Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
As someone who loves a good, classic grilled cheese, I'll be the first to admit that it can become a bit lackluster when you make it the same way over and over again. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to give your grilled cheese a gourmet glow-up and customize it into something a little more exciting, and it really doesn't take a whole lot of extra effort or ingredients to jazz up the beloved formula.
In this jalapeño popper grilled cheese recipe, I put a fun and spicy kick on the traditional sandwich we all know and love, while still maintaining the classic appeal of crispy, golden brown bread on the outside and melty, ooey-gooey cheese filling on the inside. Anyone who's a fan of jalapeño poppers will find something to love here, whether it be that kick of jalapeño spice, the melty cream cheese filling, or even the bacon for added smoky, savory crunch. I love how this grilled cheese balances rich, creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors, with no single profile overpowering the sandwich as a whole. There's also a really fun textural contrast between the gooey cream cheese filling (speckled with crispy bits of bacon) and the perfectly toasty bread, making for one grilled cheese that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack.
Gather the ingredients for jalapeño popper grilled cheese
While most grilled cheese sandwiches feature slices of cheese like American or cheddar, this recipe opts for a cream cheese mixture, staying true to the filling you might find in an actual jalapeño popper. To make that filling, start with softened cream cheese, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, grated cheddar cheese, and a diced jalapeño. You'll also need sourdough to serve as the bread base for the grilled cheese, along with slices of cooked bacon for extra richness. Finally, a little bit of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread will help it crisp up, turn golden brown, and taste absolutely delicious.
Step 1: Mix cream cheese and seasonings in a bowl
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Add the cheddar and jalapeño
Add the cheddar cheese and jalapeño.
Step 3: Stir to combine the cream cheese filling
Stir to combine (the mixture will be thick).
Step 4: Lay out bread slices
Place the slices of bread onto a cutting board or plate.
Step 5: Spread cream cheese mixture over each bread slice
Portion the cream cheese mixture evenly over all four slices, then spread it to coat.
Step 6: Add the bacon
Place two slices of bacon each on two slices of bread.
Step 7: Cap the sandwiches
Top with the remaining slices of bread to create sandwiches.
Step 8: Spread the mayonnaise on the sandwiches
Swipe 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise over the top of each sandwich.
Step 9: Heat a skillet
Heat a nonstick skillet over low heat.
Step 10: Place the grilled cheese in the skillet
Add one or both sandwiches and swipe the remaining mayonnaise over the tops.
Step 11: Cook the grilled cheese on both sides
Heat, covered, until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook, covered, until the remaining side is golden brown.
Step 12: Slice and serve the jalapeño popper grilled cheese
Cut the sandwiches in half, and serve them hot.
What can I serve with a jalapeño popper grilled cheese?
Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
This jalapeño popper grilled cheese recipe combines the beloved appetizer and the iconic handheld into one cheesy, melty, spicy sandwich.
Ingredients
- ½ (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and diced, plus additional slices for garnishing if desired
- 4 large slices sourdough bread
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- ¼ cup mayonnaise, divided
Directions
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cheddar cheese and jalapeño.
- Stir to combine (the mixture will be thick).
- Place the slices of bread onto a cutting board or plate.
- Portion the cream cheese mixture evenly over all four slices, then spread it to coat.
- Place two slices of bacon each on two slices of bread.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread to create sandwiches.
- Swipe 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise over the top of each sandwich.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over low heat.
- Add one or both sandwiches and swipe the remaining mayonnaise over the tops.
- Heat, covered, until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook, covered, until the remaining side is golden brown.
- Cut the sandwiches in half, and serve them hot.
How do I achieve the meltiest grilled cheese?
If you've ever attempted to make a grilled cheese on the stovetop only to end up with burnt bread and barely melted cheese on the inside — or soggy bread and overly melted cheese — you aren't alone. It can be surprisingly tricky to cook a grilled cheese just right, but the key to success actually starts before you even fire up a burner.
It's essential to grate your own cheese in order to achieve the meltiest grilled cheese, as packaged shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents in the mix that keep them from melting properly. Another easy tip is to cover the pan as the grilled cheese cooks, which helps the cheesy inside steam (and therefore melt faster) while the bread crisps at a normal rate. Playing into the fact that steam is essential for a truly melty grilled cheese, you can also try this foolproof ice cube hack for even better results. Just slip an ice cube (or even half or a quarter of a cube) into the pan when the sandwich is close to being done, then quickly cover the pan again. The ice cube will help even more steam form, which will ensure that the inside of your grilled cheese is as positively melty and luscious as it can get.
What cheeses pair best with jalapeños?
A grilled cheese is an incredibly versatile sandwich, and there are nearly endless options when it comes to switching up the cheese. Of course, in this recipe, selecting the cheese requires a little more consideration, because you want something that's nice and melty, deeply savory, and will pair well with jalapeños.
True to the classic jalapeño popper formula, cream cheese is essential here for getting the rich, tangy, creamy flavor profile just right. However, I also add shredded sharp white cheddar to the mix, which provides extra savory depth, a little more meltiness and body to the filling, and a slightly sharp note to contrast the tangy cream cheese. You can absolutely go with plain or mild cheddar cheese instead, as this is a common addition to actual jalapeño poppers. Other cheeses that I think would work well here include Monterey Jack, pepper Jack (for even more of a kick), or even smoked Gouda for a slightly more robust, smoky profile. Basically, the best cheeses to use here are those that will melt easily and ones that don't have overly intense flavor profiles. With that in mind, crumbly and super bold cheeses like blue or goat are examples of cheeses to avoid here.