Goat Cheese Grilled with Honey (Printable View)

Crisp buttery sourdouth surrounding creamy goat cheese, sweet honey, and spicy chili flakes.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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, 1/2 to 3/4 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

→ Seasoning

08 - 1/4 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 1/2 lemon
12 - 1 handful baby arugula or spinach
13 - Thinly sliced ripe pear, apple, or fresh figs

# How To Make It:

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, 1/2 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 the slices and spread the cheese mixture evenly onto two slices on the unbuttered side.
06 - Layer sliced pear, apple, or figs if using, and/or a handful of arugula or spinach. Drizzle with a thread of 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 and 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 goat cheese melts into a creamy, tangy layer that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, buttery bread.
  • Honey and chili flakes create a sweet-spicy balance that keeps every bite interesting.
  • It comes together in under half an hour, perfect for a cozy lunch or an impressive snack.
  • You can customize it with fresh herbs, fruit, or greens to match your mood or what's in season.
02 -
  • Always bring your goat cheese and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing, or you'll end up with lumps and uneven spreading.
  • Don't rush the toasting; medium heat gives the bread time to crisp while the cheese warms through without burning the crust.
  • If your bread browns too fast, lower the heat immediately and cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt.
  • Taste your cheese mixture before assembling; it's much easier to adjust honey and chili at this stage than after the sandwiches are cooked.
03 -
  • Press the sandwiches gently with your spatula while toasting to help the cheese spread and the bread crisp evenly.
  • If you want an even melt, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking on each side.
  • Make extra cheese mixture and keep it in the fridge; it's fantastic on crackers, crostini, or stirred into scrambled eggs.
  • Serve with a bright green salad or a bowl of tomato soup to turn this into a complete, satisfying meal.
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