There are a lot of things I can’t figure out. Read: There are a lot of things I haven’t taken the time to figure out.
I can’t figure out dry-cleaning. I think it has something to do with folding clothes perfectly then covering them in plastic.
I can’t figure out why people enjoy karaoke so much when it’s so clearly just the singing version of public speaking… which makes is SO MUCH WORSE YOU GUYS!
I can’t figure out why saying ‘yes’ is easier than saying ‘no’. Actually I have figured that out. The face of disappointment is terrifying.
I can’t figure out why Taylor Swifts “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is sooooo dang singable. Help me.
There are a lot of things I CAN figure out… namely: Shrimp and Grits and Potato Chip Sandwiches.
And while I still may stumble on the grammatical difference between laying and lying… I know that at least… at the very least, I can make an AMAZING (seriously…) spicy grilled cheese sandwich. The rest I can Google. Amen.
I feel like I don’t need to tell you how to make a grilled cheese sandwich. You know what’s up.
You may not know that the addition of cream cheese and roasted jalapeno elevate this sandwich to heavenly levels.
Let’s talk about these dang jalapenos. We can’t just buy them from the store and go slicing them willy-nilly.
They need to be charred and have their skins removed. I do this over my gas burner.
The pepper is blistered and charred over an open flame. The broiler also works well for this treatment.
Ultimately, we want the whole pepper charred.
After the peppers are charred, they need to be steamed. I steamed my peppers in a small saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Just place the hot peppers in a regular old pot. No flame under the pot necessary. This will help loosen the skins. It’s pepper skin science.
Peppers are peeled. I used the business-end of a knife to remove the skins . The less pepper spice we get on our hands the better. It stings.
Peeled peppers are sliced open and seeds are removed (again with a knife). Much of the unbearable heat of jalapeno peppers is in the seed.
After a coarse chopping of the charred, peeled, and de-seeded peppers… we can get down to sandwich glory.
Let’s use two different kinds of cheese for these sandwiches: cream cheese and Monterey Jack. Let’s take inspiration from Jalapeno Poppers and just go for it!
Sandwiches are slathered in butter, smeared with softened cream cheese, topped with roasted peppers, and then sprinkled with Monterey Jack cheese.
I really feel like I need to apologize. It’s just too good. Gosh.
Sandwiches are ready for a hot pan. I prepared these sandwiches in a square oven pan just so that I could transfer them to a hot skillet. Let’s melt these!
Creamy. Melty. Spicy. Beyond everything you thought you knew about grilled cheese sandwiches.
I paired these with Bread and Butter Pickles and a Cola.
It’s like a special occasion for my belly.
I take my food pictures in a super glamorous location… right by my front door.
This is real life. Laundry detergent on the bookshelf.
This is also real life. Medium warm though pleasantly spicy grilled cheese sandwiches. On the couch. With a soda and pickles. And a cat that’s watching, waiting, and begging.
Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
makes 2 sandwiches
5 jalapeno peppers
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 slices bread
Let’s first work with the jalapenos. Char jalapeno skins by placing them over a low open flame, and rotating them until blackened all around. You can also place jalapenos under the broiler and toast until blackened on all sides. Remove from the flame (or oven), and allow the peppers to steam. I placed my hot and blackened peppers in a small pot with the lid on. You can also loosely wrap the peppers in foil. After peppers have steamed for about 10 minutes, place on a clean work surface. Use the sharp edge of a knife to scrape the skin off the peppers. Once clean of skin, slice off the top, cup dow the center vertically, and use the knife to scrape out the seeds. Coarsely chop and set aside.
I use a knife to peel and de-seed the jalapenos. It’s best to touch the peppers as little as possible, or wear plastic gloves.
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Flip the bread so the butter is facing down. Spread half of the cream cheese on two slices of the bread. Sprinkle diced jalapenos atop the cream cheese. Divide the shredded cheese atop the jalapenos and cream cheese. Top with remaining bread slice, butter side up.
Grill sandwiches in a non-stick saute pan over medium heat. Flip and cook until golden brown on each side. Slice in half and serve immediately.
140 Responses
SO this sounds kind of amazing! All my favorites in one awesome bite! Since when does pepper jack grilled cheese sandwich is made, I am all over this! I had featured u in the post of Top 7 Quick and Healthy Sandwich Recipes on AllFreshRecipes,i’ll pay close attention to ur MORE eats!
I made almost the exact same sandwich last year (except with American cheese in place of he Jack) and totally fell in love with it!
Nice recipe! The photograph is very tempting.
i love this!! love the behind the scenes little look-see, too.
but mostly… ya got me right where it counts, hungry and wondering what to make for dinner but surfing the net and coming across that evily delicious photograph.
even the cola. i want. and i don’t even drink cola!!
thanks for sharing… your writing is funny… excited to explore, explore.
^__^
Waaaaw! Can’t wait to make this for my daughter’s lunchbox :) Joy, when do u open your restaurant, where can we find you in LA? Muaaaah! Gabriela from France
O.K., I’m having one of ‘those’ days, and this is going to comfort….something dang it! I used to make quesadillas with pepperjack and cream cheese, and your picture has my mouth watering for those flavors and this sandwich, thank you!
oh. em. gee.
I made these for my roommates last night and we were all so happy! Perfect way to say “thanks for taking care of my big mush of a kitty cat while I was away”
That gooey, melty cheese is calling to me… and I just had dinner!
I definitely thought those were pickles in there from the photo. Is it wrong to want to add pickles to this? Haha looks delicious either way! ;)
Those look absolutely delicious!
I love cheese. I love grilled cheese. I love not-grilled cheese. I love cheese so much I’ve turned my love of cheese into a game. I think it is a game you would love to play, Joy. Check it out at http://www.havartipaty.tumblr.com !
Oh my, could you please deliver one of these to my desk for lunch today?!
Joy, this post of yours is totally inspiring to me. Loving the simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich- which you made totally awesome and far more desirable. I think I am making this for lunch! Plus your absolutely GORGEOUS shots of the already lovely meal! I am currently working through your awesome cookbook – made the snickerdoodles last night- which my husband and I had for breakfast today. :] You’re super. I hope you know how lovely and inspiring you are.
Is it too much to ask for you to squeeze in a pic of yr handsome kitty in every post? :)
kitty paws! (yeah…that’s all I’ve got)
Oh dear god. It’s like you found out what my heart always knew what he perfect grilled cheese but hadnt let me know just yet.
I actually major suck at making grilled cheese sandwiches. Likely because the alarm in my head starts sirening up the wazoo when I slather my bread with butter so I never use quite enough to get that golden crispy sear. But potato chip sandwiches I have no problem with. Because, you know, they are so muuuuch healthier.
i love how un-glamorous the actual food photography set-up is, but how glamorous the photos actually turn out. awesome!
this sandwich looks deeelicious!
How did you know I was looking for a spicy awesome grilled cheese? I just made one last night with pickled jalapeno slices in the middle, but this looks amazing, including the side of pickles! And real life looks marvelous!
I just had cream cheese in grilled cheese for the first time this weekend. What a great and ultra creamy addition. My sandwich was filled with other grilled veggies too. Must start making these ASAP!
I love how real you are. Detergent, cold food and a hungry cat. I would have to say delicious luke warm food is always better than mediocre hot food. At least that’s what I tell myself.
Amazing, as usual! I have followed your blog for quite awhile. I tend not to comment much but I just wanted to thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes and photography. I have made so many things that I have found here, and appreciate the dishes as much as your humor and style. Thanks for bein’ out there!
this makes me chuckle!
Why, oh why, is grilled cheese so delicious?
Cream Cheese on a grilled cheese….SUCH a good idea!!! I just had dinner and am contemplating making these right now!!
I have not tried the baked grilled cheese technique. I’m on it!
joy. i love you.
This looks super awesome. I wish I could make it right now, but it’s definitely going on my list of things to make this weekend. And I love that you showed us your photo setup. I take so many of my blog photos by the front door early in the morning. Mine often involve Lego men and me lying on my belly though.
Why have I never added cream cheese to a grilled cheese sandwich?!
I’m pretty sure no one knows how dry cleaning works. It’s just one of the great mysteries of the world.
And by golly, I’m making these! They look so so comforting and wonderful. Can you imagine them with tomato soup too? Mind blown.
These are amazing… I made them with some smoked bacon in them. So good.
p.s. – laying out a blanket on the couch vs lying on the blanket on the couch.
“The face of disappointment is terrifying.” Oh, you so nailed that on the head.
Now, I think I’ll get me some grilled cheese. :-) (I’m going to use tomatoes too though, as I have a glut from the garden that need to be used.)
It’s so funny whats out of the shot when we take pictures ;) A few inches either way and we’d be explaining some awesome stories..great sandwich mam!!
This looks amazing. I’m going to make it for my mom next time she’s in town because she loves jalapenos. :D Thanks for sharing.
yum- I need one of these sandwiches for lunch!
Thank you.
Last night I had this for dinner! I picked a few jalapenos from the garden, used rye bread, and cheddar instead of jack.
Delicious! I *may* have eated two by myself.
Maybe it’s that people only do karaoke when they’re drunk and for some reason that’s frowned upon at that big company pitch meeting…where you actually need a perfect pitch. Ba du bum!
Can I ask…what kind of camera and lens do you use? You have such wonderful ambient light too!
I’m digging this… We go to a cabin in the woods on the weekends in Southern Indiana sometimes, and these would be amazingly simple and super delicious for chilly cabin nights next to the 1960s fireplace….
Oh that Joy… cheese pleasin’ me with her sandwiches.
mmm super delicious!
These look too delicious! xx
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Your bit about potato chip sandwiches made me think about New Zealanders obsession with putting french fries and ketchup in between two slices of white bread and calling it a sandwich. A chip butty! Pure crazy/goodness. Grilled cheese takes the cake of all sandwiches though. Comfort guaranteed.
or the italians using french fries as a topping on pizza
Dang! Those look SO! GOOD! My husband is a fiend for all things spicy and all things melted cheese. This is going to score me major brownie points. Thanks, Joy!
“the rest I can google,” has just become my new motto, right along with “less hinking and more butter.”
win! this is a huge, huge win. mmmmmmm. also where did you get that straw? it’s adorable.
You can get straws just like that from oh la la paper on etsy!
I need this grilled cheese in my life!
I love your work space, too! Thanks for giving us a peek.
swap out the bread for elbow noodles, add the whole block of cream cheese, a little mustard and you have a yummy mac n cheese
“This is real life. Laundry detergent on the bookshelf.”
HAHA!
Oh jalapeno popper grilled cheese, how I need you while I’m trying to figure out the things I refuse to take the time to figure out! Roasted, charred jalapenos are fun and one great way of flavor blasting a tasty chrunchy creamy grilled cheese. Love it, want to have it with a soda next to an orange and white kitty kat. :)
Why get rid of that beautiful charred jalapeno skin? At my work we make amazing Charred Jalapeno salso and the black bits next to the red tomatoes look beautiful!
you can steam them in a plastic bag, put them in the bag, close the bag until steamed then get out and peel of the skin…
yep. that’s another way to do it.
I can’t think of a grilled cheese combo that I’d enjoy more – these look so darn delicious!
Your cat keeps getting bigger and bigger. (btw, the sandwich looks amazing!)
I love putting dill pickles into my grilled cheese sandwiches. But I’ve also been told I’m a little pickle crazy. But, trust me. It’s delicious!
OMG, first photo is SO sexy. Well done, Joy. <3
this looks so delicious, love your workspace
It’s like a jalapeno popper grilled cheese. You can never go wrong with those choices! Delicious!
i LOVE jalapeno poppers from Jack in the Box. I already know this sandwich is going to make me obsessed!
Wow, that just instantly made me hungry. Although, being from Texas, I think that jalapenos on anything is better than anything without jalapenos.
I don’t know how you feel about this, but when I roast peppers, I toss them in a ziplock bag immediately afterward and the residual steam from the hot peppers is enough to loosen the skin and make them easier to peel. It just makes my life a little easier. ;)
thank you for giving the perfect answer when my boyfriend just asked what i was thinking for dinner tonight.
Love the shot with the kitty paws on the suitcase! Adorable! I hope he got a bite of cheese, although I’m sure he would not care for the jalapenos :)
Sandwich sounds yummy, and not a combo I would have thought of on my own – at least not for a grilled cheese.
I love it and will be making these ASAP :)
I have also done this with a whole, roasted Anaheim…
heaven….
Yum! I would not have thought to add cream cheese but I bet it balances the jalapenos nicely. Whenever I make pepper jack grilled cheese sandwiches I pair it with a sweet 100% berry juice. I don’t drink soda and the sweetness of the juice pairs great with the spicy sandwich.
I am not really a jalapeno person but my husband is going to thank you for this, right down to the pickles and the cola. I almost can’t wait to make it for him, I know he will love it so much and he is Mr. Picky.
Literally there is a carton of jalapenos that I don’t know what to do with sitting in my fridge. I guess today is the wrong day to start a dairy-free diet, huh?
these look absolutely phenomenal. why make a grilled cheese sandwich with gross store-bought pepper jack when you could have this?
(i didn’t even think store-bought pepper jack was gross…until i saw this beauty!)
That. Looks. So. Tasty….
I want to eat this sandwich right now !
Hi Joy,
Not sure if you know this but its an awesome trick to help peal off the skin to the roasted chilies without adding more dishes to clean… i throw them in the small produce bags and twist it closed.
ps I’m super excited for this treat!! Thanks for the idea of adding cream cheese… i’m drooling!
~Danielle
I looooove the monster kitty’s feet on what looks like an awesome chest in the last photo. So perfect.
Love your posts….every single one! This looks so good – special occasions for the belly are always welcomed :)
Yes, amen for Google! I adore grilled cheese (or cheese on toast as I call it!) and this version looks divine. I usually just have it with a bit of pepper sprinkled on top which I now realise is just not exciting enough!
Love your cat’s paws. Never figured out the yes/no problem too ;-)
Holy crap, I love your butcher block. And I, uh, keep my Bosch mixer in the hall coat closet. No judgments about your laundry soap.
I actually put sun dried tomatoes in grilled cheese all the time but for some reason never thought to do chili peppers. Thanks for the idea!
Ohmalordie. I just want to slurp up that cold pop and let the cheese string out for miles and miles until it finally breaks and slaps me in the chin. That is a perfect lunch.
Joy, You are one dynamic gal. You take the ordinary and color life with little jimmy candies. Your a special gal. Your mate will be so lucky when he finds you!
joy! next time let’s add bacon, like bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos! too far? or just far enough?
grilled cheese perfection!
I’m pretty sure my husband would think it was his birthday if I made him a sandwich like this. Excellent!
“lightly slather”!
tee hee! :)
Joy, if you ever find yourself in Cleveland, OH, you have to go to Melt Bar and Grilled – https://meltbarandgrilled.com/. It’s a grilled cheese restaurant! They have sandwiches with pierogies on them, lasagne, and anything else you think of. There is one called the Jalapeño Popper, and it comes with raspberry dipping sauce. Strange but awesome.
Your recipes make my day, thank you!
Oooh, I made a grilled cheese last week with thinly sliced roast beef, sauteed mushrooms and carmelized onions. It was AMAZING! I’ve never had grilled cheese with cream cheese…. I’m on it.
I also take pictures in a glamorous location–right next to my back door! And also have a fluffy monster Jules-twin who is watching, waiting and begging. Right now I have some late late late summer peppers growing that I think need to be made into a grilled cheese.
hearting your posts all the time, joy. so simple, funny, and real. and that sandwich is duuuuuuuumb! can’t wait to try it. have a lovely monday. loveyoumeanit!
almost always, simplicity is best. case in point! great job!
Girl…I blistered some peps this weekend too, and added melted cheese. I like your food brain.
Mmmm. These look delicious!
This looks awesome. It is about time for me to make waffled grilled cheese again. I’ll have to think about which cheese to use this time!
I’m makin’ this happen. This week. Seriously.
I found a recipe almost exactly like this on Closet Cooking earlier this year. The first time I made it, I went almost as melty as the cheese. I had had my husband pick up some bread on his way home from work, and what he grabbed happened to be cheese bread…oh.em.gee.
Changed my life.
you just turned my frown upside down with this recipe. thank you!
You are my go-to blog for recipes and for a pick-me-up and you did not disappoint on either of those today!
You can ever go wrong with grilled cheese in my book. There is nothing in this world more comforting than melted cheese and I have to say I never thought of using cream cheese in my grilled cheese. Thanks for leading me there.
Thanks for the ‘I can’t figure out…’ it put a smile on my face. Now I’m heading over to itunes to check out the Taylor Swift song and if I can’t stop singing I’ll have you to blame;-)
Thanks Joy! xx
I always enjoy seeing where people take their food photos. It always seems to be stuffed in an awkward corner or in between a kitchen table and a window. Now please hand over a gooey, melty sandwich. I definitely can’t make these for myself because using jalapenos guarantees I have a burning eye for 24hrs after wiping my face with jalapeno covered fingers.
This would make a great sammy to share with my dad. :)
Yum!
Aaahhhh these look fantastic! Wishing I could have one for breakfast hehe. Have you tried pickled jalapenos?? So good and I bet it would work in grilled cheese too.
After I had the “fully loaded” at the Grilled Cheese Truck I didn’t think I’d ever be tempted to try another’s grilled cheese…until now!! You had me at charred jalapeños!! Ole! :)
A little hint of hot peppers with my grilled cheese? Yes please!
I love a good cola and grilled cheese combo. This looks incredible. and I like your style with the B&B pickles on the side. :)
Yummy! This looks so very delicious – and I love the pics with the kitty! xx
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It’s 6 in the morning. I’m not even hungry but I would eat crap outta that sandwich right now.
Now I want grilled cheese for lunch! yum :)
This is the perfect way to use my peppers from the garden, love it!
These sandwiches look wonderful..
This post makes me want to get up and cook or bake or both.
Great twist on grilled cheese!
I’ve been wondering the same thing about that Taylor Swift song… at first I hated it but now I can’t stop singing it in my head!
This is glorious! Fun to read, makes me hungry and you encourage and aspire a creation of food into a happy experience. Your gifts in making so many people happy I hope is richly rewarded! As always heavy on the Joy! Thanks.
I really love the way you write….and your recipes are just so darn good. keep it coming girl! really enjoy your work. :)
Just foud out I am allergic to wheat, (crap) so this will be great on Udi’s bread. It’s six in the morning wonder if this can count as breakfast? Paulette
Hello jalapeños! They pretty much make everything better. Love the pics in this post too.
Also, I hate myself for knowing all the words to that Taylor Swift song but I just can’t help it.
this looks so delicious! i have to make the sandwiches at home. btw: i love your blog! really… i wished my english was better (then I would be more courageous in leaving comments).
I am soooo making this sandwich. You know my dad eats those roasted green chillies (indian substitute for jalapeno) sprinkled with a little bit of salt. They are yumm .. I have had them so many times but never thought of using them like this. This is a great idea.
ohh that cheesy gooiness, I am salivating already!!
You forgot the whiskey.
I love that you wrote: “it’s a special occasion for my belly”. I will make this one of my fav phrases, it’s so cool to say it.
Love it!
Geez, this looks gooood.
Oh, woah, wow. What a good idea. Unfortunately, I used up all my hot peppers tonight making hot pepper jelly. Fortunately, a hot pepper jelly grilled cheese sandwich sounds ok too–just to hold me over until I can replenish my supply and make this!
Love your jalepenos and charring them over the stove’s flame. Great shots.
And love the melty, gooey cheese everywhere in this grilled cheese. And that it’s spicy!
making me positively hover.
also, your wit is delicious.
n?
It’s much easier to say yes, for me, because I like to think I’m a better person if I say yes. Plus, who wants to be the no-girl? Much cooler to be the yes girl. Unfortunately, it usually just ends up that I’ve over committed myself & in the end disappoint myself & others.
You just made my day! Somehow I haven’t taken grilled cheese to this level yet. This post is being saved, I will be doing this very soon!