Spiked Grilled Cheese Sriracha (Print Version)

A bold twist on grilled cheese with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and spicy sriracha mayo.

# Components:

→ Bread & Cheese

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

→ Sriracha Mayo

04 - 3 tbsp mayonnaise
05 - 1 to 1.5 tbsp sriracha sauce, adjust to taste
06 - 1 tsp fresh lime juice

→ Butter

07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Combine mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust sriracha quantity to preferred spiciness.
02 - Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice; these will form the sandwich exteriors.
03 - Place cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on the unbuttered side of two bread slices. Top with remaining slices, buttered side outward.
04 - Slather a generous amount of the prepared sriracha mayo on the buttered side of each assembled sandwich.
05 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
06 - Place sandwiches mayo-side down on skillet. While cooking first side, spread sriracha mayo on the top side. Grill 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from heat, let cool for 1 minute. Slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in 18 minutes flat, which means you can go from hungry to satisfied faster than takeout arrives.
  • The crispy exterior and melted cheese inside hit that perfect textural sweet spot that makes you crave it.
  • Sriracha mayo transforms something you've made a thousand times into something that feels intentional and exciting.
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is not a suggestion—too high and your bread burns while your cheese sits cold inside.
  • The mayo side down in the pan is what gets you that crispy, caramelized crust that makes this sandwich different from ordinary grilled cheese.
  • Sriracha brands vary from gentle to brutal, so always taste your mayo mixture before you build the sandwiches.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently while it cooks to encourage even browning and better cheese contact, but don't squash it or the filling escapes.
  • If your bread is very thick, tent the pan with foil after flipping to trap heat and give the cheese extra time to melt.
  • Softened butter spreads without tearing delicate bread, so take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before you start.
Return