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A stacked, golden-brown Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese sandwich oozing with melted cheese, green jalapeno slices, and bacon bits, on a wooden board.
Daniel

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

This ultimate comfort food combines the creamy, spicy kick of a jalapeno popper with the gooey, cheesy goodness of a classic grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Jalapeno Popper Filling
  • 2 medium Jalapenos deseeded and finely minced
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded, sharp or medium
  • 3 slices Bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/8 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp Black Pepper or to taste
For the Grilled Cheese
  • 4 slices Sourdough Bread thick-cut
  • 2 slices Monterey Jack Cheese or Pepper Jack
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter softened, or mayonnaise

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Large Skillet or Griddle
  • Spatula

Method
 

Prepare the Jalapeno Popper Filling
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced jalapenos, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Assemble the Sandwiches
  1. Lay out the four slices of sourdough bread. Spread a generous layer of the jalapeno popper filling onto two of the bread slices. Place one slice of Monterey Jack (or Pepper Jack) cheese on top of the filling on each of these two slices. Top with the remaining two slices of bread to form two sandwiches.
Prepare for Grilling
  1. Evenly spread softened butter (or mayonnaise for extra crispiness) on the outside of each sandwich. Ensure the entire surface of the bread that will contact the skillet is coated.
Grill the Sandwiches
  1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches butter-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is fully melted and gooey. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts.
Serve
  1. Carefully remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet. Let them rest for a minute, then slice in half diagonally and serve immediately.

Notes

For a milder flavor, you can blanch the minced jalapenos in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and pat dry, before adding to the filling.
Mayo on the outside of the bread creates an exceptionally crispy crust and browns beautifully.
Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick!