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Roasted Jalapeño Grilled Cheese

Featured in Quick Recipes That Save the Day.

Throw roasted jalapeños, a creamy mix, bacon, and cheese between buttery Texas toast. Cook till melty and golden.
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Hannah Author
Updated on Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:41:24 GMT
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Golden, melty jalapeño grilled cheese sandwich | recipesbyhannah.com

I found this grilled cheese with roasted jalapeño poppers by accident when I wanted both dishes but couldn't be bothered making them separately. This sandwich truly delivers what it promises - imagine the creamiest, spiciest bits of jalapeño poppers tucked inside a perfectly crunchy grilled cheese!

My guy swears he "doesn't enjoy cream cheese" but ate his whole sandwich and immediately asked when we'd have them again. That's how tasty they really are!

What You'll Need

  • Jalapeños: Taking time to roast them pays off big time - they get smoky and less fiery this way.
  • Cream cheese: Let it sit out until soft so it blends nicely with the spices and peppers.
  • Bacon: Get it nice and crunchy since you'll want that snap against the soft fillings.
  • Texas Toast: Its extra thickness can handle all the stuffing without getting mushy, though any good bread will do.
  • Cheddar cheese: I go for mild so it won't fight with the jalapeño flavor, but you can try sharp if that's your thing.
  • Butter: This gets you that gorgeous golden outside that makes grilled cheese so irresistible.
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Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe | recipesbyhannah.com

How I Make It

Roasting Magic

First I cover a baking tray with parchment for quick cleanup, then cut the jalapeños in half and remove seeds before adding a touch of olive oil. When you roast them until they just begin to blacken, you'll get this wonderful smoky sweetness that lifts the sandwich to new heights.

Cream Cheese Mixture

Combining those roasted jalapeños with cream cheese, garlic salt, pepper, and onion powder makes an incredibly tasty spread that forms the heart of this sandwich. Sometimes I throw in a bit of smoked paprika too for more richness.

Perfect Assembly

There's a right way to build these! I start by buttering the bread's outside, then spread on the cream cheese mix, lay down the bacon (snapping pieces as needed), and finish with handfuls of cheddar before closing it up.

Slow and Steady Cooking

Always use medium heat or you'll burn the outside while the inside stays cold. I gently push down with my spatula while cooking to help everything melt together into that dreamy, gooey state.

I came up with this sandwich trick when trying to use up stuff left from a party where I'd made jalapeño poppers. The first try was just about clearing the fridge, but it turned out so great I started making it on purpose, tweaking things each time until I got this perfect match!

Serving Ideas

This sandwich can definitely stand on its own, but I enjoy pairing it with a basic green salad to cut through the richness. Tomato soup works great too as the classic grilled cheese buddy. When hosting friends, I sometimes chop these into smaller pieces as finger food that vanishes instantly.

Make It Your Own

Try putting in some thin tomato slices for brightness and tang. Switch cheddar for pepper jack if you want more kick. For a morning version, top with a fried egg after cooking. Mix some ranch powder into your cream cheese for another flavor twist.

Storage Smarts

They taste best right off the stove, but if you need to prep ahead, put everything together except the butter on the outside. Wrap them tight and chill, then add butter and cook when you're ready to eat. Your cream cheese mix will stay good in the fridge for around 3 days.

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Spicy Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe | recipesbyhannah.com

Pro Tips

  • Wait about a minute after cooking before cutting for a cleaner slice
  • Cast iron pans give you the most even golden crust
  • Clean your pan between sandwiches when making several for the prettiest results

This sandwich has totally changed how I think about grilled cheese. Something about mixing that creamy, spicy filling with buttery, crisp bread just checks all the boxes. It's rich without going overboard, and those roasted jalapeños bring just enough heat to make things interesting without burning your taste buds. I've made these for quick dinners and game day parties alike, and they're always a massive success!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How much heat does it have?
It has mild to medium heat. Tone it down by taking out jalapeño seeds and white parts or cutting back on the peppers.
→ What sides go well with this?
Match it with tomato soup, chips, a simple salad, or some pickles to round it out.
→ Can the cream cheese mix be prepped early?
You bet! Make it up to 3 days beforehand. Refrigerate it and just let it soften before using.
→ What if Texas toast isn’t around?
Go for hearty bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or thick-cut white bread.
→ Is a vegetarian version possible?
For sure! Skip the bacon or swap it out for a plant-based option.

Spicy sandwich twist

Creamy and spicy, this sandwich mashes up jalapeño poppers and grilled cheese. Done in just over 30 minutes!

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
33 Minutes

Category: 30-Minute Magic

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Jalapeño Cream Cheese Mix

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
03 ½ teaspoon onion powder
04 4 medium jalapeños, halved, seedless, and stems removed
05 ½ teaspoon garlic salt
06 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

→ Sandwich Layers

07 4 slices of thick bread like Texas toast
08 6 crispy bacon strips, split between sandwiches
09 4 tablespoons soft, unsalted butter
10 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, split into two halves

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up the oven to 425°F and put parchment paper on a baking sheet. Coat jalapeños with olive oil all over, then place them down with the cut side against the sheet. Roast roughly 15 minutes or until you notice blistered or slightly charred skin.

Step 02

Mix together softened cream cheese, onion powder, garlic salt, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth while the jalapeños are cooling.

Step 03

Chop the jalapeños into small pieces after they've cooled down a bit. Add these into the cream cheese blend and fold together until evenly mixed.

Step 04

Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Flip two of the slices over to the dry side, then divide the jalapeño cream cheese mix across them. Add 3 strips of bacon on top of each and sprinkle ½ cup of cheddar over that.

Step 05

Place the remaining slices of bread on top with the buttered side facing outward, forming two stacked sandwiches.

Step 06

On medium heat, warm up a skillet. Lay the sandwiches down and cook each side 3-5 minutes until the bread crisps and the cheese inside melts perfectly.

Step 07

Move the sandwiches to plates and slice them in half if you'd like. Serve right away while warm and gooey.

Notes

  1. Make sure to remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños if you want less spiciness.
  2. These sandwiches go great with tomato soup for a comforting combo.
  3. The jalapeño cream cheese mix can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to three days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet or flat griddle
  • Sheet pan
  • Parchment or baking paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy from cream cheese, butter, and cheddar cheese
  • Contains gluten through the bread used

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 981
  • Total Fat: 75 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 32 g