This Chili Oil & Jam Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a twist on the classic snack that’s perfect for any meal! Utterly delicious and serving us with the 3S’ — sweet, salty, and spicy.
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You know that feeling when you come back from a bit of travelling and all you want to do is to lie in bed and recharge? Well, after Thanksgiving weekend, I felt absolutely drained and just wanted to be a potato. But even so, this girl’s still gotta eat. And one of the easiest things to put together is the classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Chili Oil & Jam Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This particular recipe though comes with a twist. Ever heard of having jam and chili oil with your grilled sandwich?
Before you come for me, hear me out! I’ve seen people use jam for their grilled cheese sandwiches. And I know it isn’t traditional, but they really pair well together. The jam gives that hint of sweetness that goes amazingly with the saltiness of the cheese.
When I first tried making these sandwiches, the thought of adding chili oil to the mix sounded so good, I just had to give it a go. And it was absolutely delicious! But that could also be because I’m always up for chili oil.
Sweet, Salty, Spicy Grilled Cheese With Mayo
Essentially, between two pieces of bread, spread a layer of jam, then place on however much cheese you’d like, mixed together with some chili oil. Slather on some mayonnaise on the outsides of the bread, then pan fry it in butter.
I was honestly pleasantly surprised at how delicious it is with the chili oil pulling the sandwich together. And it tastes even better with tomato soup.
ingredients you’ll need
(For full ingredient measurements, please proceed to the recipe card below.)
- Bread: For sandwiches, I normally like to use sourdough bread.
- Cheese: I used smoked gouda and medium sharp cheddar. Mix it up with your favorite cheese combos.
- Chili oil: I used my Homemade Chili Oil, but if you’re looking for a store-bought option, I recommend the one by Lao Gan Ma.
- Butter
- Mayonnaise: I know that a lot of people are used to spreading butter on bread when preparing grilled sandwiches, but switch it up to some mayonnaise (you can opt for normal mayo or even Japanese mayo) as the bread will become crispier, turn a beautiful brown color, and for more flavor.
- Jam: Feel free to use your choice of fruit jam. I used lingonberry but strawberry, raspberry or apricot works well too.
how to make easy chili oil & jam grilled cheese sandwich
- Add your shredded gouda to a bowl and mix with the chili oil. Set aside.
- Spread mayo to one side of every slice of bread. On the other side of only two slices of bread, spread the jam. Set aside.
- Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a frying pan over medium low heat and add one slice of the bread (mayo side down).
- Add 2 slices of cheddar/American cheese on top of the sliced bread and 1/2 of the smoked gouda chili oil mix. Cover with a lid and let that cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
- Add another slice of bread on top with the jam side down and press down the with a spatula for 10-20 seconds before flipping it over.
- Cover with a lid for another 2 minutes.
- Remove the lid and press down the sandwich for 15 seconds or until it’s golden brown. Remove from heat and serve.
- Repeat the steps for the 2nd sandwich and enjoy!
Notes For Chili Oil & Jam Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Chili Oil: The amount of chili oil should be up to heat preference. I used my homemade chili oil.
- Jam layer: Slather on a layer of jam on one side of the bread so that it doesn’t overpower the taste.
- Cover with lid when pan frying: Cover the grilled cheese sandwich with a lid so the cheese melts well into that oozing texture.
- Tomato soup: Here’s my Homemade Tomato Soup recipe.
More Sandwich Recipes
- Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando)
- Grinder Salad Sandwich Sliders
- Open Faced Tunacado Sandwich (15 minutes)
- Chili Oil Tuna Melt
- Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Hong Kong Style French Toast (Sai Do Si)
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Chili Oil & Jam Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese/American cheese
- 1 cup shredded smoked gouda
- 4 tbsp chili oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- mayo
- lingonberry jam or your favorite jam
Instructions
- Add your shredded gouda to a bowl and mix with the chili oil. Set aside.
- Spread mayo to one side of every slice of bread. On the other side of only two slices of bread, spread the jam. Set aside.
- Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a frying pan over medium low heat and add one slice of the bread (mayo side down).
- Add 2 slices of cheddar/American cheese on top of the sliced bread and 1/2 of the smoked gouda chili oil mix. Cover with a lid and let that cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
- Add another slice of bread on top with the jam side down and press down the with a spatula for 10-20 seconds before flipping it over.
- Cover with a lid for another 2 minutes.
- Remove the lid and press down the sandwich for 15 seconds or until it's golden brown. Remove from heat and serve.
- Repeat the steps for the 2nd sandwich and enjoy!
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