Spiked Grilled Cheese Sriracha (Printable Version)

Crispy sourdough layered with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and spicy sriracha mayo for a flavorful meal.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Bread & Cheese

01 - 4 slices hearty sourdough or white sandwich bread
02 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (approximately 4.2 oz)
03 - 2 slices Monterey Jack cheese (optional, approximately 2.1 oz)

→ Sriracha Mayo

04 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
05 - 1 to 1.5 tablespoons sriracha sauce, adjusted to taste
06 - 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

→ Butter

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lime juice; mix until smooth. Adjust sriracha quantity for preferred heat level.
02 - Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice; these will form the outer surfaces of the sandwiches.
03 - Place cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
04 - Top the cheese-covered slices with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward to form two sandwiches.
05 - Spread a generous layer of sriracha mayo onto the buttered exterior of each sandwich.
06 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat until hot.
07 - Place sandwiches mayo side down onto the skillet. While cooking, spread remaining sriracha mayo on the top side.
08 - Grill each side for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
09 - Remove sandwiches from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sriracha mayo transforms a childhood comfort into something grown-up and craveable, no fancy ingredients required.
  • It's ready in under 20 minutes, so even on nights when you're too hungry to wait, you're eating something that tastes like you tried.
  • The contrast between crispy golden bread and melted cheese with that spicy kick hits different than a regular grilled cheese.
02 -
  • Don't skip the lime juice in the mayo, even if you think it's unnecessary; it's the secret that keeps this from tasting one-note and heavy.
  • Medium-low heat is non-negotiable because high heat will turn your bread dark before the cheese melts, leaving you with hot bread and cold cheese inside.
03 -
  • Butter the bread while it's still soft so you don't tear it; if your butter is cold, let it sit on the counter for five minutes first.
  • Watch the skillet temperature by listening for that gentle sizzle, not a loud violent pop; if it's popping, turn the heat down.
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