Description
A decadent twist on the classic grilled cheese, combining the creamy, spicy flavors of jalapeño poppers with the comforting cheesiness of a grilled sandwich. The perfect indulgent treat for spice lovers!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 jalapeños, sliced lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 4 slices bacon, crispy cooked
- 2 slices Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices Italian bread
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Butter, for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Jalapeño Poppers: Preheat oven to 375°F. Stuff each jalapeño half with approximately 1 ounce of cream cheese. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until jalapeños are tender and cream cheese is warm and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before handling.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place 1 slice of cheddar cheese on 2 bread slices and 1 slice of Monterey Jack on the other 2 bread slices. Each sandwich will have both kinds of cheese. Slice the cooked stuffed jalapeños into bite-size pieces and divide them between the 2 slices of bread with cheddar. Add 2 slices of crispy bacon to each slice of bread with Monterey Jack. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on one side if desired. Combine the slices of bread to form 2 complete sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Add several pats of butter to the top of each sandwich. Place the sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat, butter side down. Add more pats of butter to the top side. Grill each side until lightly browned and the cheese is completely melted and gooey, about 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts properly.
Notes
- For less heat, make sure to thoroughly remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- Pre-cooking the jalapeños ensures they’re tender and not raw in the sandwich.
- For extra flavor, try mixing some garlic powder or a touch of ranch seasoning into the cream cheese before stuffing the jalapeños.
- Use a panini press for even cooking if available.
- The sandwich pairs wonderfully with tomato soup for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg