Cheddar Jalapeño Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A spicy take on the classic grilled cheese with gooey cheddar and pickled jalapeños between golden buttery bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices thick-cut country bread or sourdough

→ Cheese & Fillings

02 - 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
03 - 0.25 cup pickled jalapeño slices, drained

→ For Grilling

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How-To Steps:

01 - Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface. Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice.
02 - Flip the slices over. On two slices with unbuttered side facing up, evenly distribute the grated cheddar cheese.
03 - Scatter the pickled jalapeño slices over the cheese.
04 - Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
06 - Place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
07 - Remove from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It takes the comfort of grilled cheese and wakes it up with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
  • You can make it start to finish in fifteen minutes, even on a weeknight when youre too tired to think.
  • The sharp cheddar gets stretchy and gooey while the pickled jalapeños add tang without overwhelming the whole thing.
02 -
  • If your heat is too high, the bread will toast before the cheese melts, leaving you with a crunchy shell and a cold center.
  • Grating your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded makes a noticeable difference in how smoothly it melts.
  • Patting the jalapeños dry before adding them keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.
03 -
  • Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan to get even heat distribution and a better crust.
  • If you want extra flavor, brush the outside of the bread with garlic butter instead of plain butter.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after cooking so the cheese firms up just enough to stay put when you cut it.
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