Tangy goat cheese, sweet honey, and a hint of spice melted between crisp, buttery sourdough. A perfect, elevated comfort food.
# What you'll need:
→ 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 & Seasonings
06 - 2-3 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
07 - 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes
08 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Enhancements
10 - 1-2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
11 - Zest of 1/2 lemon
12 - 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 fork or spatula until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
02 - Add 2 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and taste. Adjust honey and chili levels to achieve desired sweet-spicy balance.
03 - Stir in fresh herbs and lemon zest if using. Taste again and adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - Lay out bread slices. Spread thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each slice (these will become the exterior surfaces).
05 - Flip slices and spread cheese mixture evenly onto two slices on the unbuttered side. Layer with fruit slices and/or arugula if desired. Drizzle lightly with extra honey.
06 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered sides facing outward, to form two complete sandwiches.
07 - Heat large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add olive oil if using for extra crispiness.
08 - Place sandwiches in skillet, buttered side down. Cook for 3-5 minutes, pressing gently with spatula, until golden brown and crispy.
09 - Flip sandwiches carefully and cook second side for 3-5 minutes until equally golden and cheese is melted. Reduce heat if bread browns too quickly.
10 - Transfer sandwiches to cutting board and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally.
11 - Arrange on serving plates. Drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle with pinch of chili flakes and black pepper. Garnish with herb leaves if desired and serve immediately.
