Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Spicy and creamy grilled cheese with jalapeños, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar on buttery bread. A flavorful twist on the classic comfort sandwich.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables

04 - 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped

→ Bread

05 - 4 slices sturdy white or sourdough bread

→ Optional Additions

06 - 2 tbsp cooked bacon bits

# How-to Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and chopped jalapeños. Mix until well blended.
02 - Stir in bacon bits for extra flavor if desired.
03 - Spread half the cheese mixture evenly over two slices of bread. Top each with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
04 - Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich, covering both sides.
05 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
06 - Grill sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from heat and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes the comfort of melted cheese and adds just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
  • You can make it in under 20 minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
  • The cream cheese creates this luscious, spreadable filling that stays put and melts into every corner of the bread.
  • It feels indulgent but comes together as easily as any weeknight dinner.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese is not fully softened, microwave it for 10 seconds at a time until it is spreadable, or you will fight with lumps that never quite blend in.
  • Medium heat is your friend here, because too high and the bread burns before the cheese melts, leaving you with a crispy shell and a cold center.
  • Seeding the jalapeños is not optional unless you love serious heat, because those seeds and membranes pack most of the fire.
03 -
  • Press down on the sandwiches gently but firmly with your spatula while they cook, it helps the filling melt faster and the bread crisp more evenly.
  • If you want a little sweetness to balance the heat, add a thin smear of honey or a few drops of hot honey to the inside before grilling.
  • Keep the heat at medium, it is tempting to crank it up for speed, but patience gives you that perfect golden crust without burning.
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