Goat Cheese Grilled Honey Chili (Print)

Indulge in a sophisticated creation combining tangy goat cheese, sweet honey, and spicy chili on buttery, golden bread.

# Components:

→ Dairy & Cheese

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

→ Bread & Fats

03 - 4 slices sourdough bread, 1/2–3/4 inch thick
04 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 tsp olive oil

→ Sweeteners & Spice

06 - 2–3 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
07 - 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes

→ Seasoning

08 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Add-ins

10 - 1–2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
11 - Zest of 1/2 lemon
12 - A handful of baby arugula or spinach
13 - Thinly sliced ripe pear, apple, or fresh figs

# Method:

01 - Combine goat cheese and cream cheese in a small bowl. Mash with a fork or spatula until smooth and creamy.
02 - Add 2 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and adjust honey and chili to preference.
03 - Stir in fresh herbs and lemon zest if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
04 - Lay out bread slices. Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each slice (these will be the outsides).
05 - Flip slices and spread cheese mixture evenly onto two slices (unbuttered side). Add sliced fruit or greens if using, drizzle with extra honey, and top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
06 - Preheat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Swirl in olive oil if desired.
07 - Place sandwiches in skillet, buttered sides down. Toast for 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crisp. Lower heat if bread browns too quickly.
08 - Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest for 1–2 minutes. Slice each sandwich in half, arrange on plates, drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle with chili flakes and pepper, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way creamy tangy goat cheese meets sweet honey creates this incredible flavor balance you cant get from regular grilled cheese
  • It takes literally 30 minutes but feels like something youd order at a fancy bistro
  • The spice from chili flakes sneaks up on you in the best possible way making each bite interesting
02 -
  • Low and slow heat is your friend here if the bread browns before the cheese melts turn down the burner immediately
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for even one minute after cooking makes a huge difference in the eating experience
  • The butter needs to be completely soft or it will tear the bread when you try to spread it
03 -
  • A cast iron skillet creates the most beautiful even crust but nonstick works perfectly fine if that is what you have
  • Pressing gently with your spatula while grilling helps the bread make contact with the pan for better crisping
  • If you are serving these at a party cut them into smaller triangles or sticks instead of halves
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