Pepper Jack & Tomato Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Spicy melty sandwich with pepper jack cheese, fresh tomato slices, and jalapeño-studded bread grilled to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices jalapeño-studded bread

→ Cheese

02 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium ripe tomato, thinly sliced

→ Spreads & Fats

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Seasonings

05 - Pinch of salt
06 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Lay out bread slices on a clean surface. Butter one side of each slice evenly.
02 - Place two slices, buttered side down, on a plate. Layer each with 2 slices pepper jack cheese and half the tomato slices. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
03 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up, to form two complete sandwiches.
04 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat for 1 minute.
05 - Place sandwiches in skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
06 - Remove from skillet and let cool for 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The pepper jack melts into a creamy, spicy layer that clings to every bite without overwhelming the tomato.
  • Jalapeño-studded bread adds texture and heat in unexpected bursts, so you never get bored halfway through.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout, and you probably have everything you need already.
02 -
  • Do not skip softening the butter, cold butter tears the bread and leaves bare spots that will not crisp up properly.
  • Medium heat is your friend here, high heat will char the outside before the cheese has a chance to melt through.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after cooking, it gives the cheese just enough time to firm up so it does not all slide out when you cut it.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently with the spatula while it cooks, it helps the cheese melt evenly and creates better contact with the heat.
  • If your tomato is too juicy, pat the slices dry with a paper towel before layering them in, it keeps the bread from getting soggy.
  • Make two sandwiches at once even if you are only feeding one person, the second one reheats beautifully in a dry skillet the next day.
Go Back