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 avocado egg toast recipe and in these herbed scrambled eggs), 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.
Serving it with my creamy tomato basil soup is a match made in heaven, but this grilled cheese sandwich also tastes great when dunked into the apple cheddar soup.
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)
Bibi on Board says
Thank you for the nice recipe 🙂 I love cheese and we love the spicy stuffs with my Husband! Now we have one more idea what to take to job 😉
Vaishali says
Thanks Bibi on Board. I totally agree on taking this for lunch because it tastes just as good when cold.
Meghna chakraborty says
Hi 👋 Vaishali!
Such an amazing grilled sandwich! Looks delicious and super quick recipe too , will surely try it out 🙂
Vaishali says
Thanks Meghna. Yes, we also love it in our family.
Katie says
I love grilled cheese! That looks amazing. I’m going to have to try it!
Vaishali says
Thanks a lot Katie..:)
Rachel says
Paired with a nice tomato soup or bisque and I'd be in heaven. Would have never thought to add jalapeno cream cheese, but it sounds amazing. Thanks for the recipe!
Vaishali says
Thanks Rachel. Yeah, jalapeno cream cheese definitely adds a layer of cheesiness and spice to this grilled cheese.
Tricia says
Such a great twist on a classic! My husband loves spicy food so we'll have to make this soon!
Vaishali says
Thanks Tricia. Mine does too...:)
Lindsey says
This sounds absolutely amazing! What an awesome spin on a classic comfort food. I cannot wait to try!
Vaishali says
Thanks Lindsey. I agree, though nothing beats a gooey grilled cheese on white bread, this is welcome twist..:)
Veronica Mendenhall says
I love a good grilled cheese and this one this so yummy! Can't wait to try it!
Vaishali says
Thanks a lot Veronica..:). Please let me know if you try it..:)
Sarah says
I am going to have to try this!! I LOVE grilled cheese and I love some spice! 😃 great job and cannot wait to try it! I’ll come back and rate when I try it!
Vaishali says
yayyy...Thanks Sarah..:)
Stephanie says
I am a grilled cheese fanatic so this looks fantastic. Will definitely need to try it out. Can I ask which recipe plug-in you use? I don't love the one I have! 🙂
Vaishali says
Thanks Stephanie. I use the WP Recipe Maker Plugin. It's relatively easy to use and I'm definitely on the creatively challenged side so it helps me a lot..:P
Ina Wrobel says
Delicious, perfect for breakfast
Vaishali says
Thanks Ina..:)