Jalapeño poppers meet grilled cheese sammies with this deliciously cheesy jalapeño popper grilled cheese recipe that’s complete with bacon and a jalapeño cream cheese spread.
Jalapeño Poppers + Grilled Cheese
We’ve got a classic grilled cheese and we’ve got jalapeño poppers, but let us introduce you to this little beauty named JALAPENO POPPER GRILLED CHEESE. That’s right, now you can have jalapeño poppers all smooshed up into a deliciously cheesy and crispy grilled cheese.
PS: try this cucumber sandwich for a lighter, cheesy fare.
Why you’ll love it!
- Multiple kinds of cheese
- Protein (thanks bacon!)
- Perfect amount of spicy goodness
- Ready to serve in 20 minutes
Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Ingredients
Jalapeño cream cheese spread: You’ll be making a homemade jalapeño cream cheese spread from softened cream cheese, diced jalapeño, garlic powder and salt.
Bread: feel free to use any kind of bread for this grilled cheese. We’re using regular ol’ sandwich bread. Another great option would be sourdough.
Bacon: bacon adds a bit of saltiness along with protein and great texture.
Sharp cheddar cheese: we’re using sliced sharp cheddar cheese, but feel free to use any sliced cheese your heart desires.
Butter: we’re butter people when it comes to grilled cheese, but feel free to use mayo if you wish.
Other TYPES OF BREAD TO USE
Don’t have sliced white bread? Any kind of bread works for this jalapeño popper grilled cheese. Here are some ideas:
- Italian bread
- Sourdough bread
- Whole grain bread
- Gluten-free bread
try it!
Jalapeño Popper Dip
If you love this jalapeño popper grilled cheese, you need to make our jalapeño popper dip!
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Prepare bacon
Microwaving bacon is great for these grilled cheese sammies! It’s quick and easy. Line a large, microwave-safe plate with 3 pieces of paper towel. Then, place the bacon on the plate.
Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Carefully flip bacon over and continue microwaving for an additional 3 minutes or until you reach desired doneness.
Prepare cream cheese spread
Add the cream cheese, minced jalapeño, garlic powder, and kosher salt to a bowl and blend using a hand mixer until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Prep bread
Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on each slice of bread. Next, spread ¼ cup of the jalapeño cream cheese onto the unbuttered side of 1 slice of each sandwich. Layer two slices of cheese and 2 strips of bacon on top of the cream cheese.
Pan fry
Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. ENJOY immediately!
Top Tips for Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Kick up the spice: Love spice? Kick the jalapeño cream cheese up a notch and don’t seed the jalapeños. This will make a spicier sandwich!
Got leftover cream cheese spread? Any leftover cream cheese is great on crackers or bagels.
How to soften cream cheese
Looking for a quick method to soften cream cheese? Check out our post – How to Soften Cream Cheese – 4 Ways! Here you’ll learn 4 unique (and quick!) methods to softening cream cheese the perfect amount for baking and cooking.
FAQs
What is grilled cheese?
Grilled cheese refers to 2 pieces of bread with melted cheese in the middle usually fried on the stovetop in butter or oil or grilled on the grill.
How do you make grilled cheese crispy?
Pan fry your grilled cheese over medium/high heat with butter or mayonnaise to get a nice golden brown crispy bread.
Storage
While we always recommend eating grilled cheese as soon as possible after making it, but you can always store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Spread
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sandwich
- 4 slices bacon uncooked
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4 slices white sandwich bread
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- First, microwave the bacon. Line a large, microwave-safe plate with 3 pieces of paper towel. Then, place the bacon on the plate.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Carefully flip bacon over and continue microwaving for an additional 3 minutes.
- After 6 minutes continue microwaving in increments of 30-60 seconds until your bacon reaches its desired doneness. Set the bacon aside.
- Next, make the cream cheese spread. Add the cream cheese, minced jalapño, garlic powder, and kosher salt to a bowl and blend using a hand mixer until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Set aside.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on each slice of bread.
- Next, spread ¼ cup of the jalapeño cream cheese onto the unbuttered side of 1 slice of each sandwich. Layer two slices of cheese and 2 strips of bacon on top of the cream cheese.
- Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Notes
- Kick the jalapeño cream cheese up a notch and don’t seed the jalapeños. This will make a spicier sandwich.
- The leftover cream cheese is great on crackers or bagels.
- You can sub any bread in this recipe.
