Jalapeño Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe
This Jalapeño Cheddar Grilled Cheese recipe brings a spicy twist to a classic comfort food. Featuring melted sharp cheddar cheese and fresh jalapeño slices inside buttery toasted sourdough bread, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and crispy textures. Optional cream cheese adds extra creaminess, making it an irresistible savory treat ideal for quick lunches or cozy dinners.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch, Snack, Sandwich
- Method: Pan Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices sourdough or thick white bread
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Cheese and Spices
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheddar–Monterey Jack mix)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- Preheat skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat to prepare for grilling the sandwiches evenly and achieving a golden crust.
- Assemble sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice thoroughly. On the unbuttered sides of two slices, spread the cream cheese evenly if using. Next, layer the shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese, then add the thinly sliced jalapeños on top. Finally, place the remaining bread slices over the fillings with the buttered sides facing outward.
- Grill: Place the assembled sandwiches on the heated skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula to promote even browning and melting. The sandwich is ready when the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted. If needed, cover the pan for about a minute to trap heat and melt the cheese thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, slice them if desired, and serve hot. They pair wonderfully with tomato soup, ranch dip, or chipotle mayonnaise for added flavor.
Notes
- For a meatier version, consider adding crispy bacon or ham inside the sandwich before grilling.
- Increase spice by substituting pepper jack cheese or drizzling hot honey on the inside before grilling.
- Using Texas toast or brioche bread will result in a richer, more indulgent sandwich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Jalapeño grilled cheese, spicy grilled cheese sandwich, cheddar jalapeño sandwich, easy grilled cheese recipe, spicy cheese sandwich