Spicy Irish Whiskey Cheddar Grilled Cheese
English
Chapter 5: The Modern Irish American Pantry (Trader Joe's Hacks)
There is a profound, unapologetic joy in a grilled cheese sandwich made right. This one marries the sweet, oaky bite of Irish whiskey cheddar with the fiery, umami-rich crunch of chili onion oil. It isn't traditional, and it doesn't pretend to be. Leaning heavily on the modern pantry, it delivers a deeply comforting, golden-crusted masterpiece that hits every necessary note of fat, acid, and slow-burning heat.
Before you start
Grate the cheeses.
Shred the whiskey cheddar and Havarti on a box grater, then mix them together in a small bowl to ensure an even melt.
Prepare the spice emulsion.
Vigorously whisk the mayonnaise and Crunchy Chili Onion together to distribute the chili oil evenly.
Ingredients
- Trader Joes Sourdough Bread2 slices
- Trader Joes Irish Cheddar with Irish Whiskey1.5 oz
- Trader Joes Creamy Havarti1 oz
- Mayonnaise1 tbsp
- Trader Joes Crunchy Chili Onion1 tbsp
- Dijon Mustard1 tsp
- Thick cut bacon2 slices cooked crisp optional
Method
- 01
Layer the interior of the sandwich.
Spread the Dijon mustard on the inside of one slice of sourdough, then pile on the blended cheeses and bacon.
- 02
Top with bread and apply the exterior spread.
Place the second slice of sourdough on top and generously coat the upper exterior slice with half of the spicy mayonnaise.
- 03
Grill slowly on medium-low heat.
Place the sandwich mayonnaise-side down in a skillet, taking care not to rush the heat so the internal core melts completely.
- 04
Coat the top slice and flip.
After three to four minutes, spread the remaining spicy mayonnaise on the un-toasted top slice, carefully flip the sandwich, and cook until deeply golden.
- 05
Rest briefly before serving.
Remove from the skillet and wait one minute before cutting to keep the molten cheese from escaping.
Notes
Mind the seasonality of the cheese.
Trader Joe's typically releases whiskey cheddar around March. If you can't find it, substitute any high-quality aged white cheddar with a splash of actual Irish whiskey mixed into the shreds.
Control the heat to your liking.
For a milder sandwich, omit the chili crunch and use garlic powder in the mayonnaise. For extreme heat, add a pinch of ghost pepper or habanero flakes directly to the cheese blend.
From The Irish American Table.