All the flavors of jalapeño poppers in a deliciously gooey grilled cheese! Loaded with crispy bacon, fresh jalapeños, and two types of cheese, this Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese is the perfect twist on a classic!
If it were up to me, we’d have sandwiches for dinner at least once a week. Because let’s be honest… they’re the easiest meal ever… and the possibilities for them are endless! Between the bread and the meat and the cheese and the sauces, you really could make a new version daily and never run the risk getting bored.
Now, when it comes to sandwiches, we all know that the grilled cheese sandwich reigns supreme. And just like any sandwich, the possibilities for them are endless. From Caprese Grilled Cheese to Blackberry Bacon Grilled Cheese to Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Grilled Cheese, one is more delicious than the next.
Case in point? This Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese. It’s perfectly crispy, ultra cheesy, and has just the right amount of kick. And best of all? It’s easy to make with just a handful of ingredients!
what you’ll need for this recipe
Bread – You’ll need two slices of bread for this recipe. I used sourdough bread, but you can use any kind you like.
Cheese – For the cheese, I used 4 slices of pepper jack. Feel free to use more or less, depending on desired level of cheesiness. You can use any type of cheese you like (cheddar, provolone, or colby jack would all be delicious!)
Cream cheese – I used 1 ounce of softened cream cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness. I used plain cheese, but any of your favorite flavored cream cheese spreads would also be delicious.
Bacon – I used 5 slices of cooked bacon. PRO TIP: Try my Oven Bacon recipe for perfectly crispy bacon every time!
Jalapeños – I added 2 sliced jalapeño peppers for extra heat. Feel free to adjust the amount to taste.
Panko crumbs – I also added 1 Tablespoon of panko bread crumbs to mimic the crispy breading on jalapeño poppers.
Butter – Every good grilled cheese needs butter! I used 2 Tablespoons.
how to make this jalapeño popper grilled cheese
Butter the bread. Place two slices of bread on a cutting board and butter the top side of each slice, reserving 1 teaspoon of butter for later.
Assemble the sandwich. Flip one slice of bread over and spread with cream cheese. Then layer the cheese slices, bacon slices, and jalapeno slices on top.
Toast the panko crumbs. In a small pan, melt the remaining 1 teaspoon butter over medium-low heat. Stir in panko crumbs and toast until golden brown. Sprinkle the toasted crumbs onto the sandwich.
Top with bread and grill. Place the second piece of buttered bread on top (be sure the butter is on the outside). Heat a small skillet on medium heat; grill sandwich on each side for 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melty and bread is golden brown.
Recipe Variations
- Use any type of bread
- Substitute cheddar cheese, colby jack cheese, or provolone cheese for the pepper jack
- Use pickled jalapeños in place of fresh
- Stir onion powder or garlic powder into the cream cheese
- Use your favorite flavored cream cheese
- Use mayo instead of butter on the outside of the bread
storing & reheating
Leftovers can be stored, wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 4 days. To reheat, transfer to a small skillet and cover. Heat on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, until cheese re-melts. You can also reheat in the oven by transferring the grilled cheese to a baking sheet and heating at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until cheese re-melts and sandwich is warmed through.
More Jalapeño Recipes to Try
Looking for more delicious jalapeño recipes? Check out these favorites!
Jalapeno Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 large pieces bread
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 oz. cream cheese softened
- 6 slices Crystal Farms Pepper Jack Cheese
- 5 pieces bacon cooked
- 2 jalapeno peppers sliced (remove seeds according to taste)
- 1 Tbsp. panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Butter one side of each piece of bread, reserving 1 tsp. butter for later.
- Assemble sandwich by spreading one piece of bread with cream cheese, then topping with pepper jack cheese, bacon, and sliced jalapeños.
- In a small skillet or griddle, melt remaining 1 tsp. butter. Stir in panko crumbs and toast until golden brown.
- Sprinkle toasted panko crumbs on sandwich, then top with second piece of bread.
- Grill on each side 5-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Will G says
Chicken Parm.
Rachel says
I would make patty melts with Crystal Farms cheese.
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says
You’ve made the sandwich of my dreams! YUM!