Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese – This Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese. Is the ultimate sandwich. For spicy food lovers! With creamy mascarpone, sharp cheddar, and roasted jalapeños. It’s a gooey, crispy, and flavorful sandwich. You won’t forget. Roasted jalapeños bring a smoky heat. While mascarpone adds a creamy, luxurious texture. This sandwich is perfect for lunch. Or a quick, indulgent meal. You’ll definitely want. To make this one again and again!
The first time I made this Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese. I was experimenting. With some leftover jalapeños. And cheddar from taco night. My husband was skeptical. About the heat. But after one bite. He was hooked. Even my kids. Who normally shy away. From anything too spicy. Devoured their sandwiches (with a little extra mascarpone. To balance the heat). It’s now a family favorite. That we make at least once a month. Every time we grill these up. It’s a hit at the table!
What makes this Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese truly special?
This sandwich is an elevated take. On the classic grilled cheese. Featuring the irresistible flavors of a jalapeno popper. The combination of creamy mascarpone, sharp cheddar. And smoky roasted jalapeños. Offers layers of flavor. In every bite. Plus, roasting the jalapeños. Gives them a deeper, more nuanced taste. Making the sandwich. Both spicy and savory. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food. With a spicy twist. And it’s ready. In just 35 minutes!
What You Need To Make This Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Jalapeños: Roasting these peppers. Adds a smoky flavor. That complements the creamy cheeses. You can leave in some seeds. For extra heat. Or remove them. For a milder kick.
Mascarpone Cheese: This adds a rich, creamy element. That helps balance the heat. From the jalapeños. It’s smoother than regular cream cheese. But you can substitute cream cheese if needed.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is ideal for a bold, cheesy flavor. But feel free to swap in your favorite melting cheese. Like Monterey Jack or Colby.
Bread: Go for a firm, hearty bread. That crisps up well on the griddle. Like sourdough or ciabatta. You want it to hold up. To the gooey insides!
Steps To Make Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese:
Step 1: Prep the Jalapeños: Preheat your oven to 425°F. And line a baking sheet. With parchment paper. Toss the halved jalapeños. In 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then season with salt. And pepper. Lay them skin-side up. On the baking sheet. And roast for 10 to 15 minutes. Until the skin blisters. Once roasted. Place them in a plastic bag. For about 5 minutes. To loosen the skin. Peel off the skin. Remove most of the seeds. And slice the jalapeños. Set them aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mascarpone. Evenly over 4 slices of bread. On the remaining 4 slices. Sprinkle cheddar cheese. Add the sliced jalapeños. To the mascarpone side of the sandwiches. Close each sandwich. With the cheese-covered bread slice on top.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. In a griddle. Over medium heat. Butter the outsides of each sandwich. Then place them. On the griddle. Cook on one side. Until golden brown. And crispy. About 3 to 5 minutes. Flip the sandwiches. Add the remaining oil. To the griddle. And cook the second side. Until golden brown. And the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Tip:
For an extra smoky kick. Roast the jalapeños. Under the broiler. For the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This will enhance. The charred flavor. Without losing. The balance of heat. If you want to dial up the spiciness. Leave in a few seeds. Or, for a milder flavor. Scrape out all the seeds. And ribs. Before assembling. Also, try brushing the bread. With garlic butter before grilling. To give your sandwich. An extra layer of flavor. This small step. Takes your grilled cheese game. To a whole new deck of deliciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, to reduce the heat. Remove more seeds. And ribs from the jalapeños. Or swap them out. For a milder pepper like poblano.
What’s a good substitute for mascarpone?
Cream cheese works well as a substitute. For mascarpone. If you need a more budget-friendly. Or accessible option.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Gouda. Or even a spicy Pepper Jack. Would be delicious. In this sandwich.
< Remember it later >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 6 jalapeños halved lengthwise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ c mascarpone cheese
- 8 slices of bread
- 1 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp salted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. And line a baking sheet. With parchment paper.
- Toss the halved jalapeños. In 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt. And pepper. And place them skin-side up. On the baking sheet. Roast for 10-15 minutes. Or until the skins are blistered. Once done. Place the roasted jalapeños. In a plastic bag. For about 5 minutes. To help loosen the skin. Peel off the skins. Remove most of the seeds and ribs. Then slice the jalapeños. Set aside.
- Spread mascarpone cheese. Evenly on 4 slices of bread. And top the remaining 4 slices. With shredded cheddar cheese. Divide the roasted jalapeños. Among the sandwiches. Then close them. Making sure to butter. Both sides of the bread.
- Heat half of the remaining olive oil. On a flat griddle. Over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches. Until golden on one side. Then flip them over. Add the rest of the oil. To the griddle. And cook the other side. Until golden. And the cheese is melted. And gooey.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
