Description
A spicy and creamy twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and jalapeños, with optional crispy bacon for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices thick white or sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Cheese Mixture
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Additional Flavorings
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (or sliced for more heat)
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, chopped jalapeños, and crumbled bacon if using. Mix well to blend the flavors evenly.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture evenly over two slices of bread. Then top each with the remaining slices to form two sandwiches.
- Butter the bread: Spread the softened butter evenly on the outsides of each sandwich to ensure a golden, crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- Serve: Remove from heat, slice each sandwich in half if desired, and serve hot for the best creamy, spicy flavor experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, roast the jalapeños before adding them to the cheese mixture to mellow their heat and add smoky depth.
- Optional additions include a drizzle of hot honey for sweetness or crushed tortilla chips inside the sandwich for added crunch.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
