Pepper Jack & Tomato Grilled Cheese (Printable version)

Spicy melty sandwich with pepper jack cheese, fresh tomatoes, and jalapeño bread. Quick, easy, and satisfying.

# 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

# Steps to follow:

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 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 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, let cool for 1 minute, slice in half diagonally, and serve immediately.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • The spicy creaminess hits every comfort food craving while keeping things interesting
  • Ready in under 15 minutes for those hangry emergency situations
  • Fresh tomatoes add this bright juicy contrast that cuts through all that rich cheese
02 -
  • Medium heat is not a suggestion because higher heat burns the bread before the cheese melts
  • The cooling minute is annoying but crucial unless you want molten lava cheese all over your plate
  • Thin tomato slices are the difference between perfect texture and a soggy bread situation
03 -
  • Mix pepper jack with regular Monterey jack if you want flavor without overwhelming spice
  • Mayo on the outside instead of butter creates this crazy crispy crust that won't burn as easily
  • A slice of provolone underneath the pepper jack adds this amazing creamy element that tames the heat
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