Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese is a decadent twist on the classic sandwich that features a creamy, spicy filling and crispy bacon. This recipe combines the bold flavors of a jalapeño popper with the comforting texture of thick-cut Texas Toast for a truly satisfying meal.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese because it offers the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch. By roasting the jalapeños, you unlock a smoky depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream cheese and the saltiness of the bacon. Using Texas Toast ensures that the sandwich is sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings while providing a golden, buttery exterior. Whether you are looking for an elevated lunch or a comforting dinner, this sandwich delivers the flavors of your favorite appetizer in every bite.
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 (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 6 strips bacon, cooked, divided
- 4 slices Texas toast (or your bread of choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Brush the jalapeños with olive oil on all sides and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the peppers for about 15 minutes, or until the skins begin to char slightly. Remove them from the oven and let them cool.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix until the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Once the roasted jalapeños are cool enough to handle, roughly chop them and fold them into the cream cheese mixture.
- Butter one side of a slice of bread. On the opposite side, spread half of the cream cheese and jalapeño mixture.
- Top the cream cheese mixture with 3 slices of bacon and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place another slice of bread on top and butter the outside. Repeat these steps for the second sandwich.
- Add the buttered sandwich to a skillet over medium heat. Cook both sides until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes per side.
- Serve your Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese immediately while hot and melty.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the best results for your Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese, always use room-temperature cream cheese. This ensures the mixture is easy to blend and spreads smoothly without tearing the bread. If you prefer a hotter sandwich, look for jalapeños with white stretch marks, as these typically indicate a higher heat level. For the bacon, baking it in the oven at 415°F for 18-20 minutes is a great way to achieve maximum crispiness with minimal mess. Finally, don’t rush the pan-frying process; medium heat is essential to melting the cheddar thoroughly without burning the Texas Toast.
Variations & Substitutions
While Texas Toast is recommended for its thickness, you can easily substitute it with sourdough, brioche, or even a sturdy whole-grain bread. If you want to change the flavor profile, try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick, or add a slice of deli ham for a Jalapeno Ham Grilled Cheese variation. For those who prefer using modern appliances, you can make this Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese in an air fryer. Simply preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the assembled sandwich for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of creamy tomato soup for dipping. You could also serve it alongside a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness of the cheese and bacon. If you are serving this for a game day gathering, consider cutting the sandwiches into quarters and serving them with a side of ranch dressing or extra jalapeño popper dip.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispy texture of the bread, it is best to reheat the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the bread soggy. Freezing is also not recommended for this recipe, as the texture of the cream cheese and roasted peppers can change significantly once thawed.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 981 kcal |
| Servings | 2 sandwiches |
| Course | Dinner, Main Course |
Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Brush the jalapeños with olive oil on all sides and place them on the prepared baking sheet.4 medium jalapeños, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Roast the peppers for about 15 minutes, or until the skins begin to char slightly. Remove them from the oven and let them cool.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix until the texture is smooth and creamy.4 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Once the roasted jalapeños are cool enough to handle, roughly chop them and fold them into the cream cheese mixture.
- Butter one side of a slice of bread. On the opposite side, spread half of the cream cheese and jalapeño mixture.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Top the cream cheese mixture with 3 slices of bacon and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.1 cup mild cheddar cheese, 6 strips bacon
- Place another slice of bread on top and butter the outside. Repeat these steps for the second sandwich.
- Add the buttered sandwich to a skillet over medium heat. Cook both sides until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes per side.
- Serve your Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to roast the jalapeño peppers?
You do not strictly have to roast them, but it is highly recommended. Roasting the peppers gives them a milder, slightly smoky flavor that integrates better with the cream cheese than raw peppers would.
Can I use different kinds of bread?
Yes, you can use any bread you prefer. Keep in mind that thinner slices of bread may cook faster than Texas Toast, so you should monitor the skillet closely to prevent burning.
How can I make this less spicy?
To reduce the heat, ensure that you thoroughly remove all the seeds and the white membranes from the jalapeños before roasting them. You can also use a very mild cheddar to balance the flavors.
Can I make the cream cheese mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can roast the peppers and mix them with the cream cheese and spices up to 24 hours in advance. Store the mixture in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading it on the bread.