# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy & Cheese
01 - 4 ounces soft goat cheese (chèvre), at room temperature
02 - 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
→ Bread & Fats
03 - 4 slices sourdough bread, 0.5 to 0.75 inch thick
04 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 teaspoons olive oil
→ Sweeteners & Spice
06 - 2 to 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
07 - 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
→ Seasoning
08 - 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Optional Add-ins
10 - 1 to 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
11 - Zest of 0.5 lemon
12 - Handful of baby arugula or spinach
13 - Thinly sliced ripe pear, apple, or fresh figs
# Cooking Steps:
01 - In a small bowl, combine goat cheese and cream cheese. Mash with a fork or spatula until smooth and creamy.
02 - Add 2 tablespoons honey, 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to the cheese. Mix well and adjust honey and chili to your preference.
03 - Stir in fresh herbs and lemon zest if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - Lay out bread slices and spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. These buttered sides will be the exterior of the sandwiches.
05 - Flip the slices and spread the cheese mixture evenly onto two slices on their unbuttered sides.
06 - Add sliced pear, apple, or figs and a handful of arugula or spinach if desired. Drizzle with additional honey for extra sweetness.
07 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward, to form two complete sandwiches.
08 - Preheat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Swirl in olive oil if desired.
09 - Place sandwiches in the skillet, buttered sides down. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crisp. Lower heat if bread browns too quickly before cheese softens.
10 - Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes.
11 - Slice each sandwich in half and arrange on plates or a serving board.
12 - Drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle with a pinch of chili flakes and black pepper, and garnish with herb leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
