Description
Spicy, melty roasted jalapeño popper grilled cheese delivers comfort food with a fiery twist. Crispy bread hugs creamy cheese and smoky peppers, promising a mouthwatering experience that satisfies cravings and ignites taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large jalapenos
- 2 tbsps cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack (or pepper jack) cheese
- 4 slices sourdough bread (or your favorite bread)
- 2 tbsps butter, softened
- 2 tbsps mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 2 slices crispy bacon (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Roasting Jalapenos: Place whole jalapenos on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even blistering. Transfer to a covered bowl and allow to steam for 5 minutes.
- Jalapeno Preparation: Carefully peel off charred skins, remove seeds for milder heat (retain some for extra spiciness), and finely chop the roasted peppers.
- Cheese Mixture Creation: Blend cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, chopped jalapenos, and garlic powder until smooth and uniform in texture.
- Sandwich Assembly: Generously butter one side of each bread slice, then flip and evenly spread the jalapeno cheese mixture on two slices. Layer with crispy bacon if desired, then top with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered side faces outward.
- Grilling Technique: Warm a skillet over medium-low heat, carefully place sandwiches in the pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Gently press with a spatula to ensure golden-brown crust and fully melted cheese.
- Serving: Remove sandwiches from heat, allow brief cooling, slice diagonally, and serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling peppers to prevent skin irritation and avoid touching eyes after preparation.
- Remove all seeds and membranes for a milder flavor, or keep some for an extra kick depending on heat tolerance.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother blending and more even distribution of ingredients.
- Use mayonnaise instead of butter for an extra golden, crispier exterior that browns more evenly and adds subtle tanginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg