Pepper Jack & Tomato Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A spicy, melty sandwich with pepper jack cheese and fresh tomato slices grilled on jalapeño-studded bread for extra kick.

# What You 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 the bread slices on a clean surface and butter one side of each slice evenly.
02 - Place two slices with buttered side down on a work surface. 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 until evenly warm.
04 - Place assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is completely melted.
05 - Remove from skillet and let cool for 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The spicy kick from the pepper jack balances the sweet tomatoes in a way regular grilled cheese never could
  • It comes together in under 15 minutes but tastes like something from a diner
02 -
  • Dry your tomato slices with paper towels or the bread gets steamy and soft instead of staying crisp
  • Medium heat is crucial, high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts
03 -
  • Mayo instead of butter on the outside creates an even crispier crust that won't burn as easily
  • Grate some extra pepper jack over the tomato layer before adding the top bread for cheese in every single bite
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