Cheddar Jalapeño Grilled Cheese (Printer-Friendly)

Gooey cheddar and tangy pickled jalapeños between golden buttery bread. A quick, spicy comfort food classic.

# What You Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices thick-cut country bread or sourdough

→ Cheese & Fillings

02 - 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
03 - 0.25 cup pickled jalapeño slices, drained

→ For Grilling

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How to Cook:

01 - Lay out bread slices on a clean surface. Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice.
02 - Flip the slices over. On two slices with unbuttered side facing up, evenly distribute grated cheddar cheese.
03 - Scatter pickled jalapeño slices over the cheese layer.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
06 - Place sandwiches in skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
07 - Remove from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It brings just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the creamy, salty cheddar.
  • You can make it in fifteen minutes with ingredients you probably already have hanging around.
  • The tangy bite of pickled jalapeños cuts through the richness in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.
  • It is endlessly adaptable, so you can tweak the spice level or add extras without losing that perfect grilled cheese soul.
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is your best friend here because high heat will char the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt, and nobody wants a crunchy outside with cold cheese inside.
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded because those anti-caking agents prevent smooth melting and you will end up with grainy texture instead of silky strings.
  • Drain the jalapeños well and even pat them dry with a paper towel if they are really wet, otherwise the brine will make your bread soggy and ruin that crispy crust.
03 -
  • Press down gently with your spatula while the sandwich cooks to ensure good contact between the bread and the skillet, which gives you that even golden crust and helps the cheese melt faster.
  • If you are making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time with perfectly melted cheese.
  • Add a thin smear of cream cheese or mayo to the inside of the bread before adding the cheddar for extra richness and a slight tang that makes the flavors pop.
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