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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese with Pickles

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This spicy jalapeño popper grilled cheese with pickles combines creamy, melty cheeses, fiery jalapeños, and tangy pickles between crispy, golden bread. It’s a bold, comforting twist on classic grilled cheese that’s quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 slices thick-sliced white, sourdough, or hearty sandwich bread
  • 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (56 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup (28 g) Monterey Jack cheese, grated (or Pepper Jack for more heat)
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 2–3 slices dill pickles
  • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp (14 g) butter, softened
  • Optional: 1-2 tbsp bacon bits
  • Optional: 1 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
  • Optional: A few dashes hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese at room temperature. Finely chop jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat). Grate cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Slice pickles into thin pieces.
  2. In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, and garlic powder. Add hot sauce or black pepper if desired.
  3. Lay out bread slices. Spread jalapeño cream cheese mixture on one slice. Layer cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the cream cheese. Add pickle slices on top of the cheese. Sprinkle on bacon bits or green onions if using. Top with the second slice of bread.
  4. Spread 1/2 tbsp butter on the outside of each bread slice.
  5. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat (about 350°F). Place sandwich buttered-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes, pressing gently, until golden brown. Flip and grill the other side for 3-4 minutes more, lowering heat if bread browns too quickly.
  6. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool for 1 minute, then slice diagonally. Serve immediately with extra pickles or ranch for dipping if desired.

Notes

For less heat, use fewer jalapeños or remove all seeds. For extra flavor, add bacon bits or green onions. Use gluten-free or vegan substitutes as needed. Cover the skillet for the last minute if cheese isn’t melting. Don’t overstuff the sandwich to avoid filling leakage.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled cheese, jalapeño popper, spicy sandwich, pickles, comfort food, easy lunch, vegetarian option, quick dinner, cheesy sandwich, skillet recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/spicy-jalape-n-o-popper-grilled-cheese-recipe-with-pickles-easy-and-irresistible/