Pepper Jack & Tomato Grilled Cheese (Printer View)

Spicy, melty sandwich with pepper jack cheese and fresh tomato slices grilled on jalapeño-studded 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

# Method:

01 - Lay out bread slices on a clean surface and butter one side of each slice evenly.
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. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat for 1 minute.
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 completely melted.
05 - Remove from skillet, let cool for 1 minute, slice diagonally in half, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It delivers serious flavor in under fifteen minutes, perfect for when hunger strikes hard and fast.
  • The jalapeño bread adds heat without any extra prep or slicing, so you get layers of spice in every bite.
  • Pepper jack melts into creamy, gooey perfection while the tomato keeps everything from feeling too heavy.
  • It scales up easily for a crowd or down for a solo lunch without any fuss.
02 -
  • Medium heat is crucial; too high and the bread scorches while the cheese stays cold and rubbery in the center.
  • Softened butter spreads without tearing the bread, and it toasts more evenly than melted butter poured in the pan.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after cooking or the cheese will ooze out everywhere when you cut it.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently but consistently with your spatula to help the cheese melt faster and bond everything together.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one; it holds heat beautifully and gives you those coveted dark grill marks.
  • Grate a bit of parmesan on the buttered bread before grilling for an extra layer of savory crunch.
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