Honey Sriracha Grilled Cheese

Featured in: High-Noon Handhelds

This sandwich pairs golden, buttery sourdough with layers of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, then elevates classic grilled cheese by adding sweet honey and a spicy dash of sriracha. The bread is crisped to perfection in a skillet, while the cheese melts into oozy goodness. Flavorful notes of honey and sriracha balance rich, melty cheese, creating a bold contrast of sweet and hot. Ready in under 20 minutes and perfect for quick vegetarian meals, pair with tomato soup or salad for extra comfort. Customize with jalapeños or caramelized onions for an added twist.

Updated on Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:08:53 GMT
Golden-brown Honey Sriracha Grilled Cheese bubbling warmly, ready to eat with creamy melted cheese. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Honey Sriracha Grilled Cheese bubbling warmly, ready to eat with creamy melted cheese. | buddybiteskitchen.com

This Honey Sriracha Grilled Cheese transforms a beloved comfort food into something crave-worthy and exciting. You get all the familiar gooey magic of melted cheese, but with a little sweetness from honey and just the right spicy nudge from sriracha. Best of all, it comes together in under twenty minutes and makes lunch feel special any day of the week.

When I first tried this twist on grilled cheese, I was honestly surprised by how the honey brought everything together. Now it is my go-to when I want grown-up flavor and kid-friendly comfort at the same time.

Ingredients

  • Sourdough or country-style bread: Four slices The sturdy texture keeps everything together and gets beautifully crisp Choose bakery fresh if you can
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Four slices Brings bold flavor and classic melt Look for one labeled as extra sharp for best taste
  • Mozzarella cheese: Two slices Melts to creamy perfection and balances the cheddar Go for whole milk mozzarella if possible for extra stretch
  • Honey: Two tablespoons Adds subtle sweetness and helps blend the spice Opt for local raw honey if available
  • Sriracha sauce: One to two tablespoons Brings bright heat and tang Use according to your spice preference
  • Unsalted butter: Two tablespoons softened Ensures golden crisp outsides and that nutty grilled flavor Choose real butter over margarine for best results

Instructions

Mix the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
Combine honey and sriracha in a small bowl Mix thoroughly to create a zesty and sweet spread Taste and adjust sriracha according to how hot you like it
Prep the Bread:
Lay out your bread slices Spread a thin layer of the honey-sriracha mixture evenly onto one side of each slice Make sure to reach the edges for full flavor
Layer the Cheese:
On two slices of bread place one slice of cheddar and half a slice of mozzarella Stack the cheeses for best melt and balance in each bite
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Top each cheese layer with a second slice of bread Make sure the sauce-covered sides are facing inward so the cheese and sauce are touching
Butter the Bread:
Generously spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich This ensures maximum crispiness and rich flavor
Grill to Perfection:
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat Place the sandwiches in the pan Cook for three to four minutes per side pressing gently as needed Wait for the bread to turn deeply golden and the cheese to melt completely
Rest and Serve:
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet Let them cool for one minute before slicing This helps keep the gooey cheese inside Serve and enjoy while hot
Buttery, toasted Honey Sriracha Grilled Cheese, sliced and ready to enjoy, a sweet-spicy treat. Save to Pinterest
Buttery, toasted Honey Sriracha Grilled Cheese, sliced and ready to enjoy, a sweet-spicy treat. | buddybiteskitchen.com

My favorite part is the tangy burst from the sriracha against the buttery bread. Last winter my brother took one bite and immediately asked for the honey-sriracha sauce to dip his chips too. This combo is contagious in the best kind of way.

Storage Tips

Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the refrigerator up to two days Reheat in a skillet on low heat instead of the microwave for best crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cheddar for gouda or pepper jack if that is what you have on hand For extra richness try using havarti and a drizzle of hot honey If sourdough is not your favorite any sturdy rustic bread works

Serving Suggestions

Pair your grilled cheese with a bowl of tomato soup or a simple green salad You can add a few sliced jalapeños or caramelized onions inside for a more complex flavor

Cultural and Historical Context

Grilled cheese sandwiches gained popularity in the United States during the twentieth century when processed cheese and sliced bread became widely available This spicy twist borrows flavors from Asian hot honey dishes and American diner classics merging comfort with just a touch of adventure

Seasonal Adaptations

Try adding roasted red peppers or thin apple slices for a fall touch Use local honey in spring or summer for a fresh floral finish Swap the cheese for anything seasonal from your local market

Success Stories

Friends have told me they now keep honey and sriracha ready just for this sandwich One even used the sauce on chicken wraps with great results Kids often like it milder but a swirl of extra sriracha makes it perfect for spice fans

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble the sandwiches but do not grill them yet Wrap tightly in plastic or foil Freeze up to one month Thaw in the refrigerator and butter the outsides just before grilling

A close-up view of a gooey, delicious Honey Sriracha Grilled Cheese right out of the pan. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of a gooey, delicious Honey Sriracha Grilled Cheese right out of the pan. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Enjoy this delicious twist for a quick meal or as a shareable snack. It is sure to win fans of all ages any day of the week.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I adjust the spiciness?

Absolutely. Just use less sriracha or swap for a milder chili sauce to control the heat level.

Which cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create great flavor and texture, but gouda or pepper jack also work well.

What bread should I use?

Sourdough delivers hearty texture, but country-style bread or whole wheat can be substituted as desired.

Can I make it vegan?

Try plant-based butter and vegan cheese, and choose vegan bread if preferred for a dairy-free option.

How can I serve this sandwich?

Pair with tomato soup or a crisp salad for a satisfying meal. Add jalapeños or onions for extra flavor.

Is this suitable for kids?

Kids may enjoy it with less sriracha for milder spice. Customize the sauce to suit their taste.

Honey Sriracha Grilled Cheese

Golden bread with gooey cheese and a bold honey-sriracha kick delivers irresistible sweet heat.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Total Time
18 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category High-Noon Handhelds

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 2 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

Bread

01 4 slices sourdough or country-style bread

Cheese

01 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
02 2 slices mozzarella cheese

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons honey
02 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, adjusted to taste

Butter

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Prepare Honey-Sriracha Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine honey and sriracha sauce thoroughly. Adjust the amount of sriracha to achieve the preferred level of heat.

Step 02

Season Bread: Arrange bread slices on a work surface. Evenly spread a thin layer of the honey-sriracha mixture onto one side of each slice using a butter knife.

Step 03

Assemble Sandwiches: Layer one slice cheddar and half a slice mozzarella cheese onto two prepared bread slices. Cover each with a remaining slice of bread, sauce side facing inward.

Step 04

Butter Exterior: Generously coat the outer sides of each assembled sandwich with softened butter.

Step 05

Cook Sandwiches: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Transfer sandwiches to the pan and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure until bread turns golden and crisp, and cheese melts thoroughly.

Step 06

Finish and Serve: Remove sandwiches from skillet, allow to rest for 1 minute, then cut and present immediately while still hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Nonstick skillet or grill pan
  • Spatula
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Butter knife

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter) and gluten (bread). Store-bought bread may include soy, egg, or nut traces.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 480
  • Fat Content: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 44 grams
  • Protein Content: 16 grams