Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

 Is there anything better than a grilled cheese sandwich? Crispy, crunch, ooey, gooey, salty perfection. 😋

A grilled cheese sandwich is an amazing base to create a variety of different sandwiches! The possibilities are endless!

Today I'm sharing my Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich. 

It is one that you can customize your heat level. Omit the jalapenos, use mozzarella or colby jack cheese in place of the pepper jack. Pick a hot pepper jelly, or a mild. Go for a nice sourdough bread instead of the jalapeno cheese bread. Or, take it up a notch with fresh jalapenos - sautéed or raw! 

WHAT YOU NEED

• jalapeno cheese bread
• cream cheese
• jalapeno pepper jelly
• sliced jalapenos (jarred) optional
• bacon, cooked
• pepper jack cheese, sliced
• butter
• cooking spray

I know there is a massive debate on butter or mayo for your grilled cheese. I am team butter. I have tried mayo and it is not my thing lol. If you are team mayo, go for it! That's what's amazing about cooking.. you can eat what you love, cook what you love with what you love!

HOW TO MAKE A SWEET AND SPICY JALAPENO POPPER GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

I know it seems slightly silly to give out directions for a sandwich, but a grilled cheese can be incredibly temperamental. And, your results likely will be affected by your type of stove(gas or electric), your pan, your spatula, and so on. I, for example, have an electric cooktop, and I constantly have to adjust my heat, pull my pan plus use cooking spray(yes, even with a nonstick pan) to help me get the perfect grilled cheese. It takes practice and learning your tools and equipment.

1. Heat pan over med/low heat. This depends on your cooktop/stovetop. You have to find your sweetspot. Once heated, coat bottom of pan with cooking spray. I use Canola oil spray, but olive vegetable will work here.
2. Liberally spread butter over outside of bread. I have found that pre-buttering my bread slices helps me tremendously! I find it way easier than trying to butter once the sandwich is formed. I just keep everything on a cutting board for easy clean up.
3. Spread one piece of bread with cream cheese. There is no real measurement here, just your personal preference. Then a layer of pepper jelly. Same as cream cheese.. this is a personal preference of amount. Don't leave this ingredient out! This is where the "sweet" comes from! Add sliced jalapenos, if desired. Top with bacon (I use 2 slices per sandwich, but there are no rules here 😁) and pepper jack cheese.
4. Place second piece of bread on top.
5. Place sandwich in heated pan and cook until cheese is melted and bread has golden crust. Babysit your sandwich. A grilled cheese cannot be left alone! Flip and repeat.
6. Remove from heat, be careful as sandwich will be hot.
7. Enjoy! I like to pair with some spicy jalapeno kettle cooked chips, but would be great with a bowl of soup!