This jalapeno popper grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious "grown up" spin on one of our childhood favorites! Two toasty slices of bread stuffed with a very mild, creamy, and cheesy jalapeno mixture. It does not get any better than this!
Be sure to check out these Chicken Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. You will also love these Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches as well.
Sandwiches are so much fun to make because they are so versatile. Another great thing about them is how quickly they come together! Easy and quick, and breakfast lunch or dinner; sandwiches are a great solution!
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Gather the ingredients for the jalapeno popper grilled cheese sandwiches:
One of the best parts about these sandwiches are how easy they are to make. Aside from being easy, you only need a few simple ingredients! Here are the ingredients you need to gather:
- Bread: for this sandwich we used a whole grain wheat bread. You can definitely use your favorite kind of bread, or any bread you have on-hand.
- Cheeses: you will need cream cheese, be sure that it is softened. So leave it out on the counter for a couple hours before you are ready to use it. Shredded cheddar cheese is the other type of cheese you will need.
- Jalapenos: for this recipe we used the jalapenos in the jar. These are not as spicy, as they are mostly pickled. You can definitely use a fresh jalapeno as well, but it will be more spicy.
- Butter: you need butter to add to the bread to achieve the golden brown, crusty bread that we want for the grilled cheese.
Is this sandwich spicy?
No it is not spicy at all! The jalapenos we use are pickled and on the mild side. Once you chop them down into pieces, and add them to the cheese mixture, the heat is almost non-existent. There is a very subtle kick, but not overly spicy.
How to achieve the perfect golden brown crust:
One of the best ways to achieve a golden brown crust on the bread is the kind of skillet you use, as well as the BUTTER! The butter will help create the perfect crust once it sears in the skillet.
Using a good nonstick skillet is key as well. Brown each side of the sandwich for about three minutes, or up to five if you like it on the super brown side.
Can I make the sandwiches ahead of time?
The filling for the sandwich can be prepared ahead of time. Mix all of the ingredients, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an air tight lid, and refrigerate. Place it in the refrigerator for up to two days.
When you are ready to prepare the sandwiches, take the mixture out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly.
Cheese substitution ideas:
If cream cheese is not your thing, you can substitute it for mascarpone, or even ricotta cheese. You can definitely replace the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Colby jack, or Monterrey jack.
Another great extra creamy cheese that goes well on grilled cheese sandwiches is brie. Brie is already a super creamy and mild flavored cheese; so when added to a sandwich, it is delicious!
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices Bread of choice 12 grain wheat used for this recipe
- 1 cup Cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 slice American cheese
- ½ cup Jalapeños chopped
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Butter to grill bread
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, and jalapeños and seasonings to a medium bowl. Stir the mixture until it is fully combined. Mixture should be semi-smooth.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. While the skillet is heating up, spread the butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place the butter side down directly into the skillet. Add half of the cream cheese mixture to the bread, then top with the slice of American cheese. Place the other slice of bread directly on top, with the buttered side on the outside.
- Repeat these steps for the second sandwich.
- Grill on each side for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown, and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the heat and let the sandwiches sit for at least one minute to cool down a bit. Enjoy!
Jazz says
This was such a fun treat to make with my nephews for lunch. We each cleaned our plates and they've already asked to make them again!
Jen says
This grilled sandwich was so satisfying and had me drooling! It was also super easy to make which is always a plus!
Robin says
Already a grilled cheese sandwich fan, the addition of jalapenos took my favorite and made it even better.
Jessica says
It was just the two of us for the Super Bowl so I decided to try these grilled cheese. And then I had to make them again because we both wanted another one. They're THAT good. I'm in trouble with this recipe because I now want this all the time.
Dee Moore says
I'm a sucker for a tasty grilled cheese but never had I thought of remixing it like this. This sandwich was the right about of spicy plus cheese mixture I love!
Immaculate says
I had some fresh mozzarella which I replaced the cheddar with as you suggested and it was perfect. Just the right about of jalapenos for heat and everything together was DELICIOUS!
Tamara J. says
Sounds amazing!
Marcus Avery says
These are two of my absolute faves mixed together! After making this I don't think I can have them separately again. Soooo delicious!
Tamara J. says
Glad you enjoyed them. Thank you!
Crystal says
Turning jalapeno poppers into a sandwich was GENIUS! Tasted good the next day too!
Stephanie says
Wow, this sandwich was incredible! My husband raved about it all day. The ooey gooeyness of the cheese and the burst of flavor from the jalapenos. Will definitely be making this again!
Marta says
Okay, so now you're definitely my daughter's favorite person. She's a grilled cheese freak and when I gave her this jalapeño popper version she lost it. She declared it the best thing she's ever eaten and I have to agree with her.
Sam says
The recipe calls for mayonnaise but then doesn't use the mayonnaise... Is it just intended to be an optional substitute for the butter on the outside of the sandwich?
Tamara J. says
Hey! It is used in the cheese mixture (makes it more creamy). I added it to the instructions, thanks for catching that!