Calling all cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts!
This Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese recipe is about to take your taste buds on a flavor adventure.
It’s the perfect mashup of two classic dishes: the creamy, cheesy goodness of a jalapeno popper and the comforting warmth of a grilled cheese.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this spicy masterpiece:
Ingredients:
- 2 jalapenos, sliced lengthwise with seeds and membranes removed (wear gloves if you’re sensitive to spice!)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked crispy
- 2 slices of Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of Italian bread (or your favorite bread for grilling)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for an extra pop of flavor)
- Butter
Instructions:
- Get your oven ready! Preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Now, let’s create that creamy jalapeno filling. Take your softened cream cheese and stuff each jalapeno half with about 1 ounce of it.
- Pop those stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool slightly.
- Time to assemble the star of the show – the sandwich! Here’s where the melty cheese magic happens. Place one slice each of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on two separate slices of bread. You want both kinds of cheese in each sandwich!
- Take those baked jalapenos and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Divide these spicy delights between the two slices of bread with cheddar cheese. On the other slices of bread with Monterey Jack, add your crispy bacon. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on one side for an extra layer of flavor. Now, carefully bring the two halves of the bread together to form two delicious sandwiches.
- Here comes the best part – grilling! Get out a skillet and heat it over medium-low heat. Grab some butter and spread a generous amount on the outside of each sandwich, making sure the buttered side goes down in the pan. Don’t be shy with the butter, you want it nice and crispy!
- Place your sandwiches in the skillet and add even more butter on the top side of each one. Now comes the fun part – watch those sandwiches sizzle and turn golden brown. Grill each side for a few minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Once both sides are beautifully browned and the cheese is melted to perfection, take your sandwiches out of the pan and prepare to be amazed!
Tips:
- Wear gloves when handling jalapenos, especially when removing the seeds and membranes, to avoid burning your fingers.
- If you prefer a milder heat, you can remove some or all of the seeds from the jalapenos before stuffing them.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of bread. Sourdough or rye bread would also work well in this recipe.
- For an extra kick, you can add a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture before stuffing the jalapenos.
Enjoy this delicious and unique twist on the classic grilled cheese!