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Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
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The Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese is a bold and flavorful sandwich combining spicy fresh and pickled jalapenos with a creamy cheese blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella. Grilled between thick slices of sturdy bread, buttered and perfectly toasted to golden crispiness, this sandwich delivers a satisfying balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch. Easy enough for a weeknight meal yet special enough to impress guests, this recipe is customizable for spice preference and dietary needs, making it a delicious twist on classic comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 4 thick slices sturdy bread (sourdough, Texas toast, or country white)

Cheese Blend

  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Jalapenos

  • 2 fresh jalapenos, diced (seeds removed for milder heat)
  • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, chopped

Bacon (Optional)

  • 4 strips cooked and chopped crispy bacon

Others

  • Butter, for spreading generously on bread slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and shredded mozzarella until smooth and well combined. Add a pinch of garlic powder for added depth of flavor.
  2. Slice and Prepare Jalapenos: Dice fresh jalapenos finely. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Drain and chop pickled jalapenos into small pieces.
  3. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture on one side of each bread slice. Evenly sprinkle the diced fresh and pickled jalapenos over the cheese. Add cooked bacon pieces if using. Top with the other slice of bread, cheese side down.
  4. Butter the Bread and Heat the Pan: Butter the outsides of the assembled sandwich evenly. Heat a skillet over medium heat until warm and ready for grilling.
  5. Grill Until Golden and Melty: Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula. Flip when the underside is golden brown and the cheese mixture has begun to melt.
  6. Serve Hot and Enjoy: Remove from the pan and let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing. This prevents the cheese from oozing out immediately and makes it easier to eat.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and more even melting.
  • Remove jalapeno seeds for better control of spice heat.
  • Cook on medium-low heat to melt cheese fully without burning bread.
  • Press sandwich gently while grilling to develop a crispy crust and even cooking.
  • Experiment with different breads like whole wheat, keto bread, or naan for new textures.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeno popper grilled cheese, spicy grilled cheese, comfort food sandwich, cheesy jalapeno sandwich, easy weeknight sandwich

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/jalapeno-popper-grilled-cheese/