This Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese is rich, creamy, crunchy, and loaded with spicy flavor. It’s everything you love about the classic appetizer in grilled cheese form.
Calling all cheese-lovers, this fun Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe is for you!
It’s basically your second favorite cheesy appetizer (come on, nachos has to be #1) turned into a super satisfying toaster oven grilled cheese.
Yeah, it’s a tiny bit over the top and not something I’d indulge in every day. But sometimes you just NEED a little straight-up comfort food.
Here’s a quick preview of the splurge-worthy ingredients:
- Broiled Jalapeño slices
- Tangy cream cheese
- Crisp green onion
- 2 types of shredded cheese
- A drizzle of sweet honey
- Crunchy cornflakes
The honey may sound a little unconventional but trust me, it balances out the heat of the jalapeño perfectly. And the corn flakes are A MUST.
Sandwiched between the gooey slices their unexpected crunch makes each bite taste amazing. If you’re out of corn flakes, try substituting crushed potato chips.
This gourmet sandwich is more work than our easy Toasted Caprese Sandwich or popular Grilled Cheese with Apple and Havarti, but it’s totally worth the extra effort.
Tips to Make The Best Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Glove Up. If you’ve got a pair of plastic or latex gloves handy slip them on before you start prepping the pepper.
What if you don’t have gloves? Make sure not to touch your eyes or face while handling the jalapeño and wash your hands well afterward.
Adjust the Heat. Jalapeños range from mild to super spicy, take a small bite of your raw jalapeño to see how spicy it is.
Want less heat in your sandwich? Use a knife to slice away the membrane and seeds (that’s where most of the pepper’s heat comes from) before broiling.
Make a Faux-Griddle. Pop an empty sheet pan inside your toaster oven while it preheats.
When you add your bread to the preheated pan it will act as a griddle and immediately begin cooking the sandwich, giving it that gorgeous golden toasted color and irresistible crispy ‘grilled’ texture.
Looking for more vegetarian sandwich recipes?
Here are a few of my favorites:
Spicy Avocado Cauliflower Toast
Roasted Red Pepper, Carrot and Hummus Sandwich
Planning a dinner party and need some inspiration?
How about looking for a new slow cooker dinner idea?
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We’re chatting cooking techniques, dessert ideas, and everything in between. If you’re already a member, invite your friends to join us too!
Toaster Oven Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium Jalapeño
- 2 slices Whole Grain Bread
- 2 teaspoons Mayonnaise
- 1 ounce Cream Cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon Sliced Green Onions
- dash of Garlic Powder
- 1 ounce Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 ounce Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 teaspoons Honey
- 1/4 cup Corn Flakes Cereal
Instructions
- Cut jalapeño into 1/4-inch slices. If you want your sandwich less spicy, use a paring knife to remove the seeds and veins.
- Adjust cooking rack to the top placement and select the BROIL setting. Place jalapeño slices on a baking sheet, and broil until they have softened and are just starting to brown, about 2 to 4 minutes. Remove pan and set aside.
- Adjust the cooking rack to the bottom position. Place an empty sheet pan inside of the toaster oven, and preheat to 400°F on the BAKE setting.
- Spread one side of each slice of bread with mayonnaise. Place the bread mayo-side-down on a cutting board.
- In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, green onion, and garlic powder. Spread each slice of bread with the mixture. Arrange jalapeño slices in an even layer on one slice and distribute the cheese evenly over both pieces of bread.
- Carefully remove the pan and add the bread, mayo-side-down, to the pan. Return to the oven and bake until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Drizzle the honey over the jalapeño and sprinkle with corn flakes. Immediately top with the remaining cheesy bread slice and dig in!