Add 2 tablespoons honey, 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and adjust honey and chili to your preference.
03 - Stir in fresh herbs and lemon zest if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
04 - Lay out bread slices and spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each slice.
05 - Flip slices and spread cheese mixture evenly onto two slices on the unbuttered side.
06 - Layer sliced pear, apple, or figs if using, and/or arugula or spinach. Drizzle with extra honey.
07 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out, to form two sandwiches.
08 - Preheat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Swirl in olive oil if desired.
09 - Place sandwiches in the skillet, buttered sides down. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crisp. Lower heat if bread browns too quickly before cheese softens.
10 - Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes.
11 - Slice each sandwich in half. Arrange on plates or a serving board.
12 - Drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle with a pinch of chili flakes and black pepper, and garnish with herb leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of tangy goat cheese, floral honey, and fiery chili creates an addictive sweet-spicy-savory balance you won't find in ordinary grilled cheese.
  • It comes together in under half an hour but tastes sophisticated enough to serve guests or enjoy as a special treat for yourself.
  • The crisp buttery crust gives way to a warm creamy center that feels indulgent without being heavy.
02 -
  • If your bread is browning too quickly but the cheese isn't melting, lower the heat immediately and cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam and warm the center.
  • Room temperature cheese is non-negotiable; cold goat cheese will clump and refuse to spread smoothly, leaving you with uneven filling and torn bread.
  • Don't skip the resting step after cooking, it lets the filling settle so it doesn't ooze out the moment you slice.
03 -
  • Press the sandwiches gently but firmly with your spatula while they cook; this helps the cheese spread evenly and creates better contact with the pan for a crispier crust.
  • If you're making more than two sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same temperature.
  • A cast-iron skillet holds heat beautifully and gives you the most even, golden crust, but a good nonstick pan works perfectly if that's what you have.
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