Save The first time I made honey chipotle butter was completely by accident—I had extra chipotle peppers from a batch of chili and no idea what to do with them. Something clicked when I mixed them with butter and honey, and suddenly my regular grilled cheese routine changed forever. Now it is the sandwich I make when I need serious comfort with a little kick.
I served these at a small dinner party last winter and watched my friend Sarah take one bite, eyes go wide, and immediately ask for the recipe. Something about the heat sneaking up after that initial honey sweetness just gets people.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it mixes seamlessly with the honey and chipotle
- Honey: Use a mild clover or wildflower honey to balance the heat without overpowering it
- Chipotle pepper in adobo: Finely mince one pepper and save the sauce—both bring smoky depth
- Adobo sauce: One teaspoon adds that essential smoky liquid flavor without making it too wet
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the other ingredients
- Sourdough bread: Sturdy enough to hold everything together and develops the best crunch
- Sharp cheddar: Grate it yourself for better melting and choose sharp for flavor that stands up to the spice
Instructions
- Make the honey chipotle butter:
- Mash the softened butter, honey, minced chipotle, adobo sauce, and salt in a small bowl until completely smooth and evenly combined
- Prep the bread:
- Spread a generous layer of that butter mixture on one side of every sourdough slice
- Build the sandwiches:
- Lay two slices butter side down, pile the grated cheddar evenly on top, then close with the remaining bread slices butter side up
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook in a hot skillet over medium heat for three to four minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and oozing
Save This recipe became a weekend staple during rainy weather, the kind of lunch that makes you put your phone away and just eat at the counter.
Cheese Variations
Sharp cheddar is perfect but smoked gouda adds incredible depth and pepper jack brings even more heat if you really want to lean into the spice.
Make It A Meal
Serve alongside tomato soup for that classic combo, or toss a simple arugula salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Perfecting The Butter
Make extra honey chipotle butter and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks—it spreads beautifully on toast or roasted vegetables.
- Butter softer bread faster by lowering the heat slightly
- Use a cast iron skillet for the most even browning
- Experiment with different honey varieties for subtle flavor shifts
Save Hope this brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best?
Sourdough bread is preferred for its sturdy texture and slight tang, holding up well to grilling and complementing the spicy-sweet butter.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes, smoked gouda or pepper jack can be used to create different flavor profiles that pair well with the honey chipotle butter.
- → How spicy is the honey chipotle butter?
The chipotle pepper and adobo sauce add a mild to moderate smoky heat balanced by the sweetness of honey, adjustable to taste.
- → What cooking method should I use?
Grilling on a skillet or griddle over medium heat ensures the bread crisps evenly while allowing the cheese to melt smoothly.
- → Any serving suggestions?
This dish pairs excellently with tomato soup or can be served with pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.