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 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. Not only because they’re the easiest meal ever, but because the possibilities for them are endless. Between 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, there are endless variations. 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 – I used 2 slices sourdough bread, but you can use white, whole wheat, or any type you like.
Cheese – Pepper jack is my preferred cheese for this recipe, but you can use any type (cheddar, provolone, or colby jack would all be delicious!) Use more or less depending on desired cheesiness.
Cream cheese – Cream cheese adds an extra layer of creamy deliciousness. I used plain cream cheese, but a flavored spread would also work well.
Bacon – For perfectly crispy bacon, try my Oven Bacon recipe!
Jalapeños -2 sliced jalapeño peppers add extra spice to the sandwich. Adjust the amount to taste.
Panko crumbs – Panko bread crumbs mimic the crispy breading on jalapeño poppers.
Butter – 2 Tablespoons butter makes the bread nice and crispy. I used salted for extra flavor.
how to make this jalapeño popper grilled cheese
Toast the panko crumbs. Toast the panko crumbs in butter over medium-low heat.
Butter the bread. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice butter side down in a skillet.
Assemble the sandwich. Add the cream cheese, cheese slices, bacon, jalapeños, and toasted panko.
Top with bread and grill. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side up. Grill over medium heat 5-10 minutes on each side.
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
oven directions
To make grilled cheese in the oven, follow assembly instructions but line a baking pan with parchment paper and assemble the sandwich on the prepared baking sheet. Heat oven to 450° and bake for 6-7 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and sandwich is golden brown.
More Jalapeño Recipes to Try
Looking for more delicious jalapeño recipes? Check out these favorites!
Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread sourdough
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 ounce cream cheese softened
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 5 pieces bacon cooked
- 1 jalapeno pepper thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- In a small skillet, melt 1 teaspoon butter over medium-low heat. Stir in panko crumbs and toast until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice in a small skillet, butter side down.
- Spread with cream cheese, then layer the cheese slices, bacon slices, and jalapeño slices on top. Sprinkle with toasted panko crumbs.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side up. Heat the skillet to medium heat and grill 5-10 minutes on each side, until cheese is melty and bread is golden brown.
Notes
Oven Directions
To make grilled cheese in the oven, follow assembly instructions but line a baking pan with parchment paper and assemble the sandwich on the prepared baking sheet. Heat oven to 450° and bake for 6-7 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and sandwich 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
Nutrition
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!