Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Jalapeño
A classic comfort food gets a spicy, smoky upgrade! Crispy bacon, fiery jalapeños, and a duo of gooey melted cheeses are sandwiched between perfectly golden, crusty bread. This is the ultimate sandwich for a quick, deeply satisfying meal.
For 2 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook Bacon and Prep Jalapeño
- b.Place the bacon strips in a single layer in a cold, large skillet or griddle.
- c.Turn the heat to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered.
- d.Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool enough to handle, break each strip in half.
- e.While the bacon cooks, thinly slice the jalapeño. For less heat, remove the seeds and white membranes before slicing.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Lay the 4 slices of sourdough bread on a clean work surface.
- c.On two of the slices, layer 2 slices of Monterey Jack cheese, followed by 4 pieces of the cooked bacon (2 full strips), and half of the sliced jalapeños.
- d.Top the jalapeños with 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese on each sandwich.
- e.Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
- f.Place the remaining two slices of bread on top to close the sandwiches.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Sandwiches
- b.Carefully wipe the excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving a very thin film for flavor.
- c.Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise evenly on the top-facing side of each assembled sandwich.
- d.Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, mayonnaise-side down.
- e.While the first side is grilling, spread the remaining mayonnaise on the new top-facing side of each sandwich.
- f.Grill for 4-6 minutes on the first side, until the bread is a deep golden brown and crispy. Do not rush this step; low heat is key to melting the cheese without burning the bread.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish Grilling and Serve
- b.Flip the sandwiches carefully with a spatula.
- c.Grill for another 4-5 minutes on the second side, until it is equally golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and oozing.
- d.You can press down gently with the spatula to help the ingredients meld together.
- e.Transfer the grilled cheese to a cutting board, let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of the bread creates a superior, evenly browned, and crispy crust due to its oil and egg content.
- 2Medium-low heat is crucial. If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the thick layers of cheese have a chance to melt.
- 3Using a blend of cheeses provides the best of both worlds: sharp cheddar for flavor and Monterey Jack for its excellent melting properties.
- 4For a milder sandwich, use pickled jalapeños or be sure to remove all seeds and membranes from the fresh pepper.
- 5Pressing the sandwich down with a spatula ensures good contact with the pan for an even crust and helps the cheese melt into every crevice.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Swap
Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère for a nutty flavor, Provolone for a mild stretch, or Pepper Jack for an extra kick of spice.
Add SweetnessAdd Sweetness
Balance the spice and saltiness with a thin layer of fig jam or apricot preserves spread on the inside of the bread before adding the cheese.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Add a layer of caramelized onions or a few slices of fresh avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.
Different BreadDifferent Bread
Try using thick-cut brioche for a richer sandwich, rye for an earthy flavor, or a sturdy whole wheat bread.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein for Satiety
The combination of cheese and bacon provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer.
Source of Calcium
Cheese is a rich source of calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle and nerve function.
Metabolic Boost from Capsaicin
Jalapeños contain capsaicin, a compound that gives them their heat. Studies suggest that capsaicin can provide a temporary boost to metabolism and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
Each sandwich contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the thickness of the bread and the specific brands of cheese and bacon used. It's a rich and indulgent meal.