Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese Honey

This goat cheese grilled cheese with honey has become my go to lunch when I need something that feels both comforting and a little bit special. The tangy creaminess of goat cheese paired with the sweet drizzle of honey creates a flavor combination that transforms a simple sandwich into something you'd want to savor slowly. I stumbled upon this recipe during a rainy afternoon when I was craving something indulgent but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

I made this for the first time when my sister stopped by unexpectedly, and she literally asked me to write down the recipe before she left. Now it's become our tradition whenever we have our monthly catch up sessions over lunch.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Goat Cheese: 4 oz — This is the star of the sandwich providing that distinctive tangy flavor and ultra creamy texture. Look for fresh goat cheese that's soft and spreadable rather than aged varieties. The best quality goat cheese will be bright white and have a pleasant barnyard aroma without being too pungent.
• Bread: 2 slices — Choose a sturdy sourdough or hearty whole grain that can stand up to the moisture from the cheese without getting soggy. Prefer a thicker cut bread about half an inch thick that has a good crust to create that perfect golden crunch. Avoid soft sandwich bread as it tends to fall apart.
• Honey: 2 tbsp — Use raw local honey if possible for the most complex flavor profile. The honey adds sweetness that balances the tangy goat cheese beautifully. Look for honey that flows smoothly and has a golden amber color.
• Butter: 2 tbsp — Opt for European style butter with higher fat content for the richest flavor and best browning. The butter should be softened to room temperature so it spreads easily without tearing your bread.

How to Make It

Prepare Your Workspace:

Clear your counter space and set out all your ingredients so everything is within reach. Take your butter out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it's soft enough to spread easily without tearing the bread. Slice your bread if you're using a fresh loaf making sure each slice is even in thickness so it cooks uniformly.

Butter the Bread:

Spread a thin even layer of butter on one side of each bread slice going all the way to the edges. This is crucial because any unbuttered spots won't brown properly and you'll end up with pale patches on your finished sandwich. Use about half a tablespoon per slice and really work it into the surface of the bread.

Assemble the Sandwich:

Place one slice of bread butter side down on your work surface. Spread the goat cheese generously over the unbuttered side using a butter knife or small spatula. Don't be shy with the cheese as it will melt down during cooking. The cheese layer should be about a quarter inch thick and spread evenly from edge to edge.

Drizzle with Honey:

Take your honey and drizzle it over the goat cheese layer in a zigzag pattern. Use about one and a half tablespoons for a nice balance of sweetness without making the sandwich too messy. The honey will melt into the cheese as it cooks creating little pockets of sweetness throughout.

Top and Press:

Place the second slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing up. Press down gently but firmly with your palm to help the sandwich hold together. You want good contact between all the layers but don't press so hard that the cheese squeezes out the sides.

Heat Your Pan:

Set a heavy bottomed skillet or griddle over medium low heat and let it warm for about two minutes. The pan needs to be properly preheated for even browning but not too hot or the outside will burn before the cheese melts. Test the temperature by flicking a drop of water onto the surface; it should sizzle gently.

Cook the First Side:

Carefully place your assembled sandwich in the heated pan and let it cook undisturbed for about four to five minutes. Resist the urge to press down on it with your spatula as this squeezes out the melted cheese. You'll know it's ready to flip when the edges start to look golden and crispy when you peek underneath with a spatula.

Flip and Finish:

Using a wide spatula slide it under the sandwich and flip it in one confident motion. Cook the second side for another three to four minutes until it's equally golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and oozy. If your cheese isn't melting fast enough you can reduce the heat slightly and cover the pan with a lid for the last minute.

Rest and Serve:

Transfer the grilled cheese to a cutting board and let it rest for about one minute before slicing. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn't all run out when you cut into it. Slice diagonally for the classic presentation and drizzle with the remaining half tablespoon of honey right before serving.

The honey I use in this recipe comes from my neighbor who keeps bees, and there's something magical about knowing exactly where your ingredients come from. Last summer, my kids and I visited her hives and watched her harvest the honey, and now every time I make this sandwich I think about those golden frames dripping with sweetness. It made me appreciate how a simple ingredient can connect you to your community and the natural world around you.

Flavor Boosters

While goat cheese is traditional, you can swap it for cream cheese mixed with a bit of feta for a similar tangy profile. If you're not a fan of goat cheese's distinctive flavor, try a mild brie or camembert for creaminess with less tang. For the honey, maple syrup works beautifully and adds a deeper caramelized sweetness, or try fig jam for something truly special. Whole wheat bread can replace sourdough for added fiber and nuttiness. Ghee makes an excellent substitute for butter and adds a rich nutty flavor. Try mascarpone cheese for an ultra creamy less tangy alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or alongside tomato soup for the ultimate comfort. For a lighter lunch, serve with fresh grapes and mixed nuts. For brunch, add crispy prosciutto inside and top with a poached egg. Sweet potato fries, sliced fresh figs or pears, or sparkling lemon water also make great companions.

Creative Twists

In the fall add thin apple or pear slices for crunch. Summer is perfect for fresh basil or sun dried tomatoes layered in for a Mediterranean flare. Winter calls for caramelized onions and fresh thyme for deeper flavor or use cranberry sauce instead of honey during holidays. Spring versions shine with fresh strawberries and baby spinach.

The secret to golden crisp grilled cheese is patience — use medium low heat and a heavy skillet. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I substitute another cheese for goat cheese?

Yes, while goat cheese offers a distinctive tang, you can try brie or feta for a similar creamy texture and bold flavor.

→ What bread works best for this dish?

Sturdy sourdough or whole grain breads are ideal, as their texture holds up to melting cheese and honey without getting soggy.

→ How can I make this lighter?

Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter, Mediterranean feel without sacrificing crispiness or flavor.

→ Is honey essential, or can I substitute it?

While honey enhances sweetness, agave syrup is a great alternative if you prefer a different taste profile.

→ How do I achieve the perfect golden crust?

Cook the sandwich over medium heat, pressing gently, and allow each side to turn golden before flipping for even toasting.