Jalapeño Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy sourdough with melted pepper jack and tangy jalapeños for a spicy twist on comfort food.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese

→ Vegetables

04 - 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño slices, drained and chopped

→ Optional Additions

05 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened for extra creaminess

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean work surface.
03 - Layer each bread slice with 2 slices of pepper jack cheese.
04 - Sprinkle chopped pickled jalapeños evenly over the cheese. For extra creaminess, spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese on the unbuttered side of the remaining bread slices.
05 - Top each with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up.
06 - Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
07 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and cheese has melted.
08 - Remove from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The pickled jalapeños add a tangy brightness that cuts through all that rich, melted cheese
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge
  • The spicy kick wakes up your palate while still delivering that nostalgic grilled cheese comfort
02 -
  • Medium heat is crucial here, high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has time to melt into that gooey perfection we're after
  • Pressing too hard while cooking will squeeze out all that beautiful melted cheese, so use a gentle hand
  • The resting period isn't optional, I learned this the hard way after losing half my cheese to the cutting board one too many times
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and creates the most impressive golden crust
  • Mayonnaise mixed with the butter adds an extra layer of flavor and helps achieve that diner-style crunch
  • Grate some extra pepper jack over the top while the second side cooks for those irresistible cheese crispies
Return