Yesterday was National Grilled Cheese Day. If all was straight and clear in my world, this post should have been planned, written and executed at least a day or two ago. But that’s not how my life rolls..ha! Do any of you all have that kind of perfect, planned life? Where lists are made, then followed and checked off? Does not happen here!
Dr. A loves himself some grilled cheese. What is there not to love? Two slices of bread, slathered in butter, with slices of gooey cheese melted to perfection. That is where all of this grilled cheese business started for us. However, as we were “growing up” we graduated to more “gourmet” grilled cheeses. The breads changed, the quality of cheese got better, and some fillings were added. Now we have numerable different grilled cheese involving permutations and combinations of these three entities.
The grilled cheese "recipe” that I am sharing toady is one of those. The recipe is simple and comes together quickly. As I have mentioned a few times before (like in this recipe and in this), in simpler recipes, the quality of ingredients plays a very important role. So choose wisely.
I would use a heartier and somewhat crusty bread for this sandwich, unlike the more traditional white bread. The contrast between the buttered, crusty bread is a great contrast with the gooey cheese inside. Layers of spiciness come from jalapeno cream cheese, pickled jalapenos and pepperjack cheese.
Spicy Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices of whole wheat or other crusty bread I used honey oat wheat
- 1 teaspoon jalapeno cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon butter at room temperature
- 2 slices pepper jack cheese
- Pickled jalapeno slices to taste
- Red onion thinly sliced to taste
Instructions
- Set a heavy bottomed skillet or grill pan on medium high heat. While the pan is heating, lay the slices of bread on a board and spread each one lightly with butter. Flip the slices and spread each one with the jalapeno cream cheese.
- Lay the slices of pepper jack cheese over the cream cheese. You might have to tear down the cheese slices, depending on the size and shape of your bread slice. The idea is to completely cover the surface of the bread with pepper jack cheese. Lay as many slices of pickled jalapenos and red onions as you like. I try to distribute them evenly so that you get some in every bite. Cover with the other slice of pepper jack, followed by the other slice of bread, cream cheese side down.
- When the skillet is hot, lower the heat to low and cook the sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes each side, checking in between to check until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. After the first flip at 2 minute mark, I strongly recommend covering the sandwich with a dome or the pan with a lid, This helps in melting the cheese nicely. Turn the heat off and allow the sandwich to cool for a minute. Cut in half and serve warm.
national grilled cheese day or not, I hope you will give this recipe a try.
Love- Vaishali.
P.S - you should come see us at our Facebook page. We are having so much fun there. Go to the link here - The Kitchen Docs on Facebook and "like" the page..:)
Tools used:
Cast iron pan (I use this one)
Knife and chopping board
Measuring spoons (Cuisinart )
Spatula (this kind)
Raychal Asuras
Wow this sounds & looks delicious!
Krish
Looks yummy...worth trying..
Elizabeth
Mmm what a gorgeous grilled cheese idea! i love pepper jack cheese - this sounds heavenly!
Heather
I bet the combination of the cheese and spice is amazing.
Vaishali
It is Heather. We love it..:)
Phoebe
SOunds so spicy..lol I think I'm ok with the pepperjack but not with onion and jalapeno but your pictures make it look appealing!
Vaishali
Phoebe - I agree - this grilled cheese is layered with spicy elements. For sure skip one or two if you desire..:)
Casey
I am loving the use of jalapenos! I make a jalapeno popper grilled cheese, but I cannot wait to try this one!
Vaishali
Thanks Casey. jalapeno popper grilled cheese sounds good..what do you add to make it pop/crunch?
Bethenewyou4you
Really it's mouth watering!
Vaishali
Thanks a lot. I looked at the pictures just now and think that I might have to fix one fr myself too..ugh..:P
Anna
I love spicy food, so these toasts are perfect for me:)
Vaishali
Thanks Anna. Some spice here and there never hurt anyone..:P
Cassie
This sounds amazing! I know what I’m making this weekend
Vaishali
Thanks Cassie. Please let me know if you try it..:)