Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese is a spicy, creamy twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Packed with melted cheddar, cream cheese, and tangy jalapenos, it’s perfect for those who love a little heat and gooey comfort food combined.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 3 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- ¼ cup diced jalapenos (see notes)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Spread the outside of each slice of bread with butter.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, diced jalapenos, and garlic powder. Stir well until evenly mixed.
- Step 3: Arrange two slices of bread butter side down on a flat surface. Evenly spread the cheese and jalapeno mixture over these slices.
- Step 4: Place the remaining slices of bread on top, butter side up, to form sandwiches.
- Step 5: Place the sandwiches in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 360°F for 4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted.
- Step 6: Let the sandwiches rest for 1 minute before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Tips & Variations
- For less heat, use pickled jalapenos or reduce the amount of fresh jalapenos.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add even more spice.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, cook the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cheese is melted.
- Try adding cooked bacon or diced tomatoes to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and the bread is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep it from becoming soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen jalapenos for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen jalapenos. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the cheese mixture to avoid excess moisture.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a similar creamy texture and tang.
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Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Description
This Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese combines creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors in a crispy, buttery sandwich. Featuring a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapenos, it’s an irresistibly flavorful twist on a classic grilled cheese, cooked to golden perfection using an air fryer for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
Filling
- 3 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced jalapenos (adjust quantity per spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Butter the Bread: Spread the outside of each slice of bread evenly with room temperature butter to ensure a crisp and golden exterior when cooked.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, diced jalapenos, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until well mixed and creamy.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place two slices of bread, butter side down, on a clean surface. Evenly distribute the cheese and jalapeno mixture over these slices. Cover with the remaining two slices of bread, butter side up, to complete the sandwiches.
- Air Fry the Sandwiches: Place the prepared sandwiches into the basket of your air fryer. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 4 minutes. Then carefully flip the sandwiches to cook the other side and continue air frying for an additional 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese filling is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the air fryer and let them set for 1 minute before slicing and serving to allow the cheese to slightly firm up and prevent burns.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of jalapenos to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
- For less heat, deseed the jalapenos before dicing.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these sandwiches can also be cooked on a stovetop skillet over medium heat with a lid on, flipping once the bread is golden brown.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier spreading and mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Jalapeno Popper, Grilled Cheese, Spicy Sandwich, Air Fryer Sandwich, Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Jalapeno Recipe
