Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

May 7, 2012
Not your average grilled cheese sandwich.  Roasted fresh jalapenos kick up the heat in this delicious Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese.  It's a perfect creamy, cheesy sandwich for any jalapeno popper lover!
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Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Image

Well hello, yummy jalapeno grilled cheese!

I've always pretty much just made your straight-up, regular grilled cheese. I never really thought to change it up much, or thought there could be so many fabulous combinations.  But, whew! -- I have recently been enlightened with discovering lots of different ways to mix up the standard grilled cheese.

Enter, for example, Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese.  Which, my friends, may just be my new grilled cheese best friend.

Roasted fresh jalapenos kick up the heat in this delicious Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese. It's a perfect creamy, cheesy sandwich for any jalapeno popper lover!

Now to be straight up, this grilled cheese is not for the faint-of-heart. -- It is spicy.

The sandwich's whole roasted jalapenos certainly bring on the heat.  I did come up with a "cheater" method, though, that takes out the pepper roasting step and tones the heat down a tad, if desired.  I'll talk about that in just a bit.

The original Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese recipe I found calls for roasting jalapenos on the grill.  Well, I didn't feel like going outside and firing up the grill.  Yes, I know it's not that hard.  But still ... I just didn't feel like it.

So I roasted mine right on the burner of my gas stove top.  Yes, you can just set the peppers right on the burner.  It doesn't roast them quite as evenly as the grill, but it does work.

Roasting Jalapenos for Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Image

Once the peppers are good and charred, place them in a paper bag for a few minutes.  This lets them steam in their own heat for a bit and makes the skins easier to remove.

Roasting Jalapenos for Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Image

Then remove the roasted peppers from the bag and gently peel off the charred skin.  Now, it's recommended that one wear gloves for this step. I didn't have any gloves. So I improvised with a piece of plastic wrap.

Roasting Jalapenos for Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Image

Hmm, I did have a little jalapeno "spillage" onto my hands ... which I discovered that evening when I removed my contact lenses. (Can you say ouch?)  But, this sandwich's deliciousness was totally worth it.

Your naked peppers will look about like this:

Peeled Roasted Jalapenos for Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Image

Split them open with a knife, and carefully remove the seeds and ribs.  If you want extra heat, leave in a few seeds.  But trust me, these beauties are spicy enough even without the seeds.

To assemble the sandwiches, spread some slices of crusty sourdough with a cream cheese-&-green onion mixture.  Then layer on slices of Colby Jack and the roasted jalapenos.

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Image

Grill it up in a hot buttered pan just as you would any other grilled cheese sandwich, slice it up, and then enjoy.

I absolutely loved the creaminess of the cream cheese melted up with the Colby Jack.  It's truly so delicious.

Be forewarned though - the jalapenos are spicy ... and I love spicy food.

Now, I mentioned above that I also came up with a "cheater" method for this Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese.  I love the roasted jalapenos, but also wanted to see if I could come up with an alternative that skipped that step to make prep a little easier.

Diced pickled jalapeno is perfect quick-method alternative when you don't feel like roasting fresh jalapenos. 

I tried simply dicing up some fresh unroasted jalapeno ... but no deal.  This didn't bring any heat, and the diced fresh jalapeno just got lost in the cheese without adding much (if any) flavor.

Then I tried diced pickled jalapeno.  Jackpot!

I prepared the sandwich the same as the original, but sprinkled diced pickled jalapeno on top of the cream cheese layer instead of roasting up the fresh jalapenos.  The flavor and heat were back! 

Diced pickled jalapeno is perfect quick-method alternative when you don't feel like roasting fresh jalapenos.

Whichever method you choose -- roasted fresh jalapenos or diced pickled jalapeno, if you like jalapeno poppers, you'll love this grilled cheese sandwich.  Oh, yes, I'm sure you will.

Check out these other super tasty Tex-Mex recipes:

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese with Roasted Jalapeno Peppers Image
Thank you for stopping by The Kitchen is My Playground. We'd love to have you back soon!


jalapeno popper grilled cheese recipe, different grilled cheese recipes
Sandwiches
Yield: 3 sandwiches

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

Not your average grilled cheese sandwich.  Roasted fresh jalapenos kick up the heat in this delicious Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese.  It's a perfect creamy, cheesy sandwich for any jalapeno popper lover!
prep time: 25 Mcook time: 10 Mtotal time: 35 M

ingredients:

  • 6 large jalapeno peppers
  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • dash black pepper
  • 6 slices Colby Jack cheese
  • 6 slices sourdough bread
  • butter

instructions:

How to make Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

  1. Roast jalapenos on a pre-heated grill or burner of a gas stove top, turning to char all sides. Place the roasted jalapenos in a paper bag to steam. After about 10 minutes, remove from the bag and gently peel off the skin. (It is recommended that you wear gloves for this step.) Cut off the top of each pepper. Slice down one side of each pepper and carefully remove the seeds and ribs.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped green onion, and black pepper.
  3. Butter one side of each of the bread slices. Flip over three slices of bread and spread the unbuttered side generously with the cream cheese mixture. Layer on the jalapenos and cheese slices; top with the remaining bread slices, butter side up.
  4. Grill in a heated pan, coated with cooking spray or a bit of butter, until golden browned.
TRACEY'S NOTES
  1. Here's my quicker "CHEATER' METHOD" for when I don't feel like taking the time to roast fresh jalapenos: Omit the roasted fresh jalapeno peppers. Replace them with jarred pickled diced jalapenos. Sprinkle the pickled jalapenos, to taste, on top of the cream cheese layer in each sandwich.  It's still tasty, but much quicker!
Created using The Recipes Generator

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40 comments

  1. Ooey, gooey, and spicy! This looks delicious!

    Come check mine out at #47 :)

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  2. Love your choice. Doing this challenge has really opened me to numerous possibilities for a grilled cheese sandwich.

    Gay #50

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    Replies
    1. Seriously!! Who knew there were so many fabulous things to do with grilled cheese?? I have indeed been enlightened.

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  3. Absolutely delicious!
    I hate when I don't get all the jalapeno off my hands! OUCH!!!

    Loving all the GC recipes this month! YUM! Happy CCC

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  4. Those roasted peppers look amazing! Love this sandwich!

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  5. I love jalapeno popper grilled cheese! I definitely want to try this recipe because it's slightly different than our tried and true. It looks absolutely amazing!!

    Stopping by from CCC #7 - stumbled, pinned, Fb'd, tweeted, and voted for your grilled cheese!

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  6. This looks so good and I love that you found a different way to grill up those peppers, who wants to fire up the grill for just a few minutes. You got the job done!

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  7. wow a popper sandwich my husband would love this one. Thanks for stopping by my blog, I am now following you via GFC glad I found you. Look forward to more recipes #63

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    Replies
    1. by the way that is how I roast red peppers too!! so easy!

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    2. Yes, I'm lovin' the gas-burner pepper-roasting method! That's how I'll do it from now on. Thanks so much for following The Kitchen is My Playground!

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  8. Yum! Great pics to show off the ooey-gooey-ness of the cheese. Made me want to lick the screen. Thanks for stopping by to comment on my Guinness Corned Beef Grilled cheese.

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  9. Looks incredible, can't wait to try. Came close to doing a jalapeno popper grilled cheese myself, but I REALLY love bacon, so went that route instead. Thanks for stopping by my blog, #76.

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  10. Tracey, this sandwich looks fabulous and you're right, great minds DO think a like!! Thanks for stopping by my Jalapeno Popper GC!! #33

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  11. Oh my, look at that cheese oozing out! You got some great shots, it was hard for me to photograph that dang grilled cheese lol! It's past midnight and I could eat about 2 of those right now :)

    Desi
    #17

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  12. I really want to try the cheater version with the canned jalapenos! This looks so good. I make jalapeno popper hamburgers and my husband loves them, surely he would love this, too.

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  13. I wish I could reach through the screen and grab one of these for lunch!

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  14. Oh, how irresistible...loving that gooey cheese!!! Great challenge choice :)

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  15. I just love those Jalapeno's, awesome!

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  16. That looks delicious! I love jalapeno poppers...don't know if I could go back to regular grilled cheese after this! :)

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  17. That looks spectacular. Come over and visit tomorrow. We have a terrific grilled Brie sandwich recipe to share.

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  18. That ooey, gooey pic looks amazing! Even at 5AM:@)

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  19. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Your Grilled Cheese Sandwich is being featured today on a special "grilled cheese sandwich" round up!
    http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/?p=29199
    Thank you for sharing your recipe with us at Cast Party Wednesday #40! ---Sheryl---

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  20. This appears to be a popular recipe but I love it!! Yum!

    Jen #40

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  21. This is our kind of sandwich, it looks delicious! We are so happy that you linked up to our "Strut Your Stuff Saturday" and we hope you see you back next week!! -The Sisters

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  22. So yummy! Thanks for showing us how to roast and skin those peppers! Thanks for joining TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS!

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  23. Just made this..I may never make a regular grilled cheese again!!!!! Whoa nelly these are good!!!!! :)
    -Ashley

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    1. So glad you enjoyed it, Ashley! Thanks so much for stopping back by to let me know how these turned out for you ... I always love hearing that someone enjoyed a recipe I've posted!

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  24. I've made something similar in the past, but using sourdough bread might take it to the next level! Thanks for the recipe. =)

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  25. this sound so mexican jejeje... is perfect.. i love grilled cheese but this really takes it to another level..ty for sharing..

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  26. Right up my alley!! Oh yeah. And gotta love the roasted jalapenos on the stove. We are doing that almost daily with all sorts of different chili peppers. Roasted peppers is the best. Can't wait to try this.

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  27. I love the flavors for this grilled cheese. Hope you have a very special Mothers Day weekend and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday this week.
    Miz Helen

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  28. I SO want one of these after looking at your recipe.
    Thanks for the inspiration.

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  29. Yum, Yum! This looks great and I love how you showed the peppers! Thank you so much for sharing these at Making Memories Mondays! Hope to see your latest creations there today! :-)
    Cathy@threekidsandafish{dot}com

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  30. Hello beautiful! I’m stopping by to let you know that your jalapeno grilled cheese was Jessica’s favorite from our last party. We will be featuring it at our party tonight at 7. Happy dance time! Lou Lou Girls

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  31. Whew! I'm definitely trying this! I love love love jalapenos and how you can so easily customize the traditional grilled cheese.

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  32. Oh wow! This looks seriously amazing, melted cheese and jalepenos! Can't wait to make this! Would love for you to share this at OhMyHeartsieGirl Wordless Wednesday! Have a great week!

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  33. This looks excellent. I had something like this out of a street cart in Portland. They only sold grilled cheese sandwiches...made every way you could imagine. Now that I know how they did it...I have a feeling I'm going to be eating them more often. Thanks for sharing.
    Dropping by from Lou Lou Girls “Fabulous Party #58”! I'm glad you got picked as a "Favorite" or I wouldn't have seen this!
    Jennie

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  34. OMG so delish! I need a quick dinner and this fit the bill beautifully! I used pickled jalapenos and shredded cheddar instead of slices and I added a couple strips of crisp bacon. So good!

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