Pepper Jack & Tomato Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Crispy jalapeño bread with melted pepper jack and fresh tomato slices

# 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

# How to Prepare:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Its a restaurant-quality sandwich that comes together in under 15 minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
  • The three layers of heat from the bread, cheese, and optional fresh jalapeños make every bite exciting without being overwhelming.
  • That perfect crunch of golden bread giving way to gooey, melted cheese is the kind of comfort food that fixes bad days.
02 -
  • Patting those tomato slices dry with paper towels is the difference between a sandwich that holds together and one that falls apart into a sad, soggy mess.
  • Medium heat is your friend here. High heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt into that irresistible gooey state we are chasing.
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for just one minute after cooking gives the cheese a moment to set slightly, making them much easier to slice cleanly.
03 -
  • Mayo instead of butter on the outside creates an even crispier, more golden crust that will not burn as easily.
  • Grating a little Parmesan onto the buttered bread before gridding adds an incredible salty crunch to the exterior.
  • Use a digital kitchen scale to weigh your sandwiches if you want perfectly even pressure when cooking.
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