Why Make This Recipe
Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese is a tasty twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It combines the creamy goodness of cheese with the kick of jalapeños and crispy beef bacon. This dish brings together bold flavors that make it exciting and fun to eat. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a snack, or something to spice up your dinner, this grilled cheese is sure to please.
How to Make Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 slices beef bacon, cooked until crispy
- 2 slices Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices Italian bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat a small skillet over medium heat. Place the halved and seeded jalapeño pieces cut-side down in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the chopped, crispy beef bacon and optional cilantro. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Finely chop the cooled jalapeño pieces and add them to the cream cheese mixture. Mash and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Butter one side of each slice of Italian bread. Place two slices butter-side down on a clean surface.
- Spread half of the jalapeño-bacon cream cheese mixture onto the unbuttered side of the two bread slices. Top each with one slice of Monterey Jack cheese and one slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the assembled sandwiches butter-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the sandwiches and place the remaining two slices of Italian bread on top of the cheese layers, butter-side up. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
How to Serve Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Serve your Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese warm and fresh off the skillet. Cut it in half diagonally for a beautiful presentation. You can serve it with a side of tomato soup, salad, or some fresh veggies for a complete meal.
How to Store Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Tips to Make Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
- For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
- Use different types of cheese if you prefer; Pepper Jack adds a nice kick!
- Don’t rush the cooking process. Low and slow gives you the best, gooey cheese.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like avocado, different meats, or even a bit of ranch seasoning to the cream cheese mix for an extra flavor boost.
FAQs
Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of beef bacon?
A: Yes, turkey bacon works great and can provide a lighter option while still adding nice flavor.
Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Simply omit the bacon and use more cheese or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for substance.
Q: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A: It’s best to serve it fresh, but you can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the sandwich right before grilling for a quick meal.
Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat a small skillet over medium heat.
- Place the halved and seeded jalapeño pieces cut-side down in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the chopped, crispy beef bacon and optional cilantro. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Finely chop the cooled jalapeño pieces and add them to the cream cheese mixture. Mash and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Butter one side of each slice of Italian bread. Place two slices butter-side down on a clean surface.
- Spread half of the jalapeño-bacon cream cheese mixture onto the unbuttered side of the two bread slices. Top each with one slice of Monterey Jack cheese and one slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the assembled sandwiches butter-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the sandwiches and place the remaining two slices of Italian bread on top of the cheese layers, butter-side up. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.