Description
Spicy Mexican-inspired jalapeno popper grilled cheese merges creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and roasted peppers between golden-brown sourdough slices. Comfort meets zesty flavors in this quick sandwich that brings bold southwestern spirit directly to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium jalapenos
- 4 slices Texas toast
- 6 strips bacon
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 425F (220C) and cover a baking tray with parchment paper for roasting jalapenos.
- Coat jalapeno slices with olive oil, positioning them cut-side down on the prepared tray. Roast for approximately 15 minutes until skin develops slight charring, then remove and allow brief cooling.
- Create a smooth cream cheese blend by combining room temperature cream cheese with garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder until thoroughly integrated.
- Carefully dice roasted jalapenos and fold them gently into the seasoned cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Generously butter one side of bread slices. On the unbuttered surfaces, spread the jalapeno-cream cheese mixture, layer with bacon strips, and sprinkle cheddar cheese.
- Top with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered side faces outward for optimal browning.
- Heat a skillet over medium temperature and carefully place assembled sandwiches into the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and complete cheese melting.
- Transfer sandwiches from skillet, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while hot and cheese remains gooey.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder flavor or keeping them for extra spiciness.
- Substitute cream cheese with goat cheese or vegan cream cheese alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Swap bacon with crispy mushroom bacon or plant-based bacon strips for vegetarian options.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or smoked gouda to enhance overall sandwich complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23-25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg