Roasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Experience a flavorful twist on a classic grilled cheese with this Roasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese. Roasted jalapeños mixed with creamy cheese and crispy bacon create a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and melty goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 medium jalapeños (stems removed, sliced in half, and seeded)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- 6 strips bacon (cooked, divided)
- 4 slices Texas toast (or bread of your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush the halved and seeded jalapeños with olive oil on all sides.
- Step 2: Place the jalapeños on the prepared baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes, until the skins begin to char slightly. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix until creamy.
- Step 4: Once the jalapeños are cool enough to handle, roughly chop them and fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Step 5: Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly.
- Step 6: Top the cream cheese spread with 3 strips of bacon and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on each slice. Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side out.
- Step 7: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add one sandwich and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted. Repeat with the second sandwich.
- Step 8: Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Tips & Variations
- For less heat, use fewer jalapeños or include some with seeds; for extra spice, keep the seeds.
- Try adding sliced avocado or a smear of chipotle mayo for a smoky twist.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for more kick.
- Cook bacon in advance and keep warm in the oven to save time.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness and melt the cheese, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and consider adding extra cheese or vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for added flavor.
What can I substitute for Texas toast?
Any sturdy bread like sourdough, country white, or thick-cut sandwich bread works well. Choose a bread that toasts nicely without falling apart.
PrintRoasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
This Roasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese sandwich combines the smoky heat of roasted jalapeños with creamy, seasoned cream cheese, crispy bacon, and melted mild cheddar cheese, all nestled between buttery toasted Texas toast. Perfectly balanced with a touch of spice and savory flavors, this elevated grilled cheese is a crowd-pleasing comfort food ideal for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Roasted Jalapeños
- 4 medium jalapeños, stems removed, sliced in half, and seeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
Other Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon, cooked, divided
- 4 slices Texas toast (or your bread of choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the jalapeños.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Brush both sides of the jalapeño halves with olive oil and arrange them on the lined baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- Roast Jalapeños: Roast the jalapeños in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until their skins start to char slightly, adding a smoky flavor. Remove them and allow to cool enough to handle.
- Mix Cream Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese with garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Jalapeños: Roughly chop the cooled roasted jalapeños and fold them into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Prepare Bread: Butter one side of each slice of Texas toast generously with unsalted butter. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread half of the jalapeño cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble Sandwich: Over the cream cheese layer of each sandwich, place 3 strips of cooked bacon and sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
- Cook Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese inside has melted completely.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, cut if desired, and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- If you prefer less heat, use fewer jalapeños or seed them more thoroughly.
- Texas toast is ideal for its thickness and sturdiness, but any hearty sandwich bread will work.
- Use cooked bacon strips or substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Butter the outside of the bread evenly to get a perfectly crispy crust.
- For extra cheesy sandwiches, add more shredded cheddar or even a different cheese for variation.
- Watch the heat carefully while cooking the sandwiches to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
Keywords: jalapeño popper grilled cheese, roasted jalapeño sandwich, bacon grilled cheese, spicy grilled cheese, comfort food, toasted sandwich
