Roasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
This Roasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese sandwich combines the smoky flavor of charred jalapeños with creamy spiced cream cheese, crispy bacon, and melted mild cheddar cheese, all nestled between buttery toasted Texas toast slices. A perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and savory elements for an indulgent grilled cheese experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Jalapeño Peppers
- 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
Cheese and Bacon
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 6 strips bacon, cooked, divided
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices Texas toast (or your bread of choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Jalapeños: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Roast Jalapeños: Brush the jalapeño halves on all sides with the tablespoon of olive oil and place them cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the skin starts to char slightly. Remove from the oven and let them cool enough to handle.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Chop and Combine Jalapeños: Once the roasted jalapeños have cooled, roughly chop them and fold them into the cream cheese mixture to incorporate the roasted pepper flavor evenly.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread half of the jalapeño cream cheese mixture evenly. Top each with 3 strips of cooked bacon and ½ cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese. Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.
- Cook the Grilled Cheese: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place one sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese has fully melted. Repeat with the second sandwich.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice if desired, and serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Notes
- For less spice, remove all seeds from jalapeños or substitute with milder peppers.
- You can use any bread of choice if Texas toast is unavailable, but thicker slices work best.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier.
- Bacon can be swapped for turkey bacon or omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Serve with a side of pickles or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Keywords: grilled cheese, jalapeño popper, roasted jalapeños, bacon grilled cheese, spicy sandwich, comfort food, cheddar cheese sandwich
