Is it okay to use jarred jalapeños instead of fresh ones?

Sure, but the taste will be a bit different. Drain them well to remove extra brine. Skip baking since they're already soft, but know they'll taste tangier than fresh jalapeños.

How do I make this meat-free?

Leave out the bacon! The sandwich is still super tasty with just the jalapeños and cheese. Add thin slices of tomato if you want more layers of flavor.

What’s the trick to controlling how spicy it gets?

Take out all seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños for less heat. If you like medium spice, keep a few seeds in. For a milder twist, try using poblano peppers instead.

Which kind of bread holds up best here?

Sourdough, brioche, or hearty Italian bread are awesome choices. Texas toast works too! Just pick something strong enough to keep all the fillings in place without falling apart.

Can I prep parts of this early?

Totally! Prep the bacon and bake the jalapeños up to two days ahead. Store them in the fridge, then just assemble and grill when you’re ready to eat.

Irresistible Jalapeño Grilled Cheese

Category: Quick Bites for Every Gathering

Layer cream cheese-filled jalapeños, crispy bacon, and lots of gooey cheese between two slices of buttered bread. Grill to perfection for the best cheesy sandwich ever!

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By Ana

Updated on Sat, 31 May 2025 18:15:16 GMT

Irresistible Jalapeño Grilled Cheese | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Is it okay to use jarred jalapeños instead of fresh ones?: Sure, but the taste will be a bit different. Drain them well to remove extra brine. Skip baking since they're already soft, but know they'll taste tangier than fresh jalapeños.
→ How do I make this meat-free?: Leave out the bacon! The sandwich is still super tasty with just the jalapeños and cheese. Add thin slices of tomato if you want more layers of flavor.
→ What’s the trick to controlling how spicy it gets?: Take out all seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños for less heat. If you like medium spice, keep a few seeds in. For a milder twist, try using poblano peppers instead.
→ Which kind of bread holds up best here?: Sourdough, brioche, or hearty Italian bread are awesome choices. Texas toast works too! Just pick something strong enough to keep all the fillings in place without falling apart.
→ Can I prep parts of this early?: Totally! Prep the bacon and bake the jalapeños up to two days ahead. Store them in the fridge, then just assemble and grill when you’re ready to eat.

Spicy Cheese Sandwich

The perfect combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon in a golden-toasted sandwich. Rich, bold, and satisfying!

Prep Time

10 min

Cooking Time

35 min

Total Time

45 min

By: Ana

Category: Snacks & Appetizers

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yields: 2 Servings (2 sandwiches)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Jalapeño Filling

01 4 oz cream cheese, at room temp

02 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and split in half

→ Sandwich Layers

03 4 slices of crusty Italian bread

04 2 slices sharp cheddar

05 2 slices Monterey Jack cheese

06 4 strips of bacon, fried crispy

07 2 tbsp softened butter

08 1-2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a generous amount of cream cheese inside the hollowed jalapeño halves and line them up on a baking tray covered with foil or parchment paper.

Step 02

Place the filled jalapeños in the hot oven. Let them bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they're tender and starting to brown at the edges. Take them out and allow to cool slightly.

Step 03

When the peppers aren’t too hot to handle, slice them into smaller pieces that’ll fit snugly into your sandwiches.

Step 04

Arrange all four bread slices on a flat surface. Put Monterey Jack on two slices and place a slice of cheddar on the other two.

Step 05

Top the cheddar cheese slices with the chopped jalapeños. Add crispy bacon strips to the Monterey Jack slices. If you're using cilantro, sprinkle some over either side.

Step 06

Put one slice with jalapeños together with a bacon side to close the sandwiches. Spread butter evenly over the outside of each sandwich, covering both surfaces.

Step 07

Warm up a skillet or griddle on medium-low heat. Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread's golden, crisp, and the cheese is gooey.

Step 08

Take the sandwiches off the heat and let rest for just a minute. Slice diagonally and enjoy while they're still warm.

Notes

This sandwich is a crowd-pleaser, combining spicy peppers, melted cheese, and crispy bacon with buttery grilled bread.
For less spice, carefully remove all seeds and white parts from the peppers before stuffing.
Prepare the cream cheese jalapeños ahead of time and chill them overnight to make assembly quicker.