Spicy Twist on a Classic: Grilled Jalapeño Popper Sandwich

Indulge in the fusion of flavors with our Roasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese, a tantalizing blend of a cream cheese mixture, crisp bacon, and cheddar cheese sandwiched between two slices of hearty Texas Toast. This recipe adds a spicy kick to the classic grilled cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience for your taste buds.

The Art of Grilled Cheese: Unveiling the Ingredients

1. Jalapeño Peppers: Roasted to perfection, these peppers add a zesty kick to the cream cheese mixture. For an extra dose of heat, opt for jalapeños with white stretch marks.
2. Bacon: Achieve that delightful crispiness by baking the bacon. Lay out the strips on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 415°F (213°C) for 18-20 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
3. Bread: Embrace the thickness of Texas Toast for an extra hearty bite. Feel free to experiment with your favorite bread for a personalized touch.

To Roast or Not to Roast: The Jalapeño Dilemma

While you can skip the roasting step for the jalapeño peppers, taking that extra moment enhances the flavor profile. Roasting imparts a milder taste and a subtle smokiness to the mixture, elevating the overall experience.

Bread Variety: Yes, You Can Mix It Up!

Love the robustness of Texas Toast, but feeling adventurous? Explore different bread options; just be mindful that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your chosen slices.

Air Fryer Magic: A Quick Alternative

For a modern twist, try making Roasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese in an air fryer. Roast the peppers in the air fryer by brushing them with olive oil and cooking for 7 minutes at 425°F (218°C). Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C), assemble the sandwich, and air fry for 5 minutes. Flip, cook for an additional 3 minutes, and savor the result immediately.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium jalapeños, stems removed, sliced in half, and seeded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• 6 strips bacon, cooked, divided
• 4 slices Texas toast (Or your bread of choice)
• 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, divided

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brush the jalapeños with olive oil on all sides and place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Roast for approximately 15 minutes or until the jalapeños’ skin begins to char slightly.
4. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix until creamy.
6. Once the jalapeños are cool enough to handle, roughly chop them and fold them into the cream cheese mixture.
7. Butter one side of one slice of bread. On the opposite side, spread half of the cream cheese mixture. Top with 3 slices of bacon and ½ cup of cheddar cheese. Add another slice of bread and butter the outside. Repeat with the remaining bread.
8. Place the buttered sandwich in a skillet and cook both sides over medium heat until the bread is toasted, and the cheese is completely melted (3-5 minutes per side). Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy twist on a classic!