Jalapeño Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Crispy sourdough grilled cheese with melted pepper jack and spicy pickled jalapeños

# Needed Ingredients:

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The heat from the jalapeños cuts through the richness in just the right way making each bite interesting not just heavy
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes which is perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much work but takeout feels wrong
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend here because high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has time to melt into that perfect lava state we all want
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for even one minute seems impossible but it makes the difference between cheese running everywhere and cheese staying put until you take a bite
03 -
  • Mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside creates an even crunchier crust and will not burn as easily
  • A thin layer of mustard on the inside adds another layer of flavor that cuts through the richness
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