Description
The Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese is a spicy, creamy, and crispy sandwich that fuses fresh jalapeños, smooth cream cheese, and sharp cheddar between buttery grilled bread. Perfect for spice lovers and comfort food fans alike, it offers a rich blend of flavors and textures that can be customized to your heat preference and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 4 slices sturdy bread (such as sourdough or Texas toast)
Cheese Filling
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
Optional Ingredients
- 4 slices cooked crispy bacon
For Grilling
- Butter, enough to thoroughly butter each slice of bread
Instructions
- Prepare the jalapeño popper filling: Finely dice the jalapeños and mix them with the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and garlic powder until well combined to create a creamy and spicy filling.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread a generous layer of the jalapeño popper mixture evenly onto one slice of bread. If using bacon, layer the cooked bacon strips on top, then cover with the second slice of bread.
- Butter the bread: Butter the outside of each slice of bread thoroughly to ensure a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
- Grill to perfection: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook slowly for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until both sides are deep golden brown and the cheese has melted throughout.
- Serve warm: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing to help the cheese set slightly and reduce mess.
Notes
- Don’t rush the grilling process; cooking on medium-low heat ensures cheese melts fully and bread crisps without burning.
- Control the spice by removing seeds and membranes from jalapeños if preferred milder heat.
- Use softened cream cheese for easier spreading and even flavor distribution.
- Press the sandwich gently while grilling using a spatula or panini press to meld ingredients without crushing the bread.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps with even heat distribution and a better crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg