Havarti Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Jalapeno Jelly

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Creamy Havarti cheese, salty crisp bacon, and spicy jalapenos take everyone’s favorite comfort food to the next level in this Havarti Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Jalapeno Jelly.

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I’m a huge grilled cheese fan! I’ve loved them since I was a kid. I crave them sometimes and sometimes I eat them just because it’s the fastest way to get food in me.

This Havarti Grilled Cheese feels very upscale compared to my days of using a couple of slices of American cheese on white bread. Mix up your grilled cheese game and give this one a try! I guarantee it’ll be the best grilled cheese sandwich you’ve eaten in years.

Why you’ll love this Grilled Havarti Sandwich

• Nostalgic: Eating a grilled cheese will take you back to your childhood days. Don’t you remember all that gooey cheese?
• Easy: This recipe is super easy to pull together.
• Tasty: It’s the perfect combination of cheesy and salty.
• Modifiable: Change the cheese, use a different bread, or add some veggies to make this sandwich your own. Cheese sandwiches needn’t be boring, experiment with a variety of breads and a combination of cheeses. 
• Versatile: Perfect for a quick lunch or choose it as your go-to meal the whole family will love for dinner.

Havarti Grilled Cheese Ingredients

• Sourdough Bread – Sourdough makes the best grilled sandwich, crunchy and chewy with a touch of sourness. Pick up a pre-sliced loaf of sourdough at the grocery store.
• Butter – Butter helps crisp up and toast the bread. You could substitute mayonnaise for toasting the bread.
• Havarti Cheese– The buttery flavor of Havarti cheese slices complements the saltiness of the bacon well.
• White Cheddar Cheese – Using a combination of different cheeses adds more depth of flavor.
• Cooked Bacon – Crispy bacon always adds some texture and saltiness.
• Optional: Pepper Jelly – If you’re looking to add a touch of spice, add jalapeno jelly. The sweet and spicy flavor is excellent!

How to make this cheese sandwich recipe

Step 1: Place the bread slices on a cutting board and spread the top side with a thin layer of butter. Flip one slice of bread and spread its other side with Pepper Jelly. Layer the slices of cheese, Havarti, and cheddar cheese on top of the pepper jelly, then place the top slice of bread over the cheese, butter side out.

Step 2: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the pan, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown. Flip the sandwich, replace the lid, and cook until the other slice of bread is golden brown. Should take 1 – 2 minutes. It’s best to cook slowly to allow the cheese to melt. If you want to make two sandwiches at a time, use a large skillet.

Step 3: Cut sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Kitchen tools for making Havarti Grilled Cheese

Non-Stick Skillet

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Grilled cheese recipe variations

• Change up the bread and use whatever you have on hand; pumpernickel or rye would taste great or you can always opt for basic whole grain bread. Whichever you decide to use, make sure to choose good quality bread for the best sandwich.
• Switch the cheese for your favorite kind; Gruyere or Emmenthal taste superb but if you’re craving something basic good old cheddar or Swiss cheese always works.
• Try ham instead of bacon. Vegetarian options are good too.
• Squeeze in some sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted red pepper, or sun-dried tomatoes for even more flavor.
• Add fresh herbs like fresh basil or oregano.

Sandwich Storage

Fridge: Leftover grilled cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer: You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Make ahead: Though they only require a few minutes of prep you can make these sandwiches a few days ahead and reheat them when you want to eat them.

Reheat: To reheat pop in the toaster oven or microwave until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Air fryer: To make this grilled cheese in the Air fryer, preheat the airy fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, place the sandwich inside the air fryer, cover, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it is browned on one side.

Flip the sandwich and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the second side is browned and the cheese is completely melted.

Tips for making the perfect havarti grilled sandwich

• If you are cutting the bread yourself make sure not to cut it too thick or the cheese won’t melt. Same with the cheese, make sure it’s not too thick.
• Bring the butter to room temperature as softened butter is easier to spread.
• Serve with a side of ketchup or ranch dressing for dipping or pull out your leftover cranberry sauce. For the record, I wouldn’t use ketchup, but my husband sure would.

What to serve with a Havarti Grilled Cheese

As a kid, I always ate grilled cheese with a bowl of tomato soup but any kind of soup goes well like this Sausage Corn Chowder Soup. Or have a salad and try my Classic Wedge Salad or this Greek Feta Salad.

FAQs

More favorite cheesy recipes

• Stuffed Garlic Bread
• Walking Taco Casserole
• Hot Taco Dip
• Breakfast Casserole
• Stuffed Mini Peppers

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