Jalapeño Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Creamy pepper jack cheese meets tangy pickled jalapeños in this easy, spicy grilled cheese sandwich perfect for lunch or snacks.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese

→ Vegetables

04 - 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño slices, drained and chopped

→ Optional Additions

05 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

# Method:

01 - Spread one side of each bread slice with softened butter.
02 - Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean work surface.
03 - Layer each with 2 slices of pepper jack cheese.
04 - Sprinkle the chopped pickled jalapeños evenly over the cheese. For extra creaminess, spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese on the unbuttered side of the top bread slices.
05 - Top each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
06 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
07 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
08 - Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The pickled jalapeños add this perfect tangy heat that cuts through all that rich melty cheese
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy diner
  • The sourdough gets this incredible crunch that holds up perfectly to all the filling
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend here, too high and the bread burns before the cheese transforms into that gooey masterpiece
  • The one minute rest period seems pointless but it literally saves you from losing half the cheese when you cut
  • Draining the jalapeños is not optional, all that extra liquid will make your bread soggy and sad
03 -
  • Grate some extra pepper jack over the top before flipping for an ultra crispy cheese crust
  • Use a mixture of butter and mayonnaise on the bread instead of just butter for next level flavor
  • Let your cheese come to room temperature before assembling so it melts evenly and quickly
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