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Add a kick to classic comfort food with this insanely delicious jalapeno popper grilled cheese. It’s filled with melty Colby Jack, bacon, spicy jalapeños, and cream cheese to soften the spiciness and add creaminess. You will love it!
Looking for a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese? Try this Pizza Grilled Cheese or Slushy Joe’s Grilled Cheese next.
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
Everyone loves delicious jalapeno poppers, so why not add these flavors to another classic comfort food? I love grilled cheese, but I never thought it could get any better. . But add spicy jalapenos, cold cream cheese and bacon and you’ve got just that. This is the grilled cheese upgrade you never thought you needed.
Grilled cheese can be pan-fried as usual, or easily prepared in an air fryer. (Personally, this is my favorite way to make it. It’s super crispy and divine!) Either way, you’ll love this cheesy, spicy, bacon-filled delicacy.
materials needed
As with any homemade sandwich, feel free to swap out the bread, cheese and toppings to create your own sandwich. The exact dimensions I used to make the jalapeno popper grilled cheese are listed in the recipe card below.
- jalapeno pepper: These spicy peppers add spiciness and flavor, giving grilled cheese its signature jalapeño popper flavor. Hmmm!
- Olive oil: Olive oil helps sauté the jalapenos, enhancing their flavor and softening them.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the filling, reminiscent of traditional jalapeno poppers.
- green onion: Cut into cubes to add a mild onion flavor.
- garlic powder: Slightly luxurious taste. You can also use roasted garlic!
- colby jack cheese: Shredded colby jack cheese brings a rich flavor and a rich blend.
- bacon: Crunchy bacon adds a smoky, salty element to jalapeno popper grilled cheese.use cooked bacon For easy preparation!
- bread: I choose French bread or sourdough bread, but you can use any bread you like.
- butter: Spread the softened butter on the bread until golden brown and crispy.
- garlic salt (optional): Garlic salt allows you to add a layer of garlic flavor and seasoning to your sandwich.
- Italian seasoning (optional): My favorite herbal blend! Gives the jalapeno popper grilled cheese a special flavor and great aroma.
How to make a jalapeno popper grilled cheese sandwich
It’s as easy as making classic grilled cheese. The only additional step is to roast the jalapenos to maximize their deliciousness.
- Roast the jalapenos: Preheat the oven and bake. Place the whole jalapeno on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 5-6 minutes, turning halfway through. Watch the jalapeño carefully. Some ovens may bake faster.
- Sweat the jalapenos: Place the roasted jalapenos in a ziplock bag and “sweat” for 5 minutes.
- Remove skin and seeds: Remove the skin from the jalapenos and cut in half lengthwise. Then discard the seeds.
- Cream cheese mixture: Whisk together the cream cheese, green onions, and garlic powder in a medium bowl.
- Add Spread: Spread cream cheese mixture on one side of all 4 slices of bread.
- Add toppings: Top 2 of the slices with shredded cheese and 2 with bacon and roasted jalapenos.
- butter: Carefully close the sandwich and butter the top of the bread. Sprinkle with garlic salt and Italian seasoning, if desired.
- Heat skillet: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Then place it buttered side down in the skillet and immediately butter and season the top side.
- Cook: Bake for about 4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Reduce the heat if the outside starts to brown quickly. It’s important to do it slowly and at a low temperature to melt the cheese and not get too dark on the outside.
Tips and variations
Here are some tips, tricks, and variations to make your jalapeno popper grilled cheese as delicious as possible. Believe me, once you have grilled cheese like this, you won’t want it any other way.
- wash hands: Wash your hands thoroughly after working with jalapenos. Because it can irritate the skin, especially after the seeds have been removed. If you like it really spicy, remove less of the seeds.
- Roasted jalapenos: Watch carefully as the jalapenos are roasted. It can get dark pretty quickly.
- Let’s change the cheese: I love colby jack cheese on this sandwich, but you can use any kind of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey He Jack, American and Provolone are all great options.
- Use any bread: Sourdough bread is my favorite, but you can use white or wheat bread as well. Bakery-style breads such as Italian bread and artisan bread are also delicious.
- bacon: Using pre-cooked bacon will help you make your sandwich faster.
- low and slow: Low heat is the secret to delicious grilled cheese. The cheese will melt slowly, but the bread won’t burn too quickly.
How long does grilled cheese last?
This is a dish that you should try right away. The deliciousness of the jalapeno popper grilled cheese is a warm, crunchy bread and a melty, delicious filling.
If desired, sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheating on the stove brings back the warm, crunchy taste. Keep in mind that the longer you leave the grilled cheese, the more the cream cheese mixture will seep into the bread and make it gooey.
Need more jalapeno popper recipes? Try these!
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Preheat the oven and bake. Place the whole jalapeno on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 5-6 minutes, turning halfway through. Watch the jalapeño carefully. Some ovens may bake faster.
Place the roasted jalapenos in a ziplock bag and “sweat” for 5 minutes.
Remove the skin from the jalapenos and cut in half lengthwise. Please discard the seeds.
Whisk together the cream cheese, green onions, and garlic powder in a medium bowl.
Spread cream cheese mixture on one side of all 4 slices of bread.
Top 2 of the slices with shredded cheese and 2 with bacon and roasted jalapenos.
Carefully close the sandwich and butter the top of the bread. Sprinkle with garlic salt or Italian seasoning if desired.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place buttered side down in skillet and immediately butter and season the top side.
Bake for about 4 minutes on each side. Reduce the heat if the outside starts to brown quickly. Slow and low is important to melt the cheese and not get too dark on the outside.
service: 2
serving1sandwichcalorie1201kcal (60%)carbohydrates35g (12%)protein39g (78%)fat101g (155%)saturated fat53g (265%)polyunsaturated fat7gmonounsaturated fat33gtrans fat1gcholesterol241mg (80%)sodium1517mg (63%)potassium451mg (13%)fiber3g (12%)sugar7g (8%)Vitamin A2758IU (55%)Vitamin C26mg (32%)calcium820mg (82%)iron3mg (17%)
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is an estimate only. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary based on the brand used, measurement methods, and portion sizes for each household.