The Ultimate Cheese Toastie with Jalapeno & Hot Honey

Nothing says cosy weekend lunch like a proper cheese toastie, a crisp golden crust & gooey cheese centre with a delicious spicy, herby yet sweet filling. Perfect for one or shared with a bowl of tomato soup.  You can easily multiply this recipe to feed more. 

Takes 40 minutes / Makes 1 large toastie

INGREDIENTS

• 2 chunky slices of sourdough 
• 3 slices of mature cheddar cheese
• 3 slices of emmental, gruyere or mozzarella 
• 25g room temp salted butter
• 1 small banana shallot 
• 8 or so jarred green jalapeno slices
• 1 tbsp Black Bee honey (any variety will work)
• Handful of dill or fresh herb of choice 
• ½ tsp flaked sea salt 
• 3-4 grinds of fresh black pepper 
• 0.5tsp chili flakes (optional if you like extra heat!) 

METHOD

Start by making the spicy sweet filling, roughly chop 1 shallot & place into a blender with the jalapeno’s, honey, herbs, sea salt & black pepper (plus chill flakes if you want more spice). Blend into a chunky pesto like paste. 

Place a pan on a low heat whilst you build your toastie. Generously butter two slices of sourdough on one side, these will be the outer crusts. Flip them both over then spread the spicy filling onto one and layer the cheese onto the other. Sandwich together then place into a preheated pan. You want the buttery bread to sizzle as it hits. 

Using a spatula press down the toastie, this helps create a good crust, be sure to keep the heat low to medium - slow & steady is important for a gooey centre but golden outer layer. After a few minutes flip and repeat by pressing down. Once both sides are golden, lower the heat and place a lid over the toastie. This traps in steam which helps the cheese melt in the middle. Check after a couple of minutes. Serve up straight away with extra jalapenos or honey if you fancy! 

Author: @lucyrosettelondon