Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A spicy, creamy grilled cheese with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and fresh jalapeños between golden, buttery bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables

04 - 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped

→ Bread

05 - 4 slices sturdy white or sourdough bread

→ Optional Additions

06 - 2 tbsp cooked bacon bits

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and chopped jalapeños. Mix until well blended.
02 - Stir in bacon bits for extra flavor if using.
03 - Spread half the cheese mixture evenly over two slices of bread. Top each with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
04 - Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich, covering both sides.
05 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
06 - Place sandwiches on griddle and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from heat, let cool for 1-2 minutes, slice, and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes the best part of jalapeño poppers and smashes it between two slices of buttery, crispy bread.
  • You get that creamy, spicy kick without turning on the oven or dealing with any breading.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese is cold, it won't mix smoothly with the cheddar, so let it sit out for at least 15 minutes before you start.
  • Medium heat is your friend here because high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt all the way through.
  • Press gently with your spatula while grilling to help the layers stick together, but don't smash it flat or you'll lose all that gooey texture.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because it holds heat evenly and gives you the crispiest crust.
  • Let the butter soften completely before spreading it, or mix it with a tiny bit of mayonnaise for an even richer, more golden finish.
  • If the cheese starts oozing out while you're grilling, don't panic, just scrape it back onto the sandwich and keep going, it'll taste just as good.
Go Back