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Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe

Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Spicy jalapeno popper grilled cheese delivers a zesty twist on classic comfort food. Crispy bread, melted cheese, and roasted peppers create a mouthwatering sandwich you’ll crave at first bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 2 large jalapenos
  • 2 slices crispy bacon (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded monterey jack cheese
  • 2 tbsps cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsps butter, softened
  • 2 tbsps mayonnaise
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Roasting Peppers: Char whole jalapenos in a 400F (200C) oven, rotating midway to ensure even blistering across their surface.
  2. Preparing Peppers: Transfer roasted peppers to a sealed container, allowing steam to loosen charred skin. Peel, deseed, and finely dice, reserving some membranes for additional heat.
  3. Cheese Preparation: Blend cream cheese with shredded cheddar and monterey jack, incorporating minced jalapenos and garlic powder until achieving a harmonious, creamy consistency.
  4. Sandwich Assembly: Coat bread slices with softened butter on exterior surfaces. Spread jalapeno-cheese mixture on inner sides of two bread pieces, layer with crispy bacon strips, and complete with remaining bread slices.
  5. Cooking Technique: Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Gently place sandwiches in the pan, pressing lightly with a spatula to encourage even browning and thorough cheese melting.
  6. Finishing Touch: Cook 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a rich, golden crust and molten interior. Remove from heat, cool briefly, and slice diagonally to reveal the decadent filling.

Notes

  • Manage Pepper Heat: Remove seeds and membranes gradually to control spice levels, allowing customization for different heat tolerances.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Ensure cheese mixture reaches room temperature before spreading, promoting smoother, more even melting inside the sandwich.
  • Butter Browning Trick: Use softened butter at room temperature for consistent, golden-brown exterior without burning bread edges.
  • Low and Slow Cooking: Maintain medium-low heat to guarantee crispy exterior while allowing complete cheese melting without scorching bread.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg