Can I make this sandwich less spicy?

Yes! You can reduce the heat by using fewer jalapeños, removing all seeds and membranes, or substituting with mild green chilies or sweet bell peppers.

Do I have to roast the jalapeños?

Roasting is optional but highly recommended. It brings out a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and softens the heat, creating a better balance in the sandwich.

What type of bread works best?

Texas Toast is ideal due to its thickness, but any thick-cut sandwich bread, sourdough, or even brioche will work. Avoid thin sandwich slices, as they may get soggy.

Can I make this sandwich in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Prepare the sandwich as usual, then cook it in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 3 minutes until golden and melty.

Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

Name: Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium jalapeños, stems removed, sliced in half, and seeded; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; ½ teaspoon garlic salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided; 6 strips bacon, cooked and divided; 4 slices Texas toast (or thick-sliced bread of choice); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Description

This Roasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. With creamy seasoned cheese, smoky roasted peppers, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar sandwiched between golden buttered Texas Toast, it’s a bold, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or a flavorful snack.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium jalapeños, stems removed, sliced in half, and seeded
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
½ teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
6 strips bacon, cooked and divided
4 slices Texas toast (or thick-sliced bread of choice)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

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Instructions

Roast the jalapeños: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the halved jalapeños with olive oil and arrange them cut-side down. Roast for about 15 minutes or until the skins begin to char and blister slightly, then remove them and let cool.
Make the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Once the roasted jalapeños are cool enough to handle, chop them roughly and fold them into the cream cheese mixture.
Assemble the sandwich: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a generous amount of the jalapeño cream cheese mixture. Add three strips of crispy bacon and about ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the spread. Top each with a second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
Cook the sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3–5 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula to help everything stick together, and cover the pan briefly if the cheese needs help melting.

Notes

To reduce spice, use roasted bell peppers or canned mild green chilies instead of jalapeños. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh or veggie bacon. Mayo can be used instead of butter for a crispier crust with a slightly tangy flavor. Use a lid while toasting the sandwich to help the cheese melt faster.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Dinner, Sandwich
Method: Stovetop (or Air Fryer alternative)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 981
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 1180mg
Fat: 70g
Saturated Fat: 30g
Unsaturated Fat: 35g
Trans Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 135mg