Pepper Jack & Tomato Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Spicy melty sandwich with pepper jack cheese, fresh tomato, and jalapeño bread. Ready in 13 minutes.

# 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 Steps:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The pepper jack melts into creamy pools while the jalapeño bread adds crunch and a slow-building warmth.
  • It comes together faster than most delivery apps and tastes a hundred times better.
  • Every bite balances tangy tomato with spicy cheese in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.
02 -
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable, I scorched my first batch by cranking the burner too high and ended up with charred bread and cold cheese.
  • Let the butter soften at room temperature for at least ten minutes, cold butter tears the bread and creates uneven browning.
  • Press gently with the spatula but don't smash the sandwich flat or you'll squeeze out all the melted cheese and tomato juice.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, the even heat distribution makes for the most consistent browning.
  • Add a thin smear of Dijon mustard or garlic aioli on the inside for an unexpected flavor boost that doesn't overpower the pepper jack.
  • If your cheese isn't melting fast enough, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to trap the heat.
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