Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese is a delectable combination of baked cream cheese-filled jalapeño, gooey cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and crispy bacon. It is sandwiched between two slices of thick, hearty white bread and grilled to perfection.
Do you like grilled cheese? I absolutely love them.
Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food. In fact, it is a tough contender, even against mac n cheese. Although you do have to like a little heat to partake in this beauty. If picked properly, jalapeños can be very flavorful with relatively mild heat. Please be sure to read my section on choosing the right jalapeños.
HOW DO YOU MAKE JALAPEÑO GRILLED CHEESE?
First, using plastic food handling gloves (or even plastic sandwich bags) cut the jalapeños in half and remove the seeds and membranes. Stuff each half with a little mound of cream cheese. Now place them on a cookie sheet and bake until the peppers are semi-soft, the cheese is bubbly, and they are starting to brown.
Place one slice of cheddar cheese on two bread slices. Place one slice each of Monterey Jack on two bread slices. Each sandwich will have both kinds of cheese. Slice the cooked stuffed jalapeños into bite-size pieces. Divide the jalapeño slices between the two slices of bread with cheddar. Add the four slices of bacon to the slices of bread with Monterey Jack. If desired, add chopped cilantro to one side. Combine the slices of bread to form 2 sandwiches.
Top each sandwich with several pats of butter. Place in skillet over medium-low heat, butter side down. Top with more pats of butter. Now grill each side until lightly browned. Cheese should be melted and gooey.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE MILD JALAPEÑOS?
With just a little patience and understanding, you too can pick jalapeños that are flavorful yet mild. Look for the younger peppers that are smooth and green all over with no striations or blemishes. These young green peppers are less stressed and milder. Stay away from peppers with white lines, flecks, and red ones, as these peppers are older and hotter. Take your time picking the peppers.
To further reduce the heat once cut in half, use gloves and scoop out the veins and seeds. There is quite a bit of heat in those veins and seeds. If you like your jalapeño poppers hot, leave the seeds and veins in or leave a portion of them.
RECIPE NOTES AND HELPFUL TIPS:
Use gloves to cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds. Wash your hands thoroughly after working with these peppers, as they can be a real irritant if you touch your face.
A small amount of cream cheese mounded in the pepper works best. If too much is in there, it will cook out.
If you like your jalapeño poppers less soft, lessen the cooking time by ten minutes.
Use good quality smoked nitrate-free bacon.
This sandwich is worthy of thick bakery-style white bread, Italian bread, or European Artisan Bread.
Use excellent quality, fairly thick slices of cheese, as the cheese should be the star of the show.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 jalapeños sliced lengthwise seeds and membranes removed
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 4 slices bacon crispy cooked
- 2 slices Monterey jack
- 2 slices sharp cheddar
- 4 slices of Italian bread
- Cilantro chopped (optional)
- Pats of butter
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2: Stuff each jalapeño half with approximately 1 ounce of cream cheese. Bake stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven.
Step 3: Place 1 slice each cheddar cheese on 2 bread slices. Place 1 slice each Monterey Jack on 2 bread slices. Each sandwich will have both kinds of cheese. Slice the cooked stuffed jalapeños into bite-size pieces. Divide the jalapeño slices between the 2 slices of bread with cheddar. Add the 4 slices of bacon to the slices of bread with the Monterey Jack. If desired, add chopped cilantro to one side. Combine the slices of bread to form 2 sandwiches.
Step 4: Top each sandwich with several pats of butter. Place in skillet over medium-low heat, butter side down. Top with more pats of butter. Now grill each side until lightly browned. Cheese should be melted and gooey.
This Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese is one of the best I have ever had or made. It truly is a work of art and perfect for those of you who like lots of flavor and a little heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I Adjust the Spiciness of This Sandwich?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of this sandwich by using fewer jalapeño slices or removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
2. Is It Possible To Make This Sandwich Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this sandwich vegetarian by omitting the bacon. You can also use vegetarian bacon or substitute it with other ingredients like avocado or roasted red peppers for added flavor.
3. How Can I Store Leftover Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese?
To store leftover Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese, allow it to cool to room temperature, then wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven for best results.
4. What’s The Best Bread For This Recipe?
The best bread for this recipe is sturdy and thick bread like Italian bread or sourdough. These bread types can hold the filling and provide a satisfying crunch when grilled.
5. Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead Of Time And Reheat It?
You can partially prepare this sandwich ahead of time by assembling the filling and storing it separately from the bread. When ready to serve, assemble the sandwiches and grill them for a fresh, hot meal.
6. What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese?
Several dipping sauces pair well with Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese, including ranch dressing, salsa, or a simple sour cream and chive dip. Choose your favorite or offer a variety for guests to enjoy.
7. Can I Use Different Types Of Cheese For This Sandwich?
While cream cheese and cheddar are classic choices, you can experiment with various cheese combinations, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Swiss, to create different flavor profiles.
8. Are There Any Kid-Friendly Variations For This Recipe?
If you want a kid-friendly variation, you can reduce the spiciness by using fewer jalapeño slices or omitting them entirely. Kids often enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this sandwich without the extra heat.
9. Can I Use Pre-Pickled Jalapeños Instead Of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use pre-pickled jalapeños instead of fresh ones. These pickled jalapeños add a tangy kick and are convenient to use.
10. How Can I Make The Sandwich Less Spicy?
To make the sandwich less spicy, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño slices before using them. You can also reduce the number of jalapeño slices in each sandwich to control the spiciness to your liking.
