Garlic Jalapeno Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese

A slightly spicy and garlicky version of a grilled cheese. With all the flavors of a jalapeno popper. This garlic and jalapeno pepper jack grilled cheese sandwich will have you hooked on this version of the American classic!

Memes.

I assume you are familiar with Grumpy Cat memes. Because I also assume you are a fellow time waster like the hubby and I. And like us, you also like spending hours looking at cat pictures and laughing hysterically.

Have you met Grumpy Cats cousin? Pudgy Cat? No, that’s not his legal name. It’s the one I gave him. If you haven’t met Pudgy Cat, let me introduce you:

Is it slightly (read: really) sad that the first reaction I had after looking at the jalapeno pepper jack grilled cheese sandwich is that of the pudgy cat meme?

Can you blame me? Have you looked at this pepper jack grilled cheese? Here, have another look:

It’s a waterfall of gooey, melty cheeses with hints of garlic. And smoky, roasted jalapenos. That don’t bite back. 

Lets talk ingredients – the Bread, the Cheese, and the Jalapenos:

The bread –

For this recipe I used fresh sourdough bread. Slice it yourself or purchase it pre-sliced. The sourdough gives this grilled cheese the perfect amount of ‘tang’ which pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the cream cheese. Creamy, cream cheese. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The cheese – 

You’re going to want to use a combination of two cheeses. Because more cheese means a better grilled cheese sandwich. True story. The main cheese used in this sandwich is pepper jack. I used the habanero variety. I’m a bit of a dare devil when it comes to spices (not really, i’m a pansy). But the flavor was amazing! Use regular pepper jack or just Monterey Jack cheese if you don’t care for the spice. Make it your own! The second: cream cheese. A light smear on the inside of the sandwich and a healthy sprinkling of granulated garlic. Totally drooling.

The jalapenos –

Roasted jalapenos have their seeds and ribs removed for a bold smokey flavor without the heat. Personally, I don’t like having a jug of water or crying my eyeballs out when i’m eating the most delicious sandwich in the world. If you can take it, more power to you! Leave those little fireballs in there. Remove the tops of the jalapenos and make a vertical slit down the pepper. Slightly pull apart the pepper (try to leave it attached) and remove the insides. On a cast iron skillet, roast the peppers until they start to develop a light char on the skin. It took me about 5 minutes per side. If you can’t wait that long, use pickled jalapenos. Give them a quick rinse. It will get rid of that pickled flavor.  Let’s get down to business. We’re going to butter the outter sides of the 4 slices of bread. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the 4 insides. Sprinkle the granulated garlic on the cream cheese. Layer pepper jack cheese on 2 of the slices of bread. Top with the roasted jalapenos. And more of that delicious pepper jack. Top the sandwiches with the other slices of bread. Grill sandwiches in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Flip and cook until golden brown on each side. About 3 minutes per side. Slice in half and serve immediately.

15 minutes to an amazing grilled cheese sandwich that’s loaded with garlic, smokey jalapenos, and of course cheese.

Think you can spare a few minutes for it? I know I can! Hooray for heavy breathing cat memes!